Date: 3/31/2009 7:21 PM
One option for addressing the high costs of long-term care is to buy an insurance policy. Policies can cover the cost of hiring someone to help the recipient with in-home cleaning, cooking, bathing and dressing.
Coverage may also include assisted living in a facility outside the home or could include nursing home care.
The AARP offers several tips if you’re considering long-term health care insurance.
1. Buy a policy when you’re still middle aged and before the onset of serious health problems. Waiting until you’re in your 70s or 80s or in failing health could mean insurers won’t sell you insurance or they’ll make premiums too expensive.
2. Balance your goals with the cost. Goals should include protecting your assets, minimizing your dependence on other family members, and controlling where and how you receive long-term care services. For a 65-year-old, a policy could cost between $2,000 and $3,000 a year to cover nursing home care and home care. You may choose not to buy a policy if it forces you to lower your quality of living or makes you give up things you need now.
3. Decide what coverage suits you best. Some pay only for nursing home care, others only for in-home care. Polices can be purchased to cover a mixture of options including home care (sometimes including care by a family member), assisted living or adult day care.
4. Look at the daily or monthly benefit, which shows limits to what the insurance company will pay. If the cost of your care exceeds these limits, you’ll have to pay the difference. Policies also will have a benefit period, which may be two years, six years, or the rest of your life.
5. Check to see what kind of inflation protection is included in the policy. Medical care expenses climb so rapidly that a lack of inflation protection may leave you paying a large portion of care yourself.
6. Make sure that your long-term care policy doesn’t require that you spend time in a hospital to receive benefits; that it will be renewed as long as you pay premiums; and that it lets you stop paying premiums once you begin receiving benefits. Also make sure it covers pre-existing conditions if you disclosed them when you applied.
7. Consider optional products including life insurance policies or annuities with long-term care benefit riders.
Sources: AARP: http://www.aarp.org/money/financial_planning/sessionfive/longter —ca re_insurance.html
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Natasha Richardson Details Reviewed
Perhaps no story impacting brain injury has impacted the public’s consciousness more than that of Natasha Richardson. I could write on this from dozens of angles and perhaps will in the coming months. The best news story (as opposed to commentary) on her injury and subsequent death is at the below link on the Global Mail website:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090327.wrichardson0327/BNStory/National/
What is clearer in this piece than in the others is how the life threatening delay in her treatment occurred. This happened because people who should have known better, allowed someone suspected of having a concussion, make the critical errors with respect to her medical care. It is a theme I have echoed since the first days of http://tbilaw.com in 1996. One cannot rely on the memory and/or judgment of someone who has been concussed.
If Natasha had been put in a helicopter when her symptoms started to progress in that first hour after brain injury, odds are she would be alive today. The type of brain injury that killed her is the type we have made the most advances in treating because it is the kind of brain injury for which surgery makes a difference.
When I and my co-author, Becca Martin were writing http://waiting.com in the winter of 1997, we had a dedicated nurse from Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin assisting us, Denise M. Lemke, RN. I asked her what she believed to be the most important advance in medical science to help brain injured, expecting her to say the CT or MRI. What she said then was “the helicopter.” As with Natasha, the flight for life is the true miracle, because it allows doctors to work their magic while there is still a chance to eliminate the true killer, intracranial pressure.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
http://subtlebraininjury.com
http://thelegaltimes.net
http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com
http://vestibulardisorder.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
g@gordonjohnson.com
800-992-9447
©Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr. 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090327.wrichardson0327/BNStory/National/
What is clearer in this piece than in the others is how the life threatening delay in her treatment occurred. This happened because people who should have known better, allowed someone suspected of having a concussion, make the critical errors with respect to her medical care. It is a theme I have echoed since the first days of http://tbilaw.com in 1996. One cannot rely on the memory and/or judgment of someone who has been concussed.
