Privately owned nursing and rehab facilities Filosa and Hancock Hall don’t just rely on their skilled staff to provide patients with the utmost care and sense of community - they believe in the power of the pet.
Furry friends are part of the fabric of Hancock Hall. Director, Jennifer Malone-Seixas says, “Hancock Hall was opened in 1984 with two black labs living here, Max and Maggie”.
Since November of 2016, Zia Onorato, Master of Social Work student and Hancock Hall employee has been bringing her two Therapy Dogs to Hancock Hall & Filosa. The trio are part of Hancock Hall Therapeutic Recreation Staff.
“The therapy dogs we have currently visit a few times weekly in both buildings,” says Director, Jennifer Malone-Seixas.
According to the National Center for Health Research, companion animals may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and regulating the heart rate during stressful situations. They also say that in nursing home settings, interaction with visiting dogs has led to more social behaviors, more interaction among residents, and less loneliness
Malone-Seixas says she brings her own Golden Doodle, “Todi”, to work with her daily. What’s more, she says, “Sometimes our accounting manager brings in her dogs - two massive Great Danes!”
Learn more about Filosa and Hancock Hall by visiting their website here.
We are proud to welcome Filosa and Hancock Hall to our family of sponsors. Please look for more news and stories about these two skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers located in the heart of Danbury.