Service Dog

Steve808

Does anyone have any experience or information on utilizing a service dog for someone with Alzheimer's?

harshedbuzz

Steve-

I doubt a service dog would be paired with a person who had dementia.

Most agencies that provide service dogs require the individual to be able to participate in the training of the animal, they need to be able to command and control the animal independently as well as meet the physical and emotional needs of the animal. 

HB

Rescue mom

Service dogs for Alzheimer’s was a topic at the last AA support group I went to IRL, before the shutdown. What  HB said is correct. It’s not done (in the way a seeing eye dog helps the blind) because by the time a PWD has those needs, they are unable, or soon will be, to learn how to direct/handle the dog. Many PWDs do or want irrational things that a dog cannot be taught about. And, it’s very possible the PWD will do something unintentionally that hurts the dog.

Some people may sell or promote a dog as a “comfort” or “emotional support” for the PWD. Many are scams as far as any truly special help goes (the danger of buying “service dogs” scams was a major point of the speaker), although a PWD may indeed derive pleasure or comfort from the dog. That could be done by almost any well-trained dog. None of that removes the likelihood that the person will harm the dog without meaning to.

Stuck in the middle

I would be inclined to buy a Joy For All puppy or cat.  They are lifelike little robots that are marketed as suitable for ages 5 - 99.  Originally made as toys for children, some State health departments are actually giving them to elders who live alone to combat loneliness and improve their health.  They cost about $130 and require batteries, but they don't eat or poop.  And you can take it with you everywhere.

GSG8

Hi. I personally use a service dog myself, and bring her along on visits with my mother. It has been extremely helpful in cementing our relationship and roots, and often changes her mood to a softer and more caring attitude. As a result of her relationship with my dog, I send her photos of her with my dog on a weekly basis. She loves getting the photos and uses the pictures to talk with her caregivers and family. 

Before my mother’s diagnosis ai worked professionally with Alzheimer’s patients in long term care, and founded a program of pet owners volunteering with their own evaluated and registered pets. The benefits are incredible. 

Therapy pets are animals that visit people with their owner. Service Dogs, like I have, work to assist their owners to mitigate issues caused by disability. 

Service dogs are not appropriate for dementia patients that are unable to fully and  completely take care of the animal. 

Check the ADA and DOJ for more details. Animals certainly provide increased care, increased sociability, reminiscence and motivators for physical, and mental, interaction. It is out of concern for appropriate care of the animal that directed some of the guidelines that need to be respected. 

Qualifications: I have certification in long term care institutions and Gerontology, and have been a dog trainer for 60 years. Founder of the program TherapyPets, Inc. use a Service Dog for my own disability. 

Stuck in the middle

That makes perfect sense.  

One of my former coworkers used to take her dog to visit nursing home residents.  Good time was had by all, and the dog went home afterward with a person who could take good care of it.

Rescue mom

Dogs (and other animals) that come for a visit, are hugely popular and beneficial. I see those often (or did before COVID). A trained critter comes in, everybody shares love, then the critter goes home.

A big ditto for what stuck said.  I’ve also seen many many dementia patients just love those Joy for All mechanical pets. They really are very life-like, and serve that purpose well.

Susan Lynn

Hi. I'm new here. I think my Mom would benefit a lot from having a dog in the house. I've been looking online for an organization in the Greater Cleveland area that could bring a therapy dog in for visits. If I end up staying with my Mom longterm I will have to take my dog with me. I hope you find a way to connect your loved one with a canine friend.

Susan Lynn

I'm new here. Looking for a Greater Cleveland Area therapy dog organization that can visit my Mom. She would love that.