Residents of the dementia care facility (DCF) are dealing with different levels of severity when it comes to their declining mental faculties. Some are quite sharp and very aware their surrounding; if you were to encounter them in any other setting, it may be difficult to tell something was wrong. Others are incapable of remembering details of a conversation that just occurred and the most severe struggle to communicate their needs.
Joe Football bridge the gap between these two types of residents. On the one hand he was able to communicate clearly, but on the other, Joe had no idea where he was, or for that matter, when he was. Although there was the unmistakable look of confusion in his eyes, he managed well and would in some moments appear jovial. Although Joe was a regular in the halls around the Rec room, he did not come in so we never got a chance to converse. That all changed this past Super Bowl Sunday, when I decided to spend the first half of the big game hanging out with Rufus and his friends at the DCF. I walked into a room more crowded than usual with the game on the big screen. Most of the usual suspects were there, but I immediately noticed Joe was sitting in the room, eyes glued to the screen, reacting to the plays as they were unfolding. I set Rufus in the lap of one of his regulars and proceeded to the table where Joe set with another gentleman. I introduced myself and asked Joe if he was enjoying the game. If gave an enthusiastic yes, never really turning his eyes from the screen. When I asked what team he was rooting for, he hesitated, and I saw that look of confusion that I see on the faces of many of the other residents whose condition is most severe. I realized at that point that although he was excited, and recognized that he was watching a football game, he had no idea who was playing. He finally answered that he did not have a team to root for, and that he was just hoping for an exciting game. Although many of these residents short-term memory is non-existent, their past memories are still intact. As the game carried on, I asked Joe if he had a favorite football team. No longer did I see a look of confusion in his eyes, but rather one of recognition and a sly little smile crept across his face. "I am a Buckeye fan," Joe said, "the best team in the land." Well, it just so happens that I am a Buckeye too. I was born and raised in Cincinnati by parents who are OSU alumni; suffice it to say I came out of the womb bleeding Scarlet & Gray. Joe and I spent the rest of the first half discussing our shared passion for the all things Ohio State. As the conversation progressed It became increasingly clear to me that Joe was not living in 2014. He talked about players and coaches from the 1940's & 1950's and did not recognize any of the big names I had grown up watching. For Joe, it was sometime post World War II and he was still living in the small town in central Ohio where he grew up and raised a family. He talked about his job at the radio factory and going to the local high school football game on Friday night. This is a common phenomenon and I have learned from the DCF staff not to correct these fantasies. From that day forward, I would walk out of the Rec room to say hi as Joe passed by doors on his stroll around the facility. As we shook each others hands, I could sense that he was struggling to remember how he knew this young guy who seemed to know him, but he could not place his finger on it. He would just say, "Hey there young fella," and I would say, "How about those Buckeyes?" Joe would always respond the same way, "They are the best team in the land." I found out on my most recent visit that Joe had passed peacefully in his sleep earlier in the week. The passing of one of our regulars is always difficult, but there is a certain sense of relief that I experience when someone like Joe no longer has to deal with the day-to-day confusion and uncertainty. Besides, I know a Buckeye fan never dies, because we are from Ohio... O -- H
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One of the primary tenants of the Sanctuary is the idea that senior dogs are not solely of the canine variety. For us, a senior dog is someone with significant life experiences and who possess a special kind of wisdom that can be used for the benefit of the community. No one embodies the spirit of this idea quite like Mr. G, a cheerful and smooth talking resident of the dementia care facility (DCF). Mr. G is a former high school teacher and coach who loves to talk about his favorite students athletes and fond memories he has from his days working and living in Lake Tahoe. Settling in the Lake Tahoe area long before it became a popular destination and place to own a vacation home, Mr. G will tell you about buying land for less than $1,000 per acre and building a home with his own two hands where he lived with his wife and children. After his wife passed, and his health began to decline, Mr. G was no longer able to live independently. Now-a-days, he seems to derive pleasure from two activities: jigsaw puzzles, and swooning all the single ladies who reside at DCF. Due to the longer life expectancy rates for women, the male to female ratio at these facilities is often slanted in favor of the fairer sex, and Mr. G has no problem filling the gap. He keeps all the ladies on the toes with some harmless flirting, dancing, and