PRISON WORK
An innovative part of the project was to establish Scotland’s i rst prison-based
assistance dog training programme. Working with the Scottish Prison Service
and Paws for Progress, a training centre was established at HMP Castle Huntly. An
open prison, which focuses on the rehabilitation of of enders, the assistance dog
training programme allows the men to assist the Dementia Dog training team,
thereby of ering valuable help to the project while learning employability skills.Julia and Georgie. COMMUNITY DOGS
The assistance dogs of er so many
benei ts to dementia suf erers, but many
people who don’t qualify also benei t
from contact with therapy dogs.
In a bid to reach as many people as
possible, the Dementia Dog Project
launched Community Dogs in Scotland
in 2018 and expanded the project
into Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and
Hertfordshire in England, where three
Dementia Community Dogs are currently
in operation.
Maddy explained: “The dogs are
owned and trained by Dogs for Good
but live with their handlers and go out
to visit clients who are referred by social
care or dementia care organisations.
“A pioneering programme of animal
assisted interventions is used, which
involves the handler working with
a health-care professional to identify
personal goals for the dementia suf erer
to achieve.”
This approach is used mainly
for dementia suf erers who
feel socially isolated or lack
coni dence, so goals may
include reconnecting with
old friends or joining new
social groups.DOG DAYS
The Dementia Dog Project
also runs Dog Days, which are
monthly events of ering dementia
suf erers the chance to meet gentle,
trained dogs in a dementia-friendly
environment. Families and carers are
also welcome so it of ers a wonderful
opportunity to socialise, relax, and
have fun.
The dogs involved are family pets
and anyone can volunteer to have their
dog assessed. Those with a suitable
temperament are sent to the Dogs
for Good training ground where both
dog and owner complete a bespoke
eight-week training programme.
“They are then assessed by an
independent assessor who coni rms
the dogs’ suitability to participate inDogs for Good has
350 one-on-one
canine partnerships
in the UK.DID YOU
KNOW?Dog Days,” said Maddy. “The partner
organisation will also deliver a dementia
awareness training course to the Dog
Days volunteers.”A WORK IN PROGRESS
The Dementia Dog Project is
now exploring the future of
the collaboration.
“The assistance dog
aspect of the project
has reached the end of
its i rst stage and the
results are now being
analysed to see exactly how
ef ective assistance dogs are,”
explained Peter.
“What is clear is that the project has
been immensely valuable in showing
how dogs can work with people with
dementia,” he said. “We have identii ed that
the assistance dog model is brilliant, but
there are some limitations in it because of
the nature of people living with dementia,
including the comorbidities (related health
conditions) associated with their age.
“I have heard some incredible stories
where a dog has gone in and reset
a couple’s relationship,” Peter added.
“Dogs are great motivators. I’ve also
heard stories of people saying the dog has
given them a new lease of life, and that’s
very heartening.”56 Your Dog March 2020ACCESSING THE
COMMUNITY
Julia Winters and her
Golden Retriever, Georgie,
who is three years old, have
been working with dementia
clients since July 2018.
“Usually, I work with people who have
early to moderate stages of dementia,”
said Julia, from Bristol. “I also work with
Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia clients.
“I work with three or four clients over
a few visits per week. We ultimately look to
deliver a programme that spans six weeks
per person.”
Julia usually visits two clients each
day as she has to factor travel time, plus
rest time and walks for Georgie, into her
working day.
Goals are decided through discussion
with the client, a dementia professional,
and the family, and adapted as needed.
“It may be that as we progress through
the six weeks a new goal is added due
to their coni dence being increased,”
explained Julia. “Lots of the goals are
related to independence and access into
the community.
“A typical visit would involve introducing
the dog and strengthening the bond
between the client and dog. Then going
out on the bus or to a specii c place with
the dog. We use a dual lead so the dog is
providing a physical reassurance to the
client. Out and about we may do some
particular tasks such as a head rest, if
coni dence is an issue.”
Georgie’s training is constantly updated
and adapted. “She will learn about going
to new places, and tricks and skills are
tailored to the client’s needs,” added Julia.
“Or the person may teach her something
themselves as part of a goal.”Case
study
“A key part of being an assistance dog is to help
prevent dementia suff erers feeling isolated.”
e.nt dement
Dogs can improve the quality of life
of families af ected by dementia.These dogs are taught
a range of skills.Image: http://www.leadinglines.net54-56 YD Dementia CS MH(SW)ok.indd 56 23/01/2020 15:53