by Eunice Trotter
American Seniors Communities
Harrison is making quite an impression on residents of Harrison Terrace, the first all-dementia facility in the state. Hardly anyone walks by him without rubbing him or at the very least, speaking to him. As the latest addition to the Harrison Terrace family, the 14-week old Bichon Frise is still a bit in awe of all of the attention, but as an up and coming therapy dog, he will have to become accustomed to all the fuss.
While he is already bringing smiles to the faces of residents, staff and visitors, he will soon offer even more therapeutic value. Research shows pets help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and they help increase recovery rates from heart attacks. Researchers believe this effect is the result of the calming influence of the resident’s interaction with the pet.
The mental health advantages are just as powerful, providing companionship and instilling a needed sense of purpose in life. Pets’ presence in facilities also helps provide a homelike atmosphere.
Harrison, who residents call Harry, spends four days a week on a different unit each day so residents throughout the center have the opportunity to spend time with him. Many wait their turn to pet or hold Harrison.
“The residents will ask for him,” said Teri House, marketing and admissions director of Harrison Terrace, which is located at 1924 Wellesley Blvd., Indianapolis.
“It’s fun to see residents cuddling and holding him,” said Harrison Terrace Executive Director Doug Lynch.
House said people typically allergic to dog fur won’t have that concern with Harrison because the fur of Bichon Frises is hypoallergenic, plus he doesn’t shed.
