A project which trains dogs to help families coping with dementia is hoping to find homes for two of its star pupils.
The Dementia Dog Project, run by Alzheimer Scotland and Dogs for Good, trains dogs to help with a range of specialist tasks, from retrieving medication to helping wake someone up to get dressed and can help with getting out and about in the local community.
Now, after two years of intensive training, dynamic Labrador duo Lenny and Hope have the skills to help enhance the quality of life for people living with early-stage dementia.
A drop-in session in Aberdeen next month will allow prospective candidates to meet the dogs and discuss the possibility of using their services.
Project manager Fiona Corner said: “It is wonderful to see the incredible impact these dogs can have for the people they go on to live with and support.
“We are now keen to hear from couples and families who would like to apply for one of these specially trained dogs.
“We are looking for people who are in the early stages of dementia and living at home with a full-time carer, have a fenced garden and love dogs.
“You don’t need to have previously owned a dog in order to apply. These highly trained dogs are provided free of charge, with support and training provided through the Dementia Dog Project.”
Six months ago, Malcolm and his wife and full-time carer Imke received assistance dog Webb.
Imke said: “Webb helps in all sorts of practical ways – fetching medication, taking off Malcolm’s socks, finding and opening doors and getting us out of the house together.
“Webb introduces laughter back into the home, in turn Malcolm benefits by Webb giving me the strength to cope.
“The wonderful people from Alzheimer Scotland have also come into our lives to offer technical support and assistance in accessing practical help.”
Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, added: “The Dementia Dogs project is a fantastic example of collaborative and pioneering working to develop different types of support for people living with dementia and we have been thrilled to take this forward.”
A drop-in session will be held at Alzheimer Scotland’s Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre at 13-19 King Street on July 5 from 1pm-3.30pm.
To confirm your place, email nsutherland@alzscot.org or phone 07771 358843. For more on the project, visit www.dementiadog.org