If Natasha had been put in a helicopter when her symptoms started to progress in that first hour after brain injury, odds are she would be alive today. The type of brain injury that killed her is the type we have made the most advances in treating because it is the kind of brain injury for which surgery makes a difference.
When I and my co-author, Becca Martin were writing http://waiting.com in the winter of 1997, we had a dedicated nurse from Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin assisting us, Denise M. Lemke, RN. I asked her what she believed to be the most important advance in medical science to help brain injured, expecting her to say the CT or MRI. What she said then was “the helicopter.” As with Natasha, the flight for life is the true miracle, because it allows doctors to work their magic while there is still a chance to eliminate the true killer, intracranial pressure.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
http://subtlebraininjury.com
http://thelegaltimes.net
http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com
http://vestibulardisorder.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
g@gordonjohnson.com
800-992-9447
©Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr. 2009
CDC Finding re: Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most difficult to answer and unfortunately way to often asked questions on our 800 number is about coma prognosis and treatment. A study cited on the Center for Disease Control’s website (CDC) discusses new research in this area. With the Natasha Richardson seemingly mild brain injury that turned deadly, these findings become even more relevant.
From the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dir/Brain_Trauma_Guidelines.htm
From the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dir/Brain_Trauma_Guidelines.htm
CDC Study Finds that Adoption of the Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines Could Result in a Substantial Reduction in Traumatic Brain-Injury-Related DeathsA great resource, but not distributed by the Federal Government, because of copyright restrictions. One really must wonder about the goals and objectives though of an organization called the Brain Trauma Association that is there to save lives in emergency situations, who restricts access to perhaps its most important educational goals. Some things should just simply be free of copyright. Were Federal tax dollars used for this research? How do non-profit organizations get their priorities so backwards?
CDC Study Finds that Adoption of the Brain Trauma Foundation Guidelines Could Result in a Substantial Reduction in Traumatic Brain-Injury-Related Deaths coverThe December issue of the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care features a study conducted by CDC on the effectiveness of adopting the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) in-hospital guidelines for the treatment of adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The findings presented in this article demonstrate that widespread adoption of these guidelines could result in a 50% decrease in deaths, and a savings of approximately $288 million in medical and rehabilitation costs. In addition, the study concludes that adopting these guidelines could result in $3.8 billion—the estimated lifelong savings in annual societal costs for severely injured TBI patients.
This study demonstrates that routine use of these guidelines could result in a substantial reduction in deaths and medical, rehabilitative, and societal costs.
The BTF guidelines for in-hospital care were developed over 10 years ago, in collaboration with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Companion guidelines for pre-hospital care were prepared with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and issued later. Although disseminated widely, these guidelines need far greater implementation.
To purchase this special issue, access the publisher’s website.*
(CDC is unable to provide free copies because of copyright regulations.)
Air Force unveils brain injury clinic in Alaska
Date: 3/19/2009
By RACHEL D’ORO
Associated Press Writer
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AP) — Behind Dan DeRosa’s smiling face lurks a dull headache that never goes away. He suffers from memory lapses and hears a shrill ringing in his ears akin to the lingering squeal of a heavy metal concert.
These are some of the unseen scars left by a roadside bomb in Iraq. But at the Air Force’s only traumatic brain injury clinic, the 26-year-old soldier is learning new skills to deal with the aftermath of the blast.
“I wouldn’t say my memory really is getting any better, but my ability to adapt to the fact that my memory’s really not getting any better has gotten a lot better,” said DeRosa, a sergeant assigned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage.
He is among 1,500 patients screened since the TBI Clinic opened at neighboring Elmendorf Air Force Base and one of 75 currently monitored on a regular basis.
The clinic was established in early 2007 at the Elmendorf hospital. Base medics and officials anticipated that some of the 3,500 paratroopers with the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq from Fort Richardson would return with the war’s signature wound.
Soon after the clinic opened, Army traumatic brain injury specialists were temporarily assigned to help the Air Force with returning soldiers.
