Dilly brings comfort and calmness to end-of-life choice

There is now a special four-legged friend visiting residential aged care facilities across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay.

Meet Dilly, the five and half year-old miniature Cavoodle and certified therapy dog.

Dilly’s aim in life is to visit and spend as much time as possible enjoying people’s company and bringing joy to the palliative care patients, families and staff at residential aged care facilities (RACF).

Specialist Palliative Care in Aged Care (SPACE) Nurse Practitioner Nicole Hutchinson said she knew about the benefits of therapy dogs, but didn’t expect how well Dilly would be welcomed by patients and staff.

“At first I wasn’t sure how introducing Dilly into the palliative care space would work but I can’t believe how much happiness she brings to everyone,” she said.

“The impact that her visits make are so powerful for not only the patients but also the staff here at North Lakes Health Precinct where the SPACE service is located.

“When staff feel like they are having a bad day they can give Dilly a cuddle and sit with her for a while and this makes them feel better, they love it.

“It is so good to see our aged care patient’s spirit’s lift when they get a chance to pat Dilly and experience something familiar to them.

“For unwell people, non-drug therapy like a therapy dog is so powerful it visibly lifts them and brings joy.”

To become a brilliant therapy dog, Dilly had to go through some intensive obedience training and a certified dog therapy course through Therapy and Support Animals Australia but is currently reaping the benefits of finding new friends.

“I knew Dilly would be a great therapy dog because she loves company and is so good around people,” Nicole said.

SPACE is a service which aims to improve access to specialist end-of-life care and better coordination of end-of-life care for RACF residents.

SPACE Staff Specialist Dr Bill Lukin said we provided specialised support and advice to RACFs, so that care coordination is better placed to allow residents to have their last moments in a place of their choosing.

“Our team is helping residents avoid being sent to emergency departments through better support, care, partnerships, education and planning,” he said.

SPACE is delivered by Metro North Health’s Community and Oral Health directorate. Each year, Community and Oral Health supports around 1,500 patients and their families during their end-of-life journey.