SYNERGYHomeCare.com SUMMER 2018
MORE THAN A PET C
ompanionship is a part of human life. We typically find companionship in each other, through family, friends, and participating in various social activities. Often, we find friendship in the form of animals. These companions can be pets, support animals, and service dogs. Animal companions can impact our lives in ways that vary as much as the animals themselves. Regardless of the role they play, animal companions are an integral aspect of life.
Service dogs are different than regular pets, and even different than Emotional Support Animals. Rob Dunn, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Yuma, said that service dogs perform specific tasks tailored to the person they serve. “It really depends on what the disability is,� he said.
A service dog is trained for one person with one disability. Service dogs can help
people with physical limitations, such as being blind or deaf, with medical concerns, such as diabetics, and even people who live with mental difficulties, such as PTSD. Emotional Support Animals, or ESAs, also provide special benefits to people beyond typical animal companionship. Different than service dogs, ESAs can be other animals, such as cats, and primarily help people with emotional and mental considerations. While a service dog is trained to perform specific tasks while working, ESAs are often trained for general behavior characteristics, allowing them to interact with others beyond the person they support. Both service dogs and ESAs are different than a pet animal, although they are also pets when not carrying out support tasks. According to bmj.com, an online medical journal, pets offer social interaction that is close
Throughout the ages, humans brought other animals into their lives to help with various tasks and carry out work. We are continuously learning about the powerful abilities of the animals all around us. One modern benefit we discovered is how dogs can do so much to help people. The ability of dogs to provide essential services is immensely beneficial. The Americans with Disabilities Act specifically identified dogs as potential service animals, creating specific laws governing and protecting them as a means for greater independence in people with disabilities.
to human interaction. Direct social interaction with other people is always a vital part of a high quality of life, but pet ownership can supplement that interaction while also helping to reduce stress, according to the journal. Most pet owners “value the relationship and the contribution their pet makes to their quality of life.”
For people with disabilities, companion animals provide greater independence as well as companionship. As we learn more about the benefits of other animals, we continue to discover how connected they are to us, and how connected we are to them.
It’s always important to recognize and respect the various types of animals integrated into people’s lives. Service dogs should not be approached or petted while working, and with any animal, permission should always be obtained before trying to interact with it.
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illions of people gather every year, in hundreds of cities across the United States, to raise awareness and resources in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. The Alzheimer’s Association hosts yearly Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, bringing together the people affected by the devastating disease. SYNERGY HomeCare teams across the nation also participate in these events.
said Chris Benjamin, the Multimedia Design Manager at the SYNERGY HomeCare Franchise Support Center. He said that his association with Alzheimer’s Disease in a professional capacity gives him a desire to support efforts to find a cure. “I want to give back,” he said. “I want my work to mean something.”
loved ones to gather with others who share a common theme: the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Walkers carry colored flowers which represent their association with the disease, which can range from people who have it to people who don’t know anyone with it but are still fighting for a cure. “It’s a big gathering of people,” said Chris. “It gets pretty active.”
Large turnouts at walk events help with fundraising, but increasing awareness and raising hope is equally valuable. Recently, the Alzheimer’s Association introduced the white flower, which will represents a person who will survive the effects of the disease. Although Alzheimer’s Disease is still incurable, the white His previous experience doing the Walk to End flower represents the hope that there will be Alzheimer’s allowed Chris to interact with people a cure by the time the next generation would who are directly affected by the disease. While be affected by the disease. The hope of the walking, Chris spoke with others and observed Alzheimer’s Association, and all people familiar their efforts to bring more awareness and support with the disease, is that someday white flowers for a cure. “You get to see how this has impacted will dominate walks across the nation. “The walk families,” he said. “It was definitely eye-opening.” is just this solidarity,” said Chris. “It’s quite a Walk events are an opportunity for families and thing to be a part of.”
Soure: https://www.alz.org/firstsurvivor/overview.asp
When you’re around all these people that are affected by it, you have so much in common with them,
SYNERGY HOMECARE WORDSEARCH Words can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal and also backwards.
ANIMAL AWARENESS CAREGIVER COMPANION COMPASSION DOG EMOTIONAL ENDALZ
PET PLANNING PREPARATION SERVICE SUPPORT TRAVEL VACATION WALK
DOWN 1. The walk to End Alzheimer’s helps increase ______ 4. The color of flower that will one day represent a survivor of Alzheimer’s, 6. Part of preparing for vacation travel 7. Caregiver Tip #2 Be a good ______
Hint check out the rest of the magazine for more clues. ACROSS 2. The ______ to End Alzheimer’s 3. Emotional ______ Animal 5. One title of a person who can travel with you, or a pet who keeps you company 8. The type of dog that performs work for a specific person. 9. What people like to during the summer. Key is available at https://goo.gl/fvDRmz
Deborah P., a caregiver from SYNERGY HomeCare of Edmond, OK, has been a Certified Nursing Assistant since 2000. She has provided caregiving services in hospital patient care, med surge, ortho, cardio units, home health care, and private duty! Here are some caregiving tips from Deborah:
1 2
Have dedication, compassion, and patience!
