ANIMAL THERAPY BRINGS JOY TO THOSE HOMEBOUND OR LIVING IN A SENIOR ENVIRON -- Cleo is the star of Personal-Touch(R)'s pet therapy program

Personal-Touch Home Health Services of New Jersey, is trying out a program where pets are part of homecare services. The pilot program is launching just in time for the holidays and is sure to bring a little more joy to their clients. The Personal-Touch’s pet therapy program is being tested out of the Neptune, New Jersey office.

“This is a first for Personal-Touch of New Jersey and we are already getting a very positive response from our clients,” said Sandy Fromm, Administrator, Personal-Touch Home Health Services of New Jersey. “Pet therapy has been used for years to help patients deal with their ailments or just bring comfort to their daily lives. This added service provides an emotional uplift for our clients’ that is therapeutic.”

Many renowned medical practices including the Mayo Clinic recognize the benefits of pet therapy. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association[i] pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond and can aid progress toward goals in human physical, social, emotional and cognitive function. Dogs and cats are most common, but fish, guinea pigs, horses and other animals that meet certain criteria are also used in pet therapy.

According to Fromm, “Personal-Touch presently is using a Cleo, a loving Tabby kitten, who purrs and snuggles constantly especially when pet. We are finding that our clients look forward to the regular visits. If this is a success we plan to commence this program in Personal-Touch offices throughout New Jersey.”

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[i] http://www.healthline.com/health/pet-therapy#Prognosis9