PET PEACE OF MIND, Continued From Page 18
on the psychological benefits of pet ownership, it’s likely best to choose for yourself. You know yourself better than anyone, so be honest about whether keeping your pet or adopting one is a good idea or not. Create a "pros and cons" list. Home Modifications Sadly, there are dangers to pet ownership for older adults. Over 86,000 people per year have to go to the emergency room because of falls involving their dogs and cats, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, several home modifications can be made to help limit your risk of falls. • If you have a fenced-in backyard, installing a doggy door may be helpful to reduce the number of times the dog has to be let in or out. • Bending down to fill a food or water bowl may be challenging. You can modify the bowls by attaching a pole or PVC pipe to the bowl. You could also consider placing the food and water bowls on a higher surface, like an ottoman, that is possible for both you and your pet to reach. • Emptying the litter box can be difficult for the most able-bodied person. Consider purchasing a litter that helps create rock-hard clumps for easy scooping. Try placing the litter box in an elevated spot. Make sure that the box is secured and that your playful cat won’t knock it off the table. • If you normally pick your pet up to put them on the bed or sofa, consider purchasing pet stairs. Just make sure they are secured and not a trip hazard. • If you live in an area like an apartment complex where you need to pick up after your dog’s messes, consider bringing jaw scoops on your walk to limit your bending down. Asking for Help As you age, you may consider seeking a co-caretaker for your pet. In some cases, this could be a loved one or friend. This person can help with duties like walking the dog, cleaning up litter, etc. If you don’t have a loved one who can help out, you could reach out to your church or a volunteer organization to find assistance. Some senior companion organizations also offer pet companion care. Rehoming the Pet If it comes time for you to move into an assisted living or nursing home, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to take your pet with you. Similarly, a hospitalization or rehabilitative stay will require the need for the temporary rehoming of your pet. It’s important to have a plan in place so your pet is cared for after you transition to your new or temporary home. Ask a trusted friend or family member first if they would be willing to adopt the pet. If you aren’t successful, consider using a professional pet matching service to help you rehome the pet. Some people include pets in their will to ensure the pet has the treatment the owner desires after their death. If you choose to do this, you should appoint a trusted caretaker and a backup. Write down expectations for the pet’s care and information about the pet’s care, including health history. In some cases, owners even establish a fund to cover expenses for the pet’s continued care with a trustee to administer expenses. Since veterinary medicine has advanced so much and pets are living longer, it’s common for pets to outlive their owners. It’s important to have a plan in place so that your pet can continue to live a great life even after you are gone. 20
LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine | April 2020
Hospice of Green Country's Pet Peace of Mind therapy dog Leo, a loving little Havanese.
Pet Peace Of Mind Program Provides Care When Owners Can’t A national program that helps hospice patients care for their companion animals got its start right here in Tulsa. Hospice of Green Country began its Pet Peace of Mind program in 2007. Today it has been replicated in 136 hospices in 40 states - and it's still growing. "Our Pet Peace of Mind program targets those patients who are unable to maintain routine health care and nutrition for their pets due to their own medical expenses or caregiver disability," said Patty Wilson, Hospice of Green Country executive director. "At Hospice of Green Country, we believe quality care for our patients includes providing them with peace of mind in knowing that their pets are cared for when they are unable to do so physically or financially." Many studies show the human-animal bond can be incredibly strong, so at the end of life, the family pet can be a significant part of the patient's "unfinished business." And for some patients, a faithful companion animal is the only family they have. Patients like Walter. Walter could no longer be cared for in the home. His 13-yearold terrier mix, Saffron, couldn't join him in the nursing home, and Walter missed her desperately. He had brought her home to his family in his shirt pocket when she was just a small puppy. Through the persuasion of his Hospice of Green Country care team, the nursing home agreed to let Saffron visit. The Pet Peace of Mind program had her bathed and groomed for the big day. She was rushed to Walter’s room. Although he was unable to speak by this time, he reached out his hand for her and she licked his fingertips and wagged her tail. Saffron was placed on the bed next to Walter, where she curled up close to him for the next two hours, licking his hand when he drew close to her. Later that evening, Walter died peacefully in his sleep, having said goodbye to his long-time friend and companion. Thirteen years after its start, Pet Peace of Mind is still going strong at Hospice of Green Country. They even have a Pet Peace of Mind therapy dog – Leo, a loving little Havanese – to help spread the word about this important work. Like LIFE Senior Services, Hospice of Green Country is a proud nonprofit partner agency of the Tulsa Area United Way.
What does the pet peace of mind program provide? • Assistance with pet food and cat litter • Routine veterinary care to maintain pet health • Transportation to and from veterinary appointments • Spaying and neutering assistance • Flea and tick treatment, grooming, and mat removal • Pain and comfort medications for elderly pets • Volunteer recruitment and training • Assistance with animal placement after the patient’s death, when necessary
www.LIFEseniorservices.org
