EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Human and animal interaction in a hospital or rehab setting can have powerful effects on a person’s recovery after stroke.

Animal-assisted therapy teams can work with many different types of after effects of stroke, including aphasia, spasticity, hemiparesis and depression.

A pet can offer acceptance, love and motivation through the most difficult parts of rehabilitation and recovery after a stroke. Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely.

Pets and pet therapy can enhance: physical health, emotional health, psychosocial health, and cognitive function and communication skills.

Some ways that a pet can help with recovery in rehab and beyond

The responsibility one takes for a pet can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies, and fun activities can fire up people with low motivation.

A therapy dog can help encourage language in a person with aphasia. Animals especially dogs make a person more inclined to want to talk because they’re realise that the dog is able to understand them. They can not only motivate a person to talk but can provide a feeling of unconditional acceptance.

Dogs can provide opportunities for someone with mobility deficits the motivation to move and can provide a unique opportunity to relearn everyday skills often without realising the full extent of the effort being exerted.

Simple tasks such as throwing a ball to a dog or brushing his coat can help strengthen weak muscles, building arm strength and balance. Positioning an animal on the side of the body where there is a visual deficit can motivate a person to work on this neglected side.

Working with a pet in therapy or at home:

Reduce stress hormones (cortisol)
Increase good hormones (serotonin, oxytocin)
Reduce anxiety and high blood pressure
Enhance mood
Increase motivation and confidence

Plus they make you smile.

For more about assistance dogs see Assistance Dogs Australia.

Diana pets certainly have their place in recovery. We have a small dog, a silky/dachshund cross who is a quivering mess during thunderstorms. I place him on my knees and massage him for comfort. I make a point of using my left hand so that my hand and arm get a work over.Jenny

I suffered a stroke in April 2013, one month after we adopted Lilly, our refuge Maltese dog. Without a doubt, Lilly gave me a reason to keep on going and to get out of bed each day. The bond we have is like no other and wouldn't be without her. Maybe I would have recovered well without her by my side, but who knows.

Hi Jenny and Shelagh,

Can you post some pics here. I would love to see your dogs. I have a black lab retriever called Angus, and I love him.

I once published a story on Facebook about a women whose horse recognised when she was suffering a stroke, and refused to move until the owner received help. I will try to find it and post it here.

Can't believe it Shelagh and Jenny,

I found the article from 2014!

Horse inspires stroke survivor to ride again

http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2014/01/03/3920288.htm

Hope that you enjoy it.