Caregiving NAVIGATING ALZHE
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and allay its devastating effect on his learning and well-being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough to stabilize JJ’s health. Then, JJ’s community stepped up in a way that changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, an RV community where JJ and his family live in Sarasota, Florida, learned about the difficult situation his family faced and took the initiative to help. Enter Ezra, the service dog. The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated Air Force veteran of three combat operations in the Middle East, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping with their loss, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs. Canines for Heroes has years of experience matching service dogs with individuals in need. So, Mark LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty. Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life Trained to Protect
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a role filled with love, frustration, guilt, and resilience, often all in the same hour. When you’re also juggling a job, family commitments, and your own personal needs, the balancing act can feel overwhelming. But many caregivers manage this reality every day … and learn as they go. The Emotional Weight of Care Alzheimer’s caregiving is unique because the disease slowly changes the person you love. You’re not just helping with daily tasks; you’re grieving small losses along the way. This emotional weight can spill into work meetings, family dinners, and moments meant for rest. Acknowledging this grief without judging yourself for it is an important first step. Caregivers aren’t superheroes; they’re human beings doing their best. The Attempt to Avoid Burnout Balancing a career with caregiving often requires creativity and honesty. Flexible schedules, remote work options, and adjusted responsibilities can make a world of difference. While it can be hard to open up at work, many employers are more understanding than we expect, especially when they know what you’re facing. Setting boundaries is key: You can be dedicated to your job without sacrificing your health or your loved one’s care.
to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship, interrupting potential panic attacks by calming their human companions. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to detect seizures by using his ability to sense subtle changes in scent or behavior. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take medications to curtail the seizures and
ensure he was in a safe place. Ezra’s presence led to striking
improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
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2 TrinityElderLaw.com
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