Dementia assistance dogs – helping with the future of dementia care

Dementia assistance dogs can alter the way that care is provided to dementia patients as it becomes a growing issue in the UK, along with the pressures put on care homes

Dementia is a growing issue in the UK. The problem is becoming more prevalent as the aged population of the country increases. According to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently around 850,000 dementia sufferers in the UK. This figure is predicted to reach two million by 2051. The rate of the rise is such that one person every three minutes will develop dementia this year.

As the number of people suffering from dementia continues to increase, so does the pressure on care homes. People often see care homes as the best option for care when dementia symptoms worsen, however with more people going into care, the strain to cater to these numbers increases. According to Helping Hands, most people don’t realise that quality dementia care can be “carried out at home” at varying levels of support. This can be a big help to sufferers who benefit from remaining in familiar surroundings. It also means that dementia sufferers may be able to secure the help of a dementia dog; something that would not be possible in a nursing home.

Dementia dogs joining the ranks of assistance dogs

There is plenty of truth in the phrase “man’s best friend” when used about dogs. They have been at the side of people for thousands of years. As far back as the first century AD, dogs were depicted helping blind people to get around. Since then we have become used to seeing assistance dogs in action. Everyone is familiar with Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the excellent work that they do. Now, work is being done on using dogs to help people suffering from dementia; to make their lives easier.

What is the Dementia Dog Project?

The use of dementia dogs is still in its early stages. One of the pioneering projects that is helping to forge the way for dogs to help in this area is based in Scotland. The Dementia Dog Project is a collaboration between Alzheimer’s Scotland and Dogs for Good. The aim of the project is to place dogs with couples; one of whom suffers from dementia, the other who is their carer. It’s also envisaged that dogs will eventually be trained to help with dementia-related issues in the wider community.

Dementia dogs are trained to help sufferers with a variety of different tasks including:

• Fetching medication.
• Waking a sufferer up.
• Walking on a dual lead.

Dogs are allocated to specific couples, so they can be trained to meet individual needs of the dementia sufferer and their carer.

The psychological benefits of a dementia dog

Dementia dogs do not just have practical benefits. There is significant evidence that having a pet can be psychologically beneficial to anyone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The dog becomes a friend and companion, and activities such as walking the dog create a positive routine in the dementia sufferer’s life. It’s also been shown that dementia sufferers tend to interact with other people while they are out walking their dog. This interaction tends to be in the form of simple questions about the dog’s name and age, so undue pressure is not placed on the individual.

The future for dementia dogs

Prior to 2016, three dementia dogs had been trained by the Dementia Dog Project, and placed with couples. It’s expected that, by 2019, a further eight dogs will be trained and helping people lead a fuller and more active life. The aim of the project is to enable dementia sufferers to remain living in familiar surroundings, within their local community. Care from professionals can also help with this.

It’s possible to live independently when you have dementia, or to continue living with your partner. There are certain things that you need to think about, including possible adaptations to your home, and help with your ongoing daily needs. It seems as though getting a dementia dog could also be one of those considerations in the future. The Dementia Dog project is still in its early stages, but so far results have been positive. The project is a registered charity and has received a large amount of funding from the Life Changes Trust. If the project continues to receive the financial support it needs, it will continue to expand its programme of training and providing dogs in the future. The training will be developed according to the needs of the people with whom the dogs are to be placed. It seems as though “man’s best friend” is going to add another positive to its relationship with human beings.