10 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019 • CAREGIVER
POWER OF PETS
either own their home or be able to
prove that they have permission to have
that pet if they rent or live in a community
where pets might be restricted.
• Type of work and effort involved in
caring for a pet: “That’s going to mean
making sure the dog can go out and go
potty when it needs or that you’ll be
able to clean the litterbox regularly,”
Vecchi said. “Also, physical limitations.
Maybe mom or dad always had German
Shepherds but as they age, maybe
a bigger dog isn’t the best option. Just
think about the work and effort behind
it, because if that person isn’t able to
handle it, then as a caregiver, you might
not want to add more things onto your
plate.”
• Finances: There will be veterinarian
bills, annual checkups, vaccines, medications,
food, toys, beds crates, litter
and other expenses to consider based
on the animal’s needs.
Amy Goyer is a family and caregiver
expert with AARP. She also knows firsthand
the joy and the help her father’s
dog, Mr. Jackson, brought to her family’s
life as he battled dementia.
When they knew they wanted to find
a dog, she said, they sat down and
made a list of all the things they were
looking for: age of the dog, size of the
dog, the training level of the dog, the
dog’s activity level, etc.
Ideally, she said, they were looking
for a smaller dog around 3 years old
that liked to walk and came from a
rescue or a shelter.
They found Mr. Jackson, who later
went on to get training as a service dog.
The dog would accompany her father
on walks, help him to get home when
he got confused, and even go with him
to doctor’s appointments and other
public outings to help ease his anxiety.
“For most people with dementia, an
animal is going to be therapeutic, helpful
and calming,” Goyer said.
“Anxiety is a big problem with dementia,
you’re confused and not sure
what’s going on. But if dad had Jackson’s
leash in his hand, he felt much
more comfortable.”
Of course with dementia, there are
additional concerns, such as whether
or not the person will remember to do
things, such as feed the pet and make
sure bathroom needs are being met.
It’s important to know the limitations
of the loved one in caring for a pet in
addition to what the pet might bring to STOCK.ADOBE.COM