The facility has since evolved with more services and staff experts including a case manager and a speech-language pathologist. It’s now among a growing number of treatment outlets within the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for military members with brain injuries and the post traumatic stress disorder that frequently accompany them.
The DOD’s health affairs office is assessing the Elmendorf clinic and many others. The DOD estimates that up to 20 percent of the roughly 1.8 million U.S. troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have returned with brain injuries.
The vast majority of them suffer concussions such as those seen at the Air Force clinic, which also treats military members and relatives with brain injuries resulting from car crashes, hiking accidents and slipping on ice.
Without the Elmendorf service, the only options for Alaska-based troops would be facilities outside the remote state or long-distance programs by civilian providers, said Maj. Peter Osterbauer, a neurologist who heads the TBI clinic.
“It’s not just the one brigade that was going to come back,” Osterbauer said. “There’s going to be more in the future.”
Little more than a year after the 4th Brigade returned from Iraq, in fact, 3,500 of its paratroopers shipped out last month for an Afghanistan assignment.
Clinic officials say screening has improved to more accurately diagnose cases like DeRosa’s. But as with so many others hurt in Iraq and Afghanistan, his injury wasn’t immediately apparent after the initial shock of the June 2007 explosion.
DeRosa was driving a Humvee with three passengers outside Baghdad when the bomb went off beneath the engine, flinging the vehicle 50 yards into a ditch. No one was killed, he said, but one soldier suffered ruptured eardrums, another’s knee was damaged and the gunner flew through the turret “like a champagne cork.” DeRosa stumbled out of the Humvee with a broken arm and shrapnel wounds along the edge of his body armor.
DeRosa didn’t have time to dwell on his more long-term symptoms. He dismissed them as wartime stress. It wasn’t until after returning six months later that his problems became apparent, particularly after a long visit with his family in his hometown of Berkley, Mass.
“I started noticing things,” he said. “My hearing was not as good, I still had a headache, I wasn’t sleeping well, I wasn’t sure where I put my car keys.”
Back in Alaska, a post-deployment screening showed DeRosa needed to be checked out further by a battery of tests. Ultimately diagnosed with TBI, he became a patient at the Elmendorf clinic last spring.
DeRosa’s progress is monitored by Osterbauer. He meets three times a week with Maj. Ava Craig, an Air Force speech pathologist who said DeRosa has shown improvements in such areas as language, reader comprehension and concentration.
None of the medications prescribed for his headaches has worked, which makes DeRosa eligible for Botox injections, highly effective in treating headaches.
Botox has worked wonders for Staff Sgt. Gabriel Fierros, whose face and left eye were struck by shrapnel when his helicopter was shot down by small-arms fire outside Baghdad in April 2007.
The 28-year-old soldier from Marengo, Ill., spent seven months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, recovering from a hard blow he compares to “a baseball bat to the face.” He also hears a high-pitched ringing in his ears, has memory problems and struggles with irritability, nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
He receives Botox every three months. In the latest round, Osterbauer delivered 18 injections to the front of Fierros’ head and another 10 to 15 in the back. Fierros took it stoically.
“When I first came here, I always had a headache. I was always worn out, tired. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t remember my cell phone number, couldn’t remember how to get home,” he said. “Seeing the different specialists has helped a lot.”
Officials at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, 260 miles to the north, like the concept so much, they are planning to open up a similar TBI clinic near the post hospital within six months.
___
On the Net:
http://www.elmendorf.af.mil
http://www.usarak.army.mil/main
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
By RACHEL D’ORO
Associated Press Writer
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AP) — Behind Dan DeRosa’s smiling face lurks a dull headache that never goes away. He suffers from memory lapses and hears a shrill ringing in his ears akin to the lingering squeal of a heavy metal concert.
These are some of the unseen scars left by a roadside bomb in Iraq. But at the Air Force’s only traumatic brain injury clinic, the 26-year-old soldier is learning new skills to deal with the aftermath of the blast.
