Man’s best friend helps the elderly just by showing up! Regular visits from therapy dogs and their handlers provide stimulation for conversation and so much more. Therapy dogs can even encourage interest in physical therapy. (Not only does petting a dog feel good, it can be used as the basis for exercise and a reason to start physical therapy.) What’s more, therapy dogs elevate the mood of the health care facility in general and specifically with the staff and residents’ family members. And, families feel better having their loved one live in a facility where the staff cares enough to arrange therapy dog visits.

Because the future is imprecise, every adult, regardless of their age or health situation, needs to write down the exit plan they want implemented for themselves. If it is not written down, how can anyone be sure they are fulfilling your health care choices? This plan or advanced directive allows you to make your health care choices known before an accident happens or an incapacitating illness affects you. An advance directive is a legal document that states how you want to be treated if you become very ill and there is no reasonable hope for your recovery. Laws vary from state to state but there are basically two kinds of advance directives. They are living wills and durable powers of attorney.

An advanced directive can help establish what life choices are right for you. Do you want mechanical respiration or cardiac resuscitation? These are personal decisions that no one else should make for you. You can have your end-of-life decisions be a matter of record.

You can register an advanced directive with or without the help of an attorney. There are many websites that will help you do this. Terminally ill patients have another option for establishing their end-of-life path which is called POLST. It stands for physician’s order for life-sustaining treatment. It is a simple document that converts a patient’s treatment goals into medical orders. It can complement an already existing advance directive by addressing more specific preferences for end-of-life options such as transference from a hospital to a nursing home.

Marcy Cox, BS Gerontology

Today we lost our beloved “Dudley,” a wire haired fox terrier that had been a part of our family for the past twelve years. I can’t tell you how devasted my wife and I are at this loss. I told everyone that he was my “therapist” because he made me laugh every single day. The joy he brought to our lives was immeasurable. Yes, we are true “dog people” and my question is: How could anyone not love these beautiful creatures? My mother always told me to be suspect of the individual that didn’t like dogs. I think there’s something to that … although, I’m not going to be judgmental at this juncture.

As difficult as it is to endure this loss, I can’t help but reflect on those elders out there who may only have a pet left in their lives. They’ve lost their spouse and most friends and it’s their little “Fluffy” that they smother with their love. I’ve seen how incredibly attached elders become to their pets. After all, it is perhaps the only joy they have left in this world. And I can only imagine the sadness they experience when the time comes to say goodbye.

Whoever said “Growing Old is Not for Sissies” really had some insight. Life can be tough that’s for sure. But as the sadness over our beloved “Dudley” becomes more manageable, I’m sure we’ll be able to better realize the powerful impact that little guy had on our lives. That unconditional, never-waivering love was so refreshing in a world that certainly can present its challenges. He added an important dimension that enriched our lives. He made us better people. And I have to believe our elder’s pets do the same.

With that, go out and befriend an elder at your next opportunity. Take a treat for their dog. And if they don’t have a dog and you do — be sure to consider a visitation. I know it will brighten their day.

Tom Barton

Owner, Barton Home Care