Patients Improve Mental and Physical Health with the Help of a Few Exotic Animals
Many home health care companies across the US have discovered that bringing a cat or dog into the home of an elderly or ill patient can improve the health and mood of the individual.
(prHWY.com) May 3, 2012 - Seattle, WA -- Many home health care companies across the United States have discovered that bringing a cat or dog into the home of an elderly or ill patient can improve the health and mood of the individual. One home health care agency is taking this study's finding a step further and offering a unique approach to the animal and professional home health care team.
Exotic Pets for the Cure takes exotic and unusual pets to elderly and ill patients who require
home health care services. A team of 40 trained nurses will come to a patient's home, and bring along an exotic and unusual pet.
"We read a health study that suggested patients who are around animals tend to feel both physically and mentally healthier", said Exotic Pets for the Cure found Terri Ann Higgins. "Most home health care agencies offer patients the chance to visit with a cat or dog, but what if you are a lizard lover, a parrot lover, or even a ferret lover? Apparently you don't matter. We want to change that."
Exotic Pets for the Cure gives first-time patients a list of exotic animals to choose from. The list includes several times of reptiles such as lizards and snakes, and includes other animals such as turtles, parrots, fish, and ferrets. The patient can choose which animal they would like to visit them, and the home health care agency will schedule a weekly visit with the animals. The weekly visits also include the standard health screenings that come with most home health care agencies.
"Our patients love the idea of getting to see Slimy the Snake or Freddy the Ferret", said registered nurse Gina Randy. "I have patients who say the highlight of their week is seeing the pet. They don't want to see me; they want to see the pet."
Exotic Pets for the Cure has recently started asking patients if there are any animals that they may have forgotten. The company wants to provide a comprehensive collection of exotic animals for their patients.
"I love snakes they calm me", said Exotic Pets for the Cure patient Mike Trill. "When I heard what Exotic Pets for the Cure offered I got so excited. I could stay healthy and get to see a snake every week. What a combination."
Recent additions to Exotic Pets for the Cure collection include a tarantula and scorpion. Both of which were requested by existing patients to the program.
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