“I wouldn’t say my memory really is getting any better, but my ability to adapt to the fact that my memory’s really not getting any better has gotten a lot better,” said DeRosa, a sergeant assigned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage.
He is among 1,500 patients screened since the TBI Clinic opened at neighboring Elmendorf Air Force Base and one of 75 currently monitored on a regular basis.
The clinic was established in early 2007 at the Elmendorf hospital. Base medics and officials anticipated that some of the 3,500 paratroopers with the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq from Fort Richardson would return with the war’s signature wound.
Soon after the clinic opened, Army traumatic brain injury specialists were temporarily assigned to help the Air Force with returning soldiers.
The facility has since evolved with more services and staff experts including a case manager and a speech-language pathologist. It’s now among a growing number of treatment outlets within the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for military members with brain injuries and the post traumatic stress disorder that frequently accompany them.
The DOD’s health affairs office is assessing the Elmendorf clinic and many others. The DOD estimates that up to 20 percent of the roughly 1.8 million U.S. troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have returned with brain injuries.
The vast majority of them suffer concussions such as those seen at the Air Force clinic, which also treats military members and relatives with brain injuries resulting from car crashes, hiking accidents and slipping on ice.
Without the Elmendorf service, the only options for Alaska-based troops would be facilities outside the remote state or long-distance programs by civilian providers, said Maj. Peter Osterbauer, a neurologist who heads the TBI clinic.
“It’s not just the one brigade that was going to come back,” Osterbauer said. “There’s going to be more in the future.”
Little more than a year after the 4th Brigade returned from Iraq, in fact, 3,500 of its paratroopers shipped out last month for an Afghanistan assignment.
Clinic officials say screening has improved to more accurately diagnose cases like DeRosa’s. But as with so many others hurt in Iraq and Afghanistan, his injury wasn’t immediately apparent after the initial shock of the June 2007 explosion.
DeRosa was driving a Humvee with three passengers outside Baghdad when the bomb went off beneath the engine, flinging the vehicle 50 yards into a ditch. No one was killed, he said, but one soldier suffered ruptured eardrums, another’s knee was damaged and the gunner flew through the turret “like a champagne cork.” DeRosa stumbled out of the Humvee with a broken arm and shrapnel wounds along the edge of his body armor.
DeRosa didn’t have time to dwell on his more long-term symptoms. He dismissed them as wartime stress. It wasn’t until after returning six months later that his problems became apparent, particularly after a long visit with his family in his hometown of Berkley, Mass.
“I started noticing things,” he said. “My hearing was not as good, I still had a headache, I wasn’t sleeping well, I wasn’t sure where I put my car keys.”
Back in Alaska, a post-deployment screening showed DeRosa needed to be checked out further by a battery of tests. Ultimately diagnosed with TBI, he became a patient at the Elmendorf clinic last spring.
DeRosa’s progress is monitored by Osterbauer. He meets three times a week with Maj. Ava Craig, an Air Force speech pathologist who said DeRosa has shown improvements in such areas as language, reader comprehension and concentration.
None of the medications prescribed for his headaches has worked, which makes DeRosa eligible for Botox injections, highly effective in treating headaches.
Botox has worked wonders for Staff Sgt. Gabriel Fierros, whose face and left eye were struck by shrapnel when his helicopter was shot down by small-arms fire outside Baghdad in April 2007.
The 28-year-old soldier from Marengo, Ill., spent seven months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, recovering from a hard blow he compares to “a baseball bat to the face.” He also hears a high-pitched ringing in his ears, has memory problems and struggles with irritability, nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
He receives Botox every three months. In the latest round, Osterbauer delivered 18 injections to the front of Fierros’ head and another 10 to 15 in the back. Fierros took it stoically.
“When I first came here, I always had a headache. I was always worn out, tired. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t remember my cell phone number, couldn’t remember how to get home,” he said. “Seeing the different specialists has helped a lot.”