the occasional smack on the lips. And believe you me... the ladies love it! As to whether or not things progress further than that behind closed doors, all I can say is while Mr. G maybe a big flirt, but he does not kiss and tell. However, a recent NY Time article on the issue stated that, "...retirement communities and assisted living facilities are becoming like college campuses. They cram a lot of similarly aged people together, and when they do, things naturally happen." Sex among the residents of these facilities is rampant and on the rise; I bet there is a Mr. G in every one of these places. With medical advances improving vitality into old age, and pharmaceutical companies marketing ED pills on day time television, it is no wonder that the older generation is still getting their kicks. And to all the Mr. G's of the world, I would just like to say, "Keep up the good work you old dog!" I picked Rufus up and she led us down a hallway lined with the small apartments where the residents slept and kept their personal belongings. I had not realize how many people lived there who I never saw in the Rec Room. As we approached the door, I began to get a little nervous. We were about to enter a very delicate situation and there would be many watchful eyes. I planned to give a quick greeting to the family and then place Rufus on the foot of the bed. I anticipated he would simply lay there, resting his head on the foot or leg of this very sick woman. Walking into the room, the distress was palpable. There were two adult children and three adult grandchildren seated around the bed with red eyes, heads resting in their hands as they maintained their vigil. The AD introduced us and asked if it was ok for Rufus to sit on the bed with Ms. J. The family the was happy to have us and shared how much Ms. J loved her animals, especially dogs. I allowed Rufus to say hi to the family and then we turned our attention to Ms. J. She lay still, eyes open, struggling with every breath. I held Rufus in place she could see him and then placed him gently between her legs near the foot of the bed. There was no perceptual response from Ms. J, but I sensed the family was happy to see her with something she loved throughout her life. Rufus, however, did not do as I had anticipated. He stood there, stiff legged, facing towards the head of the bed and then began to walk that direction. I was not sure what to do as he began to walk up her torso, but the family seemed unconcerned so I sat back, but was keeping a close eye on the situation. Rufus proceed up the stomach, until he was standing with his front paws on her chest. He paused there for just a second and then began to lean his head in until his nose was mere centimeters from Ms. J's lips. I had never seen Rufus do this before. This was not the first time I had placed him into a bed with a patient, but the others were not on the verge of death like Ms. J. I looked for a signal from the family that they were concerned about her comfort, but I saw none; instead what I saw was a look of amazement. I too was taken back but the gentleness with which Rufus was moving and how closely he had placed his nose to her mouth. He stayed in this position for what seemed like minutes and I could see he was sniffing ever so delicately and looking up towards the eyes of this woman he had never met. I know it easy to erroneously personify the behavior of animals, but Rufus seemed to be demonstrating extraordinary levels of compassion and understanding for this dying woman. When he finally began to ease his way back to the foot of the bed, I could feel a shift in the energy of the room. When he reached the foot of the bed and nestled himself into the crook of Ms. J's leg, I could not help but be overcome by emotions. I felt all the sadness appropriate to the situation, but also a sense of astonishment in what Rufus had done. I looked to the family and saw they were equally taken with what we had all just witnessed. As Rufus relaxed, the family asked all sorts of questions about Rufus. I was able to share his story of survival and transformation and how we have been together for less than a year. That information only made the experience more unbelievable, and even brought a smile to their faces as they marveled at this little dog who just wondered into a dark moment in their lives. A few minutes passed had passed when Rufus stood, walked to the edge of the bed and signaled that he wanted to be picked up. I took that to mean it was time for us to go. I grabbed Rufus, gave my condolences to the family, and they thanked us profusely for coming in. As I left the room I heard them commenting about how magical the experience was for them and I could not agree more. I knew senior shelter dogs would make great therapy animals, but my expectations were shattered by this experience. We may not know why Rufus did what he did, but I know the impact that it had on the family of Ms. J. We might not save the world with our efforts, but we will make a difference wherever we go. Rufus and I have been visiting the dementia care facility every week for the past 8 months. Most of our visits are routine, we see the same people and often have the same conversations. Our visit last week was anything but ordinary, and while Rufus brought a great deal of comfort to a family in need, the experience has left an indelible mark on me.
