Visiting with Alzheimer's patients
Posted by Anne Corke on 2007-04-30. Filed under Monthly Feature
Alzheimer's patients present special challenges for all visitors, human and animal. However, patience and empathy go a long way towards breaking down the communication barriers imposed by cognitive dysfunction. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when visiting these special clients with your dog:
Always keep an eye on your dog. Make eye contact and try to speak to your client before deciding if it's safe to let them touch your dog. Never allow your dog to precede you as you may not know from one visit to the next what reaction you might get.
If your client seems uneasy or agitated in your presence, say goodbye and move calmly away. Let them know that you will be back to see them another day.
Keep your dog on a short, slack leash so that you can move him quickly should a situation develop.
You may wish to get down on the ground with your dog so you can hold him calmly in position while keeping eye contact with your client.
If you have a small dog, pick him up so your client can see his face more clearly.
Remain calm and quiet. Any tension will be transmitted to your dog and your client, and will interfere with the enjoyment of your visit.
Always watch your dog for signs of stress. Cut your visit short and remove him if he appears anxious. Dogs can recognize a dangerous situation long before we can. Trust his instincts.
And remember: Alzheimer's patients live in their own secret world. It is a world that often shuts out family and friends, who are robbed of their family member long before they pass away. The family must deal with many difficult emotions through the course of the disease. Sometimes, it is easier for a stranger to reach out to the patient and offer a gentle hand and a friendly face, a wet nose and a soft coat. These people were once young; they had mothers and fathers, husbands or wives, sons and daughters. Many of them had dogs of their own. They all have a story. Let's not forget that, although the disease is slowly stealing them away, these patients deserve our attention. Make a special effort to reach them, to show them you care, and you will find yourself truly blessed.
Happy Visiting!