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Companion animals in palliative care: a hidden quality option?
1Fondazione ANT Italia, Via Jacopo di Paolo 36, 40128 Bologna, Italy. tanneberger@riemser.de
Advances in Gerontology = Uspekhi Gerontologii
|September 6, 2013
Summary
Companion animals can improve the quality of life for elderly and terminally ill patients. Integrating pets into palliative care planning is crucial for enhancing patient well-being and care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Care
- Palliative Medicine
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
Background:
- Global demographic shifts necessitate updated healthcare strategies for the elderly and incurable.
- Existing palliative care models may not fully incorporate the benefits of companion animals.
- Limited research exists on the specific role of companion animals in palliative care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of companion animals in palliative care.
- To advocate for greater recognition and research in this field.
- To explore how companion animals can enhance the quality of life for patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of available data on companion animal use in healthcare.
- Analysis of demographic trends impacting elderly and incurable patient care.
- Literature review on animal-assisted interventions in palliative settings.
Main Results:
- Companion animals offer significant potential for improving patient quality of life.
- Integrating pets into care plans can be a valuable component of individual patient support.
- The current body of research on companion animals in palliative care is insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Companion animals should be considered a vital element in palliative care planning.
- Further research is urgently needed to understand and optimize the use of companion animals in end-of-life care.
- Recognizing the role of companion animals can lead to more holistic and effective patient care.
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