Officials at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, 260 miles to the north, like the concept so much, they are planning to open up a similar TBI clinic near the post hospital within six months.
___
On the Net:
http://www.elmendorf.af.mil
http://www.usarak.army.mil/main
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Williamsburg, VA: TBI Conference announcement
We are pleased to announce the 32nd annual professionals’ conference on Rehabilitation of the adult and child with traumatic brain injury: Practical solutions to real world problems to be held June 4-5 in Williamsburg, Virginia (USA). The conference will feature presentations relating to innovation and technology, and clinical research from the NIDRR-funded TBI Model Systems of Care. We are also presenting a family intervention pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, June 3.
The conference web site provides information regarding the faculty, schedule, registration, and hotel. You may download the complete conference brochure from the site. Please visit the site and share information about the conference with colleagues.
http://www.tbiconferences.org/williamsburg/index.html
The conference web site provides information regarding the faculty, schedule, registration, and hotel. You may download the complete conference brochure from the site. Please visit the site and share information about the conference with colleagues.
http://www.tbiconferences.org/williamsburg/index.html
Letter to waiting.com
Mr. Johnson,
My name is Teri Curington and I am finishing my graduate work this semester at The University of Texas at Tyler’s College of Nursing. I have worked in the field of ER medicine and neurological intensive care, working with patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, among other severe neurological injuries.
The purpose of this email is to request your permission to use some of the information and clip-art photo’s displayed at the website: http://www.waiting.com in a presentation I am going to be conducting in April. This presentation is a course requirement and will not be used for any other purpose.
The ‘Waiting’ website is one of the best I have seen which explains in detain and in plain English, brain injuries. In fact, I have recommened this site to several families whose loved ones have suffered severe head trauma (…and could use a good lawyer)!
Very Respectfully,
TCurington RN, BSN, NC USN
We granted this request and asked that she write us back with a copy of her presentation, which we will post when we receive it.
My name is Teri Curington and I am finishing my graduate work this semester at The University of Texas at Tyler’s College of Nursing. I have worked in the field of ER medicine and neurological intensive care, working with patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, among other severe neurological injuries.
The purpose of this email is to request your permission to use some of the information and clip-art photo’s displayed at the website: http://www.waiting.com in a presentation I am going to be conducting in April. This presentation is a course requirement and will not be used for any other purpose.
The ‘Waiting’ website is one of the best I have seen which explains in detain and in plain English, brain injuries. In fact, I have recommened this site to several families whose loved ones have suffered severe head trauma (…and could use a good lawyer)!
Very Respectfully,
TCurington RN, BSN, NC USN
We granted this request and asked that she write us back with a copy of her presentation, which we will post when we receive it.
Better brain trauma testing urged for those at war
Date: 3/12/2009 6:14 PM
By KIMBERLY HEFLING
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of doctors and scientists said Thursday the U.S. needs to devise a uniform test for traumatic brain injury to be performed on all troops who are exposed to a blast or other violent event in wartime.
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is often referred to as the signature wound of the Iraq war. Roadside bombs, vehicle accidents and other events have left hundreds of thousands of troops with such an injury.
Most are mild, and military medical officials have said an overwhelming majority heal without treatment. But Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, the head of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, has said 45,000 to 90,000 troops have suffered more severe and lasting symptoms.
The recommendations to Congress on Thursday came from a conference last fall in Paterson, N.J., sponsored by a congressional task force on brain injuries. Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey and Todd Platts of Pennsylvania are chairmen of the task force.
The group suggested that the assessment tool be used in wartime to determine if a soldier should return to duty. It also recommended improvements to traumatic brain injury research, better access to care and more resources for families of troops with TBI.
It asked Congress to spend $350 million on its recommendations to be overseen by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
“We’re approaching this from every different angle possible,” Pascrell said. “We have a sense of urgency.”
