Is Owning a Dog a Good Decision After Your Dad's Fall?

Your dad fell on his front steps taking his dog outside. Maybe he kicked the dog’s water dish and slipped in the water. He might have fallen in the yard while walking his dog. He’s fractured a bone in the process. You’re now wondering if he should still have a dog or if it’s becoming more of a risk to have the dog around. What do you do in this situation?

What Caused the Fall?

Homecare Town of Tioga FL - Is Owning a Dog a Good Decision After Your Dad's Fall?
Homecare Town of Tioga FL – Is Owning a Dog a Good Decision After Your Dad’s Fall?

You have to address what caused the fall. If his dog pulls at a leash and caused him to lose his balance, training the dog may be all it takes. If he fell in an uneven yard, you could level the hole he tripped in. Stair rails can be fixed to ensure he doesn’t trip going up or down the stairs.

Once you know what caused the fall, you can take care of the issue and lower the risk of falling again. It’s not a guarantee that he’ll never fall again, but it’s a start. Once you’ve begun to fix the issues that can lead to a fall, he’ll be safer. With supervision on stairs and outside, your worries will decrease.

You can also talk to a homecare agency about fall assessments and see if other things can help. Better fitting shoes, a cane, or exercises to strengthen leg muscles and improve balance are all good ideas.

Steps to Take if You Must Rehome

If you absolutely have to rehome his dog, try to get a close relative to take the dog. A person that the dog knows and likes is best. Your dad is going to be upset that his dog is going away. Regular visits will make the transition easier for him.

Talk to a shelter about rehoming. No one wants to see it reach this point, but there are times it’s better. If your dad fell because he has dementia and depth perception is going, he can’t care for the dog independently. At the very least, he needs someone with him each day to walk the dog and make sure the dog is fed.

A shelter can help you better understand how to rehome the dog. If they have space, they may agree to take the dog and rehome it. This is stressful for the dog and your dad, so it should be your last option.

Pets provide a level of companionship that your dad needs. His dog is probably helping him avoid feeling isolated or lonely. The dog might be the only reason he goes outside for walks.

Instead of rehoming his dog, hire homecare providers to be there to help him safely get up and down the stairs. Homecare aides can also join him on the walks and assist him while he’s healing. Call our homecare agency to learn more about caregiver services.

If you are considering Homecare Services in Town of Tioga FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.

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