The visit began as usual with a quick greeting to the front desk staff and the administrators who have offices in the front lobby. After entering the secured door, we walked towards the recreation room where the residents gather during the day for activities, snacks, and socializing. It is evident from the smiles we get when we walk into the room that some of Rufus' biggest fans recognize us, and the staff has told us that even this small bit of recognition is a sign that we are having a significant impact on their emotional well being with out visits. I put Rufus in Ms. S's lap and did a little glad handing with Guy (the resident ladies man) and Joe who were working a puzzle nearby. Rufus and I would normally spend our entire hour in this room. Rufus spends 10-15 minutes with any resident who wants some time and I try to chat up anyone who seems interested in talking. The Activities Director (AD), a robust polish women in her early 50's with a thick accent, is often in the room coordinating activities: singing, dancing, and doing everything she can to bring some joy into the building. I am always impressed with how much love and tenderness she shows to everyone in the room. After Rufus and I had said hello to all the usual suspects and were getting ready to leave, the AD asked if she could speak to me in the hall for a moment. Once there, she told me there was a female resident, Ms. J who absolutely loved dogs, but was bed bound so Rufus had never met her. Sadly she was on her last few hours of life, unable to move or communicate, surrounded by a few family members waiting for the inevitable to arrive. She asks if I would be willing to take Rufus into her room for a short visit; that is an impossible request to deny. To Be Continued.... Ted: Thanks for sitting down for an interview. Sorry it took so long, but it has been a pretty busy 8 months for us.
Rufus: Tell me about it. I was on death row at that high kill facility in California, before being rescued, first by the Northern Nevada Humane Society, and then Homer J's. Now I am a working dog, with people who count on me for comfort and companionship, it has been quite the adventure. Ted: In a future post, we can talk about your life prior to coming to the sanctuary, but today I want to talk to you about your experiences as a therapy dog. First, could you tell me about the places you have been performing your duties? Rufus: I would be happy to. For the sake of confidentiality, you know... therapist client privilege and what not, I will not give the specific names of the facilities or people I have been visiting, but just a general description. Most Saturdays we visit two residential facilities for senior citizens. One is a long-term rehab facility, the other is for long-term dementia care. Both places are full of people who benefit from the presence of a loving animal. Ted: They sure do get a kick out of you. Is there a big difference between your experience as a therapy dog between the two facilities. Rufus: The residents in long-term care seem to suffer more than those at the dementia care facility. Most are struggling with physical and emotional pain, some have little to no mobility, and many struggle to communicate. Don't misunderstand me, it is a nice facility and the staff are very caring. That does not overcome the fact that most are crowded 3-4 to a room, hallways are lined with people in wheel chairs waiting to be moved or taken to the shower, and the patient to visitor ration is not that great. A few will die in that place, and they are often aware of it. One of my favorite people to visit there is Ms. L. She lets me sit on the end of her and she will stroke my stomach for as long as I can sit still. I heard her telling you that she is the last of her family, and never lived in the area, so we are her only visitors other than the nurses and staff. I guess you could say I was in a similar situation when I was in the shelter in California, but at least they were going to put me to sleep with dignity. Ms. L might live another 5 years like that, I guess I just don't understand. Ted: I like her too. She is pretty sharp, and like many of the old timers we visit, loves to reminisce about the dogs she has loved throughout her life. She is a big dog lover and really enjoys getting to spend time with you; you do a great job with her. Rufus: Well, I can empathize with her situation, and that makes me want to help out, just like you helped me. I was blessed to be given another chance to make family and friends, and it is the least I can do to help another experience that same joy, even if only for a short visit. Ted: We have been going every Friday now for the last couple months. It is safe to say you have made an impact on a number of people in that place. They certainly recognize us as we are walking down the fall; they wave, smile, and get their petting hands ready. It has been a great experience so far, and I am looking forward to many more visits. Rufus: Me too. Hey Ted, do you think that someday, when we have a sanctuary with ample space and lots of old dogs, we could save space to give somebody like Ms. L a home where they could live out their years amongst friends and family who care? Ted: Of course Rufus. Our vision for the sanctuary is not just a home for senior canines you know. From Caesar'sWay.com/dog-care/senior-dog
