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Health Matters: Providence Mission Hospital | 9 Acute Rehab Has Canine Counselors A team of therapy dogs brings joy and comfort to patients at the Acute Rehabilitation Unit. P rovidence Mission Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) got its start 30 years ago, but its canine helpers are a recent addition. In November 2021, under the direction of recreation therapist Heather Hinton, a team of three therapy dogs—Dexter, Honor and Hinton's dog Sadie— began their rounds at the ARU. The Acute Rehabilitation Unit, founded in 1993 and led by physiatrist James A. Cushing, MD, cares for patients who are recovering from life-changing medical events such as stroke, brain injury, car accidents and cancer surgery. Helen Lindstrom, director of rehabilitation services, explains, "Rehab is like a team sport: It's a collaboration between many disciplines. We use our heads, our hearts and our hands to help people transition safely back to their homes." The average length of stay in the 21-bed ARU is 14 days, during which patients engage in three hours of different kinds of therapy five or six days a week. The focus is on preparing the patient, through physical, occupational and speech therapy, for the activities of daily living with whatever limitations their medical situation has caused. Hinton provides recreation therapy, such as helping patients with art projects, board games or outdoor visits. GOOD DOG! And that's where the therapy dogs can be very helpful. While Hinton, who is a strong advocate for the healing power of dogs, says the primary purpose of the canine visits is simply "to bring comfort and joy," she also notes that patients who want to interact with the dogs with a therapist's help can brush them or throw a ball, which can help them recover strength and coordination. Hinton also carries sprigs of broccoli, which eight-year-old Sadie likes, so that patients who want to offer the dog a treat can do so. "We are so blessed to have three therapy dogs," says Lindstrom. "Patients' eyes light up when they see them. It relieves stress and makes people happy." The team of handlers, which includes Hinton and volunteers Cindy Barekman and CJ Johnson, offers patients an instant snapshot of them with their canine friend, which, Lindstrom says, often "becomes the highlight of their stay." A VETERAN VISITOR Both Hinton and Sadie have a long track record in providing pet therapy. Hinton previously founded another area hospital's pet therapy program. Sadie, who is an English Labrador retriever, has worked since she was one year old. Hinton chose her from a breeder who specializes in mellow, intelligent Labs that can serve as therapy or service dogs or just great family pets. To be a therapy dog, Hinton explains, a canine candidate has to pass a certification process by one of two agencies. The ARU's dog pack is certified by Love on 4 Paws, which tested them for approachability, compatibility with other dogs and behavior under normal hospital stressors, such as sudden loud noises or people yelling. Love on 4 Paws also screens all volunteers and serves as a contractor to the hospital. On the job, Sadie and the other dogs wear vests identifying them as therapy dogs. "Sadie knows the word 'work,' and when I put on her vest, she gets excited," Hinton says. "She gets up and wags her tail. She knows the way to the ARU." Because the work is tiring for the dogs, they are limited to an hour and a half on the unit twice a week. They may see up to 15 patients on a visit and often stop by to greet staff, too. Right now, Hinton's pet therapy program is limited to the ARU, but she hopes to be able to expand her reach and number of volunteers. "Now that we have the team," she says, "I'm hoping we can go into other units in Mission. Ten volunteers would be ideal, but even six would be an awesome number." To learn more about what the Acute Rehabilitation Unit offers patients, visit bit.ly/acuterehabservices. Michael Neveux Photography TOP ACCREDITATION Providence Mission Hospital's Acute Rehabilitation Unit is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities as a comprehensive facility, including a special certification for the treatment of brain injury, stroke and cancer patients. "We continue to outperform the region and the nation in patient outcomes and satisfaction," says Director Helen Lindstrom.

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