Service dogs have been serving human beings for over hundred years now and still are doing a great job. Service dogs have been helping blind, deaf and also those who are physically challenged. Nursing homes have started introducing training of dogs in order to work with elderly people especially those who are in the Alzheimer’s care unit. It is a special program that helps in training the dog to use distraction in order to avoid dangerous wandering and to reduce confrontation which involves Alzheimer’s patients. The dogs also help in promoting safety awareness and offer some social support that offers a homely environment. The dog brings a positive energy and offers support and some stimulation through repetitive contacts with the patient. Pet therapy means animals are used as friendly visitors. This is an advancement in the treatment using the service dogs. The dogs will perform specific and vital tasks that help in the proper care of the residents. This helps in supporting the families and the residents.
Dementia care
The service dogs will help in providing a homely environment for the dementia patients. These dogs help in maintaining a positive environment and offer all the necessary help required by the patient. The dogs have been huge success and have led blind and deaf people and helped to lead a fairly normal life. The dogs have helped in improving the social contacts of the residents and making the life of the patients easier. The service dogs will basically have low key behaviour and will be non aggressive. These dogs are trained by behaviour specialists and dog trainers who will train the dogs to their best abilities. The main objectives of the dogs are to reduce the wandering of the patients. Confrontations will be minimised with the help of diversion techniques. The dogs will have a complementary temperament and supports the elderly. The dogs will be tolerant to wheel chairs, confused residents, walkers, staff and visitors.
Plan improvisation
The plan of introducing service dogs to dementia patients have been a very huge success. The dogs are trained by professionals and the dogs that fit the bill were specially chosen for this task. The main dog breed used is the golden retriever breed that is cut out for such purposes. The dogs are acquainted with wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. The dogs are even trained to slowly push people away from doors. The dogs will respond to the alarm systems and will easily acclimate with a new environment. The service dog will separate its working environment from the normal living conditions. This is because if the dogs live and work in the same environment then they will get confused of their work. Service dogs have brought new life to the lives of the dementia patients and have brought a reason to smile. The dogs bring fun and enjoyment into all the people in that centre including patients, staff and every one else. Service dogs are a blessing and they offer a great helping hand to the patients and become an integral part of their lives.
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November 18th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Hi
I’m an Occupational Therapist, and have specialised in Dementia for almost ten years. I’m also passionate about our clever canine friends; after seeing various programmes about “support dogs” I have wondered about how I could combine both my interests.
I found your site really interesting, and would be interested to find out more.
Hope to hear from you.
Kind regards,
Jacquie Gowans