By Juliana Weiss-Roessler Senior dogs are often overlooked at rescues and shelters in favor of the next generation of bouncy, yappy puppies. But if you’re a pack leader to a pup in his golden years, you know that’s a shame, because older dogs still have a lot of love to give — and they can still have lots of personality and spunk even if they don’t have as much energy as they did in their younger years. Senior dogs also typically require less exercise, suffer from fewer behavioral issues, and come to you already potty trained. For these reasons, they are a particularly good choice for those adopting their first dog. But just because senior dogs are easier in many ways doesn’t mean that they don’t also have some special care requirements that younger dogs don’t. Here are a few senior dog care tips if you’re a first-timer at adopting or fostering one of these old-timers. Rule out medical causes for behavioral problems Senior dogs are less likely to suffer from many issues caused by pent-up energy since they have less to expend. But that doesn’t mean they never experience behavioral issues. The first place to start with a behavior issue, though, especially if it has a sudden onset, is at the vet. It may be an early sign of a medical issue, and catching it faster can make a big difference for your pup. Step up the vet visits to twice a year It’s also in your senior dog’s best interest to visit the vet semi-annually since they are more likely to suffer from medical problems. Remember, dogs age faster than humans, so even six months is a long time. Vet appointments include many of the same routine checks as for younger dogs but may also include additional bloodwork, dental care, and other examinations for symptoms of issues commonly encountered by seniors. Stay on top of parasite control As dogs age, their immune systems become weaker, so that means the potential health risks caused by ticks, fleas, worms, and other pests are greater. Talk to your vet about the safest preventative measures. Watch your pup eat Is she having trouble chewing that kibble? Many senior dogs struggle with dental issues and may need to switch to different foods. Another common issue associated with canine aging is problems with digestion. Foods designed specifically for senior dogs often include ingredients that are easier to digest and may even include supplements that help alleviate symptoms associated with aging. Monitor physical activity more closely Just because he could handle an hour-long walk a year ago doesn’t mean he can today. Regular exercise can help keep your dog mobile longer and also prevent him from becoming overweight, which is a common issue for senior dogs, but you also don’t want to push your pup too far. Watch for signs that he’s had enough. Senior-proof your home As your dog ages, you may need to make adjustments to the regular routine. For example, climbing the stairs can become very difficult, so keep food and water as well as sleeping areas downstairs if possible. Also, time outdoors may need to be cut down or only done when monitored since your dog may be more susceptible to changes in temperature and less able to fend off possible threats. And if your dog suffers from a disability, such as blindness, hearing loss, or an inability to walk, talk to your vet about any special accommodations you should make to ease his experience. Embrace every day No one wants to think about their dog passing, but those caring for an older dog know that they have even fewer days to enjoy the companionship. Instead of letting it worry you or deter you from adopting a senior dog, use it as a reminder to live in the moment. Snuggle up. Take a walk together. Appreciate every moment your pup has to give. What specials needs have your senior dogs had and how did you help them? Let us know in the comments! Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/senior-dog/Caring-for-a-senior-dog-What-you-need-to-know#ixzz3YA0vizWt
The process for certifying your dog for therapy work is not as difficult as most people think. There are a number of national therapy dog registration/certification organizations recognized by the American Kennel Club: Therapy Dogs Inc., Therapy Dogs International, and The Delta Society just to name a few. Beyond ensuring that dogs and their human counterparts are fit for therapy work, these organizations provide liability insurance to Animal Assisted Therapy teams that help to protect human handlers in case of unfortunate accidents that may occur in the course of their therapy duties.
