10 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2019 • CAREGIVER
POWER OF PETS
• 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 STOCK.ADOBE.COM