The Impact of Service Dogs for TBI and Neurological Disorder Patients
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI or other neurological disorder, and as a consequence experiences mobility issues, please check out the Mobility Assistance Dogs section for additional information. Many of the service dogs we have placed have a range of functions, serving clients with multiple diagnoses. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients often experience loss of dexterity, difficulty walking, vision impairments, and coordination issues, along with mental and emotional symptoms. Our service dogs have successfully integrated into the lives and therapies of TBI patients, assisting with balance, retrieving dropped items, and preventing injuries related to poor coordination or vision loss.
Assisting with balance
Retrieving dropped items
Preventing injuries related to poor coordination
Assist with dressing habits, grasp, and targeting
Acts as a positive motivator to ease mental and emotional symptoms
Service Dogs in rehabilitation therapies
Many of our clients involve their service dogs in rehabilitation therapies, such as practicing dressing habits, grasp, and targeting. Additionally, service dogs play a crucial role as motivating and bonded companions, helping to alleviate depression and isolation. By providing a positive focus and physical assistance, these dogs empower their human partners to interact with others and regain independence.
If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI or other neurological disorder, and as a consequence experiences mobility issues, please check out the Mobility Assistance Dogs section for additional information. Many of the service dogs we have placed have a range of functions, serving clients with multiple diagnoses.
Wes has been acclimating great since we've met, even sleeping through a flight when we had to travel during the holidays just two weeks into working alongside him. He makes me laugh and has been giving me the confidence and support I need while I manage my condition while being his goofy self. I can't thank you all enough for raising and training this awesome dog!
- Keegan & Wes
Service Dogs for other neurological conditions
We also serve clients with neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, and/or PTSD. Comparative to TBI patients, self-isolation, difficulty transitioning, a lack of connection to peers or community, and depression can accompany neurological disorders affecting a client's ability to communicate and/or access their community. To appropriately mitigate neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, service dogs can interrupt self-harming behaviors, alert to night awakenings, and prevent elopement behaviors.
The bond plays an important social role in these types of service dogs- allowing their human partners to safely navigate the world while increasing quality of life.
