Cedarbrook Resident Carmen Martinez

Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, Inc., sponsored a two day pet therapy “Photos with Santa’s Jingle Dogs” event for the holidays at Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown for residents and their families to participate. A total of 119 Cedarbrook residents participated in the pet therapy photo sessions.

A total of ten therapy dog teams participated in the two day event and were primarily members of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Therapy Dogs Inc., and the Therapy Dogs International Group, along with several volunteers from Cedarbrook Nursing Home, as each played an important role in patient care.

During this free event, residents were able to interact and meet with the therapy dog teams, while having their holiday picture taken. Each resident who participated will receive a printed photo from the session.

Research has shown that pet therapy programs have many health benefits such as helping to lower blood pressure and to decreasing anxiety, depression and loneliness. “This program is one way Lutheran Home Care & Hospice can help improve the patients’ experiences and we thank the generous volunteers that gave their time and shared the companionship of their pet therapy dogs,” said Lori Horvath, Community Relations Coordinator for Lutheran Home Care & Hospice.

Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, Inc. provides home health care, hospice services and in-home support services and serves individuals and families in south central through northeastern PA as well as northern Maryland. LHCH is a licensed home care agency, fully certified by both Medicare and Medicaid. For further information about home care services  visit www.lutheranhomecare.org or to learn more about volunteer opportunities with hospice contact Cathy Sweeney at 570-599-5390.