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Take a walk, read a book, or play a game! Engagement is key!
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Help them to do things every day that they enjoy.
Be a good listener. Your client has such amazing stories to share with you!
DEBORAH P. EDMOND, OK
C A R E G I V E R S I N A C T I O N : J AY N D .
Jayn formed a beautiful relationship with Betty. They would sit for several hours and knit or crochet (Jayn is talented enough to do both very well) and JAYN D. talk about whatever BEAVERTON, OR Betty had on her mind for that day. In time, Jayn was able to work
with Betty to take a shower one day a week, and then later, to wash her hair another day in the same week. Further, she was able to get Betty excited about having a foot soak each time Jayn is there. The sons were ecstatic! Betty has eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch for who knows how many years. Her sons were fine with this as they were choosing their battles and she was getting a hot meal at night. One day, Jayn brought Taco Bell food to Betty’s house. Betty willingly ate a taco and later, they went on a field trip to Taco Bell.
Source: Caregiver of the Year nomination - 2017
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ne day, an adult son came to SYNERGY HomeCare of Beaverton, OR, to see if they could take care of his mother. He said she mostly needed companion care. The two sons were taking beautiful care of her (the best that sons can), but they were uncomfortable about getting her to take a shower. Betty was very resistive to any kind of care or changes in her life.
Except for doctor’s appointments, Betty never left the house. She expressed interest to Jayn about planting some flowers. The next time Jayn was there, she brought plants, dirt and pots and the two of them were outside on the deck potting flowers. SUMMER 2018 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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A B L E T O T R AV E L
S
ummertime is synonymous with vacation travel. Travel challenges can be compounded for people who live with disabilities. Special preparation and planning helps overcome the difficulties faced by disabled travelers.
Disabilities are unique to each person. Even when disabilities are related, the effects on each individual are different. said Diane Baker, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Waupaca. Although travelers with disabilities often travel with a family member or a professional travel companion, consideration for the unique circumstances of the disabled traveler is essential for an enjoyable and safe experience.
It depends on who you’re traveling with,
Determining the specifics on accessibility for each portion of a trip is a key part of traveling. Transferring between different types of equipment may be required. For example, Diane said that people in wheelchairs often need to switch from their regular wheelchair to a smaller one that fits on an airplane when flying. Others may need special wheels for uncommon terrain, such as a beach. People who rely on walkers or even canes will need to be prepared for potential equipment changes depending on where they plan to travel.
Diane’s team helped a disabled client take a trip to California. The trip required the client to be transferred between several types of equipment, so advanced preparation was necessary. “It was several months of planning,” said Diane. The client and the accompanying caregiver prepared for the trip through special therapy sessions, where they practiced swapping between equipment, so that both people knew what to expect when the vacation came. Traveling with a companion is a great idea for anyone; for people with disabilities it is often a necessity. Most often the companion will be a spouse or other family member, sometimes it will be a professional travel companion. “Number one is finding people that can do it and are willing to do it,” said Diane. She said that a travel companion must recognize that the trip is a full-time caring experience, even if both people are on vacation. The right travel companion will always put the needs of the disabled traveler first. Another aspect of advance planning is advanced communications with organizations involved in the vacation. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, and even tourist sites should be contacted to discuss accessibility options. Proactive communication will ensure that the travelers and the organizations are prepared for the trip and that necessary support is available and provided. For tourist destinations, tour guides often have in-depth knowledge of the sites, as well as the means for people with disabilities to participate. Everyone loves vacation and traveling for vacation can be most efficient with proper research, planning, and preparation. People with disabilities can enjoy the same vacation experiences as anyone else when they and their travel companions are prepared for their unique travel challenges.
T R AV E L I N G T I PS
FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
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Plan ahead. Know what you want to do and where you want to go so you can prepare to spend time there.
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Call ahead. Ask about accessibility. Follow up to make sure they are prepared for your visit.
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Practice. Some businesses, like airlines, provide special equipment that works for their environment. Be prepared to move between yours and theirs.
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Consider a travel agent. There are many travel agencies that specialize in travel for people with disabilities.
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Have a companion. A family member or professional caregiver who is familiar with your specific needs can ensure you’re focused on enjoying your vacation.
SUMMER 2018 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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