Helping an Elder Leave Behind Their Pet

Dear Candid Caregiver: (Carol is the Candid Caregiver) As far back as I can remember my grandmother has had a dog. For the last 10 years, this dog has been Tippy, a small, male, mixed-breed that has been an ideal companion. The problem is that Grandma is getting less able to care for herself — let alone Tippy — and she is going to need to move to an assisted living facility (ALF). I’ve checked around, and while some local ALFs will let people bring their cats, none locally will allow them to keep a dog because dogs need to be let outside, among other excuses. I’d take Tippy, except my landlord won’t allow dogs either. We’ve found a local couple who said that they would take Tippy, but how do I handle this with Grandma? It’s hard enough for her to give up her home. Now it’s Tippy, too... Continue reading on HealthCentral for more about this sad and sensitive topic that centers around older adults and their pets: Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol   Discover the Difference. EGOSAN - the Top-Rated incontinence brand from Italy. Now Available on Amazon.              Related Stories8 Tips for Choosing a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility: A Family’s ViewLetter To Myself: On Becoming a Compassionate CaregiverThe Spectrum of Alzheimer's: An Interview with Gayatri...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs