What is animal therapy or what are animal-assisted services (AAS)? Can interactions with animals make a difference in the lives of people with dementia? A new video - produced by the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and featuring two The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) advocates, Helen Rochford Brennan (Irish Dementia Working Group and ASI Board) and Susan Crampton (Vice Chair of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network) - explains how animal therapy can support people living with dementia. It includes real-life experiences and information from research to help people learn more about animal therapy and its role in dementia care.
The video was developed to provide more information about animal therapy and NUIG hopes it can spark conversations, reflections, and encourage action to support people living well with dementia through meaningful connection with animals. It was developed in response to information needs and addresses identified key barriers to implementing animal therapy in Ireland.
It was developed by Dou Zhang (PhD candidate) at NUIG (Ireland) in collaboration with 24 co-designers - including people with dementia, care partners, and health and social care practitioners. It was also supported by two Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors and an advisory group. This project is supported by the China Scholarship Council, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Nursing Homes Ireland, the MakerSpace and studio in the University of Galway.
Watch the video, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xY1l1MxF0A
