Cancer Treatment Centers of America Gives Patients a New 'Leash' on Cancer Care:Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog Provides Stress Relief to Patients and Families
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Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) is pleased to announce the addition of Tori, a one-year-old Australian Labradoodle, certified therapy dog and cancer patients’ best friend, who comes on board as part of the hospital’s new animal-assisted therapy program.
The animal-assisted therapy program includes hospital visits from Tori four days a week to provide patients and their loved ones with comfort, relief and/or distraction from pain, discomfort, and stress. “Tori helps to lift spirits, promote patient interactivity and further establish the patients’ sense of well-being,” said Katherine Puckett, PhD, MS, MSW, LCSW, national director of mind-body medicine for CTCA.
Throughout her hospital visits, Tori is always accompanied by Cindy Ingram, her trainer, handler and Pet Partner. Together, they underwent intensive training, health-screenings and a 22-part evaluation process to become registered Pet Partners by the National Delta Society, an organization dedicated to improving human health through therapy and service animals.
Not all patients visit with Tori, however. “Our patients’ health is first and foremost. That’s why we individually evaluate each patient to ensure that a visit from Tori is appropriate in their particular phase of treatment,” Puckett said. Those patients who do not participate in animal-assisted therapy often still take part in other mind-body medicine offerings at CTCA at Midwestern, such as guided imagery, individual counseling, laughter therapy or stress management.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with complex cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. Known for delivering the Mother Standard® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com.