Each of these organizations follows the AKC standards for evaluating animal behavior and the animals responsiveness to their handler's commands. There are different standards for small breed and large breed animals, but the foundation is the same. The dogs must be comfortable around other dogs, listen to their handlers commands, allow strangers to pet them, and must walk on a leash without pulling. Large breed dogs need to have a large set of commands that they understand and follow consistently, while small breed dogs, those that can be carried from place to place by their handlers have less stringent requirements. We chose Therapy Dogs Inc. for our certification for no other reason than they had a number of evaluators in our area that could complete the certification process. Their process involves the handler/dog team passing the handling portion of the test followed by 3 successful supervised visits in the field. Our evaluator scheduled our first meeting at Northern Nevada Medical Center so we could complete the handling portion and the first supervised visit all on the same day. Rufus put his best paw forward on his handling test and the supervised visit. He had responded very well to my commands and looked like a proud puppy throughout the testing. The evaluator was surprised to hear that we had only been together for a few months and that Rufus was a senior rescue dog. After the handling test, we headed into the hospital for our first of three supervised visits. Rufus did an amazing job comforting patients recovering from surgery and even got a lot of attention from hospital staff. As much as the patients are in need of comforting, the wonderful doctors, nurses and administrative staff working in this high stress environment benefit from Rufus's presence in the hospital. Many stopped what they were doing and smiled as they saw Rufus strolling down the halls. I even had the chance to talk to a few and extol the virtues of senior dog adoption. The whole experience was more rewarding than I could have imagined. Our next supervised visit is scheduled for the coming week at a library where young children can read to a therapy dog as part of a literacy program sponsored by Paws 4 Love, a Reno based therapy dog group that my evaluator is a member of. There will be a number of therapy dogs and handlers present to encourage a love for reading and canine companions. I have little doubt that Rufus will shine again and we will be one step closer to our goal of having a Sanctuary Resident certified for Animal Assisted Therapy work. The differences between Nik (our last resident) and Rufus are obvious and go well beyond the amount of space they take up on the couch. Nik loved the dog park in our neighborhood, Rufus is not a big fan... actually he hates it and if I let him off his leash he goes running for the nearest exit. I tried to explain to him that we were the official adopters of the park, and that it was important we keep up appearances, but he was not the least bit persuaded. Nik did not bark, he wailed. The poor guy had his vocal chords taken out when he was younger, and was left with a vocal sound that was unique and very high pitched. Rufus, on the other hand, never barks. I have found that barking is something that these old timers will put a lid on during their first couple weeks or even months. Then, once settled in and familiar with their responsibilities in the pack, they will start to signal various threats. We will have to wait a little longer to find out what Rufus has to say. While Nik was easy to train in some respects, in others we were not so fortunate. He loved to play with other dogs and would always want to run at them to say hello when they approached, a big no-no for any therapy dog on-duty. Rufus on the other hand, has not shown any proclivity for other canines. If no approaches, he stays quite still at my side and will allow the other dog to come in for a sniff. This is a good trait to have if you want to qualify for therapy work. Combine that with the fact that he already knows basic commands, his excellent leash behavior, and most importantly, how stinking cute the little guy is, he is well on his way to being certified. There are a few organizations that offer certification and they all look like they do a wonderful job, but we have selected Therapy Dogs Inc. because there happen to be a number of evaluators in our area who can certify Rufus and I as a team. Our first meeting with the evaluator is this week. It will take us 3-4 weeks to complete the process, but the big hurdle is this first meeting where we are evaluated on our commands. I know we are ready and I will give you an update as soon as I can. Ted Levatter HJSDS Executive Director |
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