CARIS Pet Therapy for Hospice Patients

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GOT PETS?

ARE YOU & YOUR PET
WANTING TO SPREAD
JOY & SNUGGLES?

THIS OFFICE SERVES: CANNON, RUTHERFORD & WILSON COUNTIES

Join our team and let our hospice patients shower your furry companion with love and attention.

Animal therapy -is the use of an animal to provide comfort, emotional support, and therapeutic care to people with a variety of health challenges in different situations. It is often used for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder, but can also be used for physical conditions and the emotional component of physical disease.

Most therapy animals are dogs, but cats, horses, rabbits, and any species can be used as long as they are well-trained and fulfill the requirements.

Eligibility depends on the care setting and the condition of the person to receive the therapy. Animal therapy has many favorable outcomes, including relaxation, talk therapy breakthroughs, relief of symptoms, and overall improved well-being.

Join us and make fur-ever memories that will last a lifetime!
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Our goal is to create a rewarding, beneficial and supportive experience for all involved in the volunteer program.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VOLUNTEERING WITH CARIS HEALTHCARE:

• Flexible times that fit your schedule
• Match you with a patient in your designated travel area
• Learn about the Hospice Philosophy
• Use your skills in a productive way while learning new skills, too
• Find purpose & connect with your community
• Training and on-going support
• Education on the Bereavement Process
• Support from Hospice Team & Volunteer Coordinator
• Easy Timekeeping Process
• Credit for TN Promise or Community Service Requirements

Some examples of how our Volunteers MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Patient's Day:

• Take action on their TMIT's (Three Most Important Things) to make their day
• Being a comforting and supportive presence
• Sharing insights or needs of the patient to the hospice team/facility
• Celebrating Holidays, Anniversaries, Pinning Ceremonies and/or Birthdays

Note: It is important to know that hospice volunteers are never asked to do something they are not comfortable doing.

REQUIRMENTS FOR HANDLER:

1. Volunteer Application and Background Consent Form
2. Background Check
3. TB Test Series (CARIS covers the cost) performed at Concentra
4. Orientation, average 2 hours
5. Cornerstone Training- Online training videos and resources
6. Valid Driver's License
7. Current Automobile Insurance
8. Each assignment has their own rules and regulations on covid protocol
9. All volunteers must follow the rules and regulations at the assignment
10. Volunteer dog handlers are required to submit appropriate documentation and are required to use the appropriate visit code on their time sheet.
11. Volunteer handlers are required to wear their identification badge and comply with the dress code.
12. The volunteer handler and dog must have successfully completed an evaluation and training course that meets the requirements of an appropriate accrediting agency. Documentation of successful
    completion must be provided to the Director of Volunteer Services and filed in their record..
13. All costs for pet health care, including the initial exam, will be the sole responsibility of the owner/
    pet handler.
14. The dog shall be under the direct and continuous supervision and control of the volunteer handler at all times.
15. The consent form shall be filed in the patients' medical record.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS:
DEFINITIONS: A therapy dog, is a dog who has been certified to be medically fit and has been trained
and certified by an appropriate accrediting agency. ( i.e., Therapy Dogs International; Good Dog
Foundation, etc.). *We are open to other animals.

1. Pets which are certified to be medically fit and are trained and certified by an appropriate accrediting agency, ( i.e.., Therapy Dogs International, etc...) shall be allowed to visit selected patients.
2. Animal must be a minimum of one-year old to visit.
3. Non-spayed dogs are not allowed to visit when in heat.
4. Animals must be certified by their own veterinarian to being in good health, including good dental health. There should be no evidence of fleas, mites, ticks, diarrhea, vomiting, Oculo-nasal discharge, skin lesions, dermatitis or ringworm. If an animal requires treatment for an illness by its veterinarian in between visits, a note must be obtained from the veterinarian stating the animal is healthy and cleared to resume therapy visits. Any animal that has had sarcoptic mange within the last six months must have one documented negative scraping.
5. All vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus must be current. (Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza at the discretion of the Veterinarian). Proof of vaccination must be submitted on an annual basis. A ten-day period must have elapsed between the most recent vaccination and pet visit. Documentation will be filed in the Human Resource Department.
6. Prior to the start of each therapy visit, the handler will check the animal for signs and symptoms of health problems. The volunteer handler will document the animal's health status on the volunteer visit report. * If health problems are suspected, the volunteer must call to inform the volunteer department; Animals shall be prohibited from visiting until cleared by the animal’s veterinarian.
7. The animal handler must notify the Director of Volunteer Services of any communicable diseases or illness diagnosed in the animal. The Volunteer Department notifies the Vice President of Patient Services of any infections diagnosed in the animal for the purpose of infection control tracking.
8. The animal must be bathed and well groomed.
9. Animal shall be walked by their handlers for the purpose of emptying their systems prior to entry into the patient's home and or any Hospice Inc. office sites. The owner is responsible for disposing of the animal waste or clean up needs.
10. The animal’s fur and paws must be wiped by the handler prior to entering the patient's home or facility, if soiled or muddy.
11. All animals are required to wear a badge to indicate participation within the pet therapy program.
12. The handlers shall be responsible for the provision of pet supplies and treats.

Overview of the Volunteer Onboarding Process:

1. Respond to this posting
2. Fill out a Volunteer Application & Background Consent Form
3. Speak to Volunteer Coordinator/return applications
4. Background check is then completed
5. Set up Orientation Training
6. TB Test #1- Visit Concentra, Monday or Tuesday for test and return for the reading later that week
7. Start on-line Cornerstone training
8. Attend Orientation- average 2 hr. training. *Share your preferences, expectations and goals for volunteering
9. TB Test #2- (2) weeks later. repeat same steps as #6
10. Match w patient, set up time to meet patient with the Volunteer Coordinator. You will set up visit schedule w patient/caregiver/Volunteer Coordinator
11. Turn in Timesheets weekly
12. Make a difference is someone's life & have a meaningful experience

Another way to start the Volunteer process:
Volunteer At Caris (office.com)

"No Act of Kindness,
No Matter How Small,
Is Ever Wasted."

-Asesop-