Advice

How can you plan for your pet’s care after you’ve been diagnosed with dementia?

Anyone who has had a pet understands how they become loved family members.

Pets are also good for us. They offer companionship, purpose and activity. They can help us stay connected to other people. These benefits are even more valuable if you have dementia.

Having dementia symptoms might make you worry about your pet’s care. Planning ahead can give you peace of mind and help prevent later problems.

Pet routine and task reminders

A routine makes it easier to do tasks such as feeding, walking and letting your pet in or out.

People find different kinds of reminders helpful. These could be notes or signs left where you’ll see them at the right time, or reminders on your phone or another device.

Are there useful prompts for when you need to do something? For example, do you check your cat’s food after your breakfast, or walk your dog after listening to the news?

Help from others with pet care

Act on any signs that you might need help with pet care. Perhaps you or someone else notices something you’ve missed. Maybe you feel more tired after walks or there’s a change in your pet’s behaviour or appearance.

Are there family members, friends or neighbours who could do specific tasks?

Blue Cross offers advice about pet sitters, walkers and care for a day or longer.

Planning for your pet’s future

The idea of not being able to care for your pet can be scary. Thinking ahead and getting help means they can continue to be safe and well.

The Cinnamon Trust can help to plan and find day-to-day, temporary or lifelong support.

Your tips about planning pet care

Sue Beeson, in Worcestershire, says,

‘As with all the challenges that have faced me since my Alzheimer’s diagnosis, when I discovered I could only bring one of my two dogs with me to my new assisted living apartment, I used a “solution-focused” approach.

This means asking: what is the problem, what might the solution look like, and what steps would I have to take to get from ‘Problem Island’ to ‘Solution Island’?

‘Although one of my dogs was very large, she had already been trained to be a Pets as Therapy dog, which I was taking into a local school.

‘It made sense to keep her with me and re-home the smaller but more nervous dog. As she was homed with someone I know, I could still get to see her.

‘I discussed all my decisions with my children, who helped by listening and advising when required, as well as pitching in with practical help.

‘If it can be managed, having a pet to care for can be a real motivator.

‘Having a dog gives me a reason to get up every day, helps me to establish and stick to a routine, and to have some exercise and fresh air every day, whatever the weather. Having a dog often encourages people to smile and say hello.

Before dementia progresses to a stage where pets might not be cared for, put together a plan for what will happen to them. 

'Doing this early on could bring peace of mind to all concerned.'