The Faces of Inpatient Rehabilitation for Life-Changing Results

2 Centre Plaza, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 | 732.460.5320 | www.encompasshealth.com/tintonfallsrehab

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Of Tinton Falls, each employee brings their own set of skills and expertise and together we work to improve our patients’ functional capabilities. In addition to our hospital employees, we also have a Therapy Dog Program that provides comfort, joy, and support to our patients, families, and staff. Animal-assisted therapy offers our patients positive human-animal interactions in a clinical setting, bringing emotional support at a vulnerable time. The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that positively influences the health and well-being of both.

The hospital’s therapy dogs Pearl and Lucy are instrumental in furthering our nurturing environment and putting smiles on patients’ faces. Director of Quality & Risk Lynne Koller says, “Christy Wrede is Pearl’s owner and handler, and Lucy is owned by Amanda Shelters. They visit the therapy gym and clinical unit every week.” CEO Beth Sarfaty and HR Director Ursula Covin agree there is a temperament change when the dogs interact with our patients. “The program allows us to get more connected with our patients,” says Ursula. “We start to see their motivation increase and get to see more of their personalities shine through.” Expanding the program with more trained therapy dogs to improve spirits and offer emotional support is Encompass Health’s goal. Anyone who has a certified therapy dog that they would like to visit the hospital should contact Lynne Koller at 732-460-5366, lynne.koller@encompasshealth.com.