This post was written by Alison Eckert, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator.
Therapy animals bring comfort in ways people can't always offer. While there's no single explanation for how pets, especially dogs, can help someone with a specific illness, their non-verbal companionship, calming energy and ability to offer love without conditions are just a few of the reasons why we welcome them into our care spaces. Ahead of National Therapy Animal Day (April 30), we're spotlighting the role of therapy animals in hospice care and the incredible volunteers who make those visits possible.
How long has the hospice pet therapy volunteer program been available at Parkview?
The pet therapy volunteer program has been offered at Parkview for several years now. We have a few dedicated volunteers who have been helping since 2016 and continue to volunteer with us, but the program was initiated even before they joined our team.
As the demand for pet therapy services for hospice patients has increased over the years, we have expanded our team of volunteers. We now have 13 volunteers with certified therapy dogs who visit hospice patients at the Parkview Hospital Randallia Supportive Care Unit, Parkview Regional Medical Center, nursing and assisted living facilities, and some patients receiving hospice care in their homes throughout Northeast Indiana.
Wherever a Hospice patient requests pet therapy, we can usually accommodate this request. Volunteers who make rounds to visit patients in the hospitals visit weekly to see if those patients who are admitted would like a visit. If the patient is nonresponsive, our volunteers will support the loved ones who may be there visiting the patient.
How has it impacted patients and families throughout their care?
Pet therapy among hospice patients is becoming more and more popular. Many patients who have transitioned into nursing homes have had to leave their pets behind, or don't get many visitors. These patients greatly enjoy the companionship provided by the therapy dogs during their visits.
We also have pet therapy volunteers who make rounds to visit our patients in the hospitals. These visits bring a smile to the patients' faces and help provide additional comfort to their loved ones, supporting their healing. Not only does pet therapy bring a sense of ease to our hospice patients, but it also spurs fond memories and stories of the pets they've had in their lifetime.
In 2025, our pet therapy volunteers will begin attending memorial services held in honor of patients who passed away throughout the year. Therapy dogs will be in the welcome area to greet the guests as they arrive. It's just truly amazing what these animals can do for people during difficult or stressful times.
How does someone become a hospice or pet therapy volunteer?
After someone fills out an application showing interest in volunteering for Parkview Hospice, a volunteer coordinator will then contact them with more information about the opportunities and different areas we have for them to help.
Next, all volunteers must attend a 2-3-hour in-person training session. This covers Parkview policies and procedures, the Hospice program, and how they will be involved. After that, they will complete an 8-hour online training course. This training will provide various scenarios they might encounter, offer more information about hospice care and its benefits for patients and their families, and emphasize the importance of the volunteer role. Each volunteer is also required to get a physical, drug screen, and TB test prior to beginning their role as a volunteer. Once they complete these items, they are ready to start volunteering.
For those interested in becoming a pet therapy volunteer with Parkview Hospice, the process includes a few more steps. In addition to the training mentioned above, all animals must be certified pet therapy dogs, insured, and up-to-date on vaccinations. The majority of our volunteers are typically certified either through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Three Rivers Visiting Dogs. Some of our volunteers are also part of the Parkview Pups program, but that is separate from the hospice volunteer services. These animals have gone through extensive training and are some of the most incredibly well-behaved dogs, ready to make people happy.
A few words from our volunteers
Delores Schroeder (not pictured) and Sabrina
"Sabrina (pet therapy dog) is always happy and loving when meeting our patients/clients."
Bob Bergeron and Georgie
"Volunteering with Hospice is a very rewarding endeavor. We (our dogs, Fancy, Georgie, and I) get to meet many wonderful people and comfort them during very stressful times. It has been a blessing to be associated with the Hospice team."
Diana Kuebler, Oliver and Winter
"WE (the volunteers) are equally or even more blessed as we witness the joy and love the dogs bring to patients, staff, and everyone they meet."
Deborah Bryant and Nala
"I love sharing my pup with patients and their families. I hope we can bring a bright spot to their day."
