The usage of service animals–specifically service dogs–is becoming more popular in the U.S. This is no different in senior care. What was once seen as a service specifically for those with vision problems is expanding to all sorts of physical and emotional needs and a service dog actually can have a lot to offer a senior citizen. Even if they are in relatively good health, a loyal canine companion can do a lot of good.
Some care services are seeing this benefit and are training caregivers in how to best work with service animals. This is a relatively new field for some, and there’s still a lot of training that is necessary. However, if this service can help some live better lives, then it’s worth looking deeper into.
Perhaps it is something that you’ve been thinking about for your own family.
Each family is different and what works for one won’t always be replicable in another. You may have heard really good things about service dogs–or maybe you’ve heard really bad things. Either way, your family is a unique group of people and it’s important that you have a good idea of what’s going to help the people that you love meet their needs. In fact, you probably already have a decent idea of whether or not a service dog is going to be helpful.
Senior care is and should be something that is custom made to help the individuals who need it. Will a service dog help everyone that has one? Probably not. There are a lot of benefits to having a pet–and even more when it comes to a service dog–but these benefits will not be there for everyone. Everyone is different, and what helps one person isn’t always going to help another.
We take pride in our ability to customize the care that we give to those that receive it. That’s one of the benefits of in-home care. A professional caregiver works with one person in a one on one setting. The caregiver’s attention is focused solely on the person they work with and how to best help them get through their days safely and as happily as possible.
Even so, in-home care isn’t always going to be the right choice. It will be helpful for some, and not as helpful for others, much like how a service dog can be ideal for some and a disaster for other. It’s all about what your unique needs are and the best way to achieve those.
If you’re still trying to figure out what those needs are, speak with a doctor that specializes in working with the elderly. They will be able to give you a clearer idea of what’s needed and how those needs can be met. And if you’re looking for more advice when it comes to senior care and helping a loved one meet their needs, please give us a call. This is what we specialize in and we’d love to help your family get the most out of the senior years.
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