As a volunteer with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, Jenny and Wilson have dedicated time in Sunnybrook’s Dorothy Macham Home with Veterans who have advanced dementia. When the pandemic hit, she and Wilson pivoted to providing virtual visits to those in Sunnybrook’s inpatient psychiatry unit.

“I was a little worried about how Wilson and the patients would interact on camera, but with some tips from other St. John handlers, decided to try it. I discovered if I placed a treat in front of the iPad, Wilson sat patiently, optimistically looking directly into the camera. After the first session, I could see how well it was working. Someone who was really struggling on the other side of the screen was interacting with us and smiling. I provide a list of questions for patients to promote conversation, show them pictures of Wilson as a puppy and Wilson does a few tricks. One of the favourite questions is, ‘what is something funny Wilson has done?’ When they find out he has helped himself to an entire pizza that was left on the counter for my son’s lunch, we share a good laugh. At the end of the visit, I hear from many patients that we have made their day. In turn for mine, I feel the same.”

Jenny says volunteering with Wilson allows for a unique point of connection. “The patients and I often talk about their own pets, or sometimes one they have lost which can evoke a lot of emotion. We talk about how having a dog can help their path to recovery by getting them out for walks and opening them up social interaction with other dog owners or dog lovers that stop for a visit. Many are interested to learn how they can become involved in volunteer therapy dog programs with their own pets.”

Jenny usually spends between five to 15 minutes with each patient, and volunteers weekly. With a love of art, Jenny also draws sketches of Wilson on postcards and sends them to patients she has connected with as a touching memento of their time together.

“I’m trying to give someone a positive break or moment in their day. Personally, I feel volunteering has also improved my own happiness.” Jenny says National Volunteer Week is a reminder that the time and efforts of volunteers everywhere are impactful and worthwhile. “I get a lot of satisfaction by helping others.”

Sunnybrook is grateful to have wonderful, dedicated volunteer therapy dog teams working with patients and residents on all our campuses from St. John Ambulance and Therapeutic Paws of Canada. 

The post Meet volunteers Jenny Smith and Australian Labradoodle Wilson appeared first on Your Health Matters.

She says several initiatives around virtual volunteer outreach are already having a positive impact on inpatients. One provides musical birthday greetings, recorded by volunteer Gemma Donn, who is also a concert violinist. Together with several of her musical colleagues, Donn records a customized greeting that includes singing. Amber Hall, a recreational therapist at the Holland Centre, then brings the recording to the patient’s room to safely view it on a sterilized iPad. “The patient watching the surprise video is then recorded, and this is combined with the original to create a keepsake the patient can watch over and over,” says Di Lella.

In another form of outreach, volunteer John Maxwell is leveraging the positive impact of his therapy dog Cooper. Maxwell takes a picture of Cooper outfitted with a special message specifically for inpatients on their birthdays. Hall then prints off a copy for the patient to keep and enjoy.

“With the suspension of volunteers onsite, these are ways our fantastic volunteers can continue to help,” says Di Lella. She adds that discussions are currently underway to expand the virtual volunteer experience. In the future, that might include other activities, like teaching patients to knit or explaining how to perform certain magic tricks over Zoom teleconferencing. While the realities around COVID-19 have changed our lives, Di Lella says the need for human connection will always be with us.

The post Virtual volunteer initiatives are having a positive impact at Sunnybrook appeared first on Your Health Matters.