One study in the Journal of Palliative Care showed that a miniature poodle, which became a resident at a hospice inpatient facility, improved morale and interactions between staff and patients. Therapy animals have also been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and fatigue.

In order to visit patients and families, animals and their owners/handlers must undergo a screening and certification process to test animals’ temperaments, and how well they will react with adults, children, loud noises, walkers and wheelchairs.

Comfort touch is:

• A type of complementary therapy
• Gentle pressure is applied to promote deep relaxation and relief from pain
• Not a massage but rather rhythmic pressure to specific points on hands and feet

As part of a patient’s plan of care, Comfort Touch assists in managing symptoms and promoting quality of life.

Aromatherapy practice uses fragrant essential oils to produce an individual therapeutic response.

Benefits come from inhaling the essential oil scent. Various essential oils have different benefits, depending on the oil used:

• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces anxiety, stress and tension
• Improves sleep and well-being

In the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, University of Nevada researchers discovered a small but positive change in anxiety, depression and sense of well-being with aromatherapy.