When Life Says Goodbye: A Report on Trust and Humility. And how each of us can give moments of happiness.
In one room, colorful toys dangle from the ceiling and soft mattresses lie on the floor. Wall brackets and a hanging chair adorn the friendly furnished room – all ready to romp and enjoy. Next door is a kitchen, a bathroom, two bedrooms and a terrace on the ground floor. At first glance it is not clear that there is also mourning in this apartment. Because families come here to take a break to recharge their batteries and gain confidence when their children’s diagnosis worries them greatly. When it’s uncertain how long a child will live, every moment counts. That is why the Lichtblickhof in Penzing in Vienna focuses on the here and now with animals!
The team around founder Roswitha Zink has been caring for small patients and their families with a lot of heart and expertise for over 20 years – and works with strong partners. Animals simply help, give courage to live, whatever the diagnosis is called – with a special form of equine therapy (equotherapy), which uses their special ability to read non-verbal bodily signals, as it were. The therapy horses have undergone many years of training and are perfectly trained: for example, the gentle rocking of the horse’s back relieves muscle cramps, the love for the animals gives strength, distraction and hope in difficult life crises.
Horses are allowed to visit all three apartments
Since June 1, families on four hooves can be cared for by their gentle therapists in three specially adapted hospice support apartments on the site of the former Otto Wagner Hospital. Animal visits are possible in three barrier-free apartments. You can also watch the horses grazing from a terrace on the ground floor. The distance to the adjacent therapy farm can be bridged in the nursing bed.
“Krone” animal expert Maggie Entenfellner finds moving words at the atmospheric opening of the family apartments: “When I drive to the Lichtblickhof, my heart is full of feelings – filled with humility, empathy and great respect for the incredible work and achievements of the team and theirs Animals!” The city of Vienna and its politicians can be proud of this internationally renowned project.
The therapy and care costs for the supervision of the children’s hospice are largely financed by donations. Every cent helps to create bright spots for seriously ill children! Please help too!
Donation account: IBAN: AT20 1200 0097 0632 7511, password: Lichtblickhof
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
