Benefits:

• Companionship for the elderly, lonely, infirmed, special needs etc
• Diversion of thought at distressing times
• Healing takes place with a need to improve the physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning of the patient
• A.A.H. can be provided on an individual or group basis
• Children with special needs, given the chance to inter-act in A.A.H., can have a very positive impact on their quality of life.
• A.A.H. can enhance recovery after serious illness
• Children / adults with trust issues can easily achieve a level of intimacy with an animal
• A.A.H. can assist in helping people with literacy issues (e.g. dyslexics)
• By telling a story to an animal it can become less stressful than reading to an adult
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase the “feel good” brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine)
• Trauma rehabilitation - recovery is much quicker and the patient thrives longer when a pet is involved in their recovery.
• A.A.H. can be effective in relation to debilitating mental illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
• A.A.H. brings smiles and laughter
• Improve physical well-being along with psychological benefits
• A.A.H. allows the patient the ability to touch and feel another being; some patients have been denied this inter-action for a very long time
• A.A.H. improves communication skills and ability to inter-act socially
• Removes boredom
• Educate and learn to understand the word “compassion”
• A.A.H. can stop suicidal thoughts (removes despair)
• A.A.H. can heal the emotional despair from bereavement