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Home»News»Patients’ pals just like the real thing
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Patients’ pals just like the real thing

By MP News GroupApril 3, 2018Updated:April 9, 2018No Comments2 Mins Read
Best of mates: Alan Wardley with Spotless and diversional therapist Maureen Donovan. Picture: Supplied
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Best of mates: Alan Wardley with Spotless and diversional therapist Maureen Donovan. Picture: Supplied

PET Therapy Pals are making hospital and nursing home stays more enjoyable for elderly patients on the Mornington Peninsula.

One patient, Alan Wardley, describes his therapy pal, Spotless, as a “wonderful, wonderful friend”.

Mr Wardley, who has dementia, was a patient at The Mornington Centre when staff realised he would benefit from Peninsula Health’s Pet Therapy Pal program. The weighted stuffed animals remind patients of the feeling they enjoyed holding and caring for their real pets. They keep patients company and – like real pets – are ready for a cuddle at any time.

“Patients who are very confused, who are really missing home, are lonely and don’t understand why they’re in hospital, really benefit from the program,” diversional therapist Maureen Donovan said.

“It provides people who had pets with some familiarity and a link to home.

“We know that stroking an animal helps calm people and makes them feel peaceful, and that’s exactly what the program does.”

For Mr Wardley, Spotless triggered memories of his cats at home.

“It is a very, very good therapy for people with dementia,” his wife Greta said.

“My family and I can all see how much love Alan has for Spotless, as he named her.”

Peninsula Health is raising money through its website for the Pet Therapy Pal program.

First published in the Mornington News – 3 April 2018

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Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

MPNG also publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

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