Page 20 - Scene Magazine 42-05 May 2017
P. 20

Our Health
Chester brings many smiles to whoever he greets.
A MEDICARE RATED FIVE STAR FACILITY!
BY KELI BANFIELD, Director of Marketing
At the Laurels of Bedford, it is not an uncommon sight to see four-legged friends prancing up and down the hall- ways or stopping at resident rooms to receive some well
received praise and attention. Chester is somewhat of a celebrity at The Laurels of Bedford where he can be seen weekly hanging out in the therapy room. When Chester’s owner, Tina, comes into work as a Physical Therapy Assistant he is al- ways right beside her. As Chester hap- pily makes his way down the halls he most likely doesn’t fully understand the positive impact he brings. At the Laurels of Bedford, we believe it is important to encourage our guests to participate in Animal Therapy if they choose. There are many benefits to spending time with animals. One major benefit of using
animals in a skilled nursing setting is the fact it can help bridge communica- tion gaps between patient and therapist. This becomes especially important when working in a therapy session. Often times communication and trust makes the difference in a successful session. Another wonderful benefit that Ches- ter’s presence provides is comfort and a
feeling of calm for many. It is not un- common to walk into the therapy room and see Chester sitting on a patient’s lap or other occasions he may even be giving his attention to an employee. Either case, Chester brings many smiles to whoever he greets.
Whatever the case may be, animals can have a very positive influence in the lives of people. Often times the elderly spend more time alone than they did in their younger years. Having a pet can provide companionship and reduce lone- liness. Pets can also decrease isolation and depression. Having a pet to take care of each day gives the owner a purpose and mission to look forward to each day and in return they receive uncondition- al love. Another very important benefit of having a pet is the impact it can have on your physical health. You may find a daily walk is much more enjoyable if you can share it with your four-legged friend. Not only will you improve your cardiovascular health but your pet will also improve theirs. Walking with your pet is also a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease and stabilize your blood pressure not to mention when you walk your body releases chemicals called endorphins which result in a pos- itive feeling. Overall it is clear that time spent with animals can be a very positive experience.
Even though dogs are the most com- mon visitors in a skilled nursing home there are many other kinds of animals that share in animal therapy. This in- cludes: cats, rabbits, birds, pigs, llamas, horses, and even donkeys. Animals of all shapes, sizes and personalities can bring much happiness and big smiles to every- one they met.
★★★★★
FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR VIST www.laurelsobedford.com
We Provide Top Quality Nursing Care & Therapy!
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Skilled Nursing Care • Respite Care
• Palliative Care
• Wound Care
• Short-Term Rehab
• Outpatient Rehab
• Stroke Rehab
• Joint Replacement Rehab
20 SCENE 4205 I HEALTHY AGING
(269) 968-2296 • www.laurelsofbedford.com
270 NORTH BEDFORD ROAD • BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037


































































































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