The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace’s Rainier III Centre for Clinical Gerontology has welcomed a staff member to its team. Therapy dog Sépia will primarily be working with patients with cognitive disorders and impairments. 

Sépia, a friendly three-year-old guide dog trained by the PACA-Corsica branch of the Les Chiens Guides d’Aveugles Association, started work at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) earlier this month. 

The charming Labrador has settled in quickly, embarking on a series of meet-and-greets with patients at the Rainier III Centre for Clinical Gerontology. 

She is following in the footsteps of other therapy dogs who have worked with the hospital over the years, including Jorka, who has worked in the Gerontology Clinic’s psychiatric wards and in physical rehabilitation medicine for the last two years.

Sépia, whose training took eight months, is being gradually introduced to her new tasks. Eventually, she will take over from Jorka and assist in both group and individual sessions with the Centre’s patients. 

Speaking about the benefits of hosting therapy dogs in a hospital environment, Dr Sandrine Louchart, the head of the geriatric department, says, “This interaction between the animal and the patient allows for a moment of relaxation, well-being, and a time that is greatly appreciated by our residents and patients.” 

The Rainier III Centre is the hospital’s dedicated geriatric service. It offers care to elderly patients diagnosed with cognitive disorders and impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as mobility issues and other health concerns. The in-patient services also provide palliative care and assistance to the CHPG’s Oncology Department in its care of elderly cancer sufferers.

To see more of Sépia, watch the CHPG’s video below:  

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department