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
By KIMBERLY HEFLING
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of doctors and scientists said Thursday the U.S. needs to devise a uniform test for traumatic brain injury to be performed on all troops who are exposed to a blast or other violent event in wartime.
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is often referred to as the signature wound of the Iraq war. Roadside bombs, vehicle accidents and other events have left hundreds of thousands of troops with such an injury.
Most are mild, and military medical officials have said an overwhelming majority heal without treatment. But Brig. Gen. Loree Sutton, the head of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, has said 45,000 to 90,000 troops have suffered more severe and lasting symptoms.
The recommendations to Congress on Thursday came from a conference last fall in Paterson, N.J., sponsored by a congressional task force on brain injuries. Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey and Todd Platts of Pennsylvania are chairmen of the task force.
The group suggested that the assessment tool be used in wartime to determine if a soldier should return to duty. It also recommended improvements to traumatic brain injury research, better access to care and more resources for families of troops with TBI.
It asked Congress to spend $350 million on its recommendations to be overseen by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
“We’re approaching this from every different angle possible,” Pascrell said. “We have a sense of urgency.”
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
America’s VetDogs: Four-legged Therapy for Soldiers
In our firm we are confirmed believers in the benefit of canine companions. Our paralegal, Jayne, and her dog, Magic, recently completed their therapy dog certification and are well on their way to helping brighten up the days of nursing home residents in their area. Therapy dogs provide many services throughout our country. They visit hospitals, nursing homes and even participate in local libraries helping children develop reading skills. Dogs are all about unconditional love and compassion, a trait which benefits humans in many ways.
Now, therapy dogs are finding their way to Iraq to help soldier’s with the stress of war. The Veteran’s Administration has approved the use of canine officers to help our soldiers in coping with the trials and tribulations of deployment.
America’s VetDogs has served the needs of veterans since 1946. Originally providing service dogs for soldiers who are blind or visually impaired, they have expanded to meet the needs of many returning vets with a variety of services, free of charge. America’s VetDogs is a subsidiary of the non-profit Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind.
In recent years, we have become more aware of the tremendous role therapy dogs can take in relieving stress in traumatic situations. Therapy dogs were on site on 911 providing a respite to distressed rescue workers and now, they are making their way to Iraq where their very presence eases the lives of the soldiers fortunate enough to enjoy their benefits.
PTSD has become a major problem for returning soldiers and what better way to circumvent the devastation to soldier’s lives than a visit by a K-9 officer? Whether it’s just a moment to bond with a dog or lighten the day with a game of fetch, the mental health benefits of interactions with canines is well-known. Dogs come pre-loaded with all the love, understanding and joy required to offset the dangers of war-time. Dogs are ready confidants and infinite optimists without agendas.
We often talk about troop morale. But with an ongoing deployment such as the one in Iraq, it is hard not to suffer from stress. Stress is not only situational but includes concerns about what is going on at home and separation from loved ones. A therapy dog brings with it a touch of home and a moment to forget the rigors of deployment. Many soldiers have befriended the stray dogs of Iraq and Operation Baghdad Pups endeavors to bring canine companions back to the states to reunite with their veteran buddies. VetDogs has acknowledged this need by deploying canines.
Though some have questioned the effectiveness of deploying trained therapy dogs, their success has been proven through their work with veterans across the United States. These highly trained canines can serve their country in many ways whether serving overseas or assigned to military hospitals in the USA. Regardless of where they are called into service they will provide a completely non-judgmental ear which will allow soldiers to combat the emotional difficulties of deployment.
http://www.vetdogs.org/
Operation Baghdad Pups
Now, therapy dogs are finding their way to Iraq to help soldier’s with the stress of war. The Veteran’s Administration has approved the use of canine officers to help our soldiers in coping with the trials and tribulations of deployment.
America’s VetDogs has served the needs of veterans since 1946. Originally providing service dogs for soldiers who are blind or visually impaired, they have expanded to meet the needs of many returning vets with a variety of services, free of charge. America’s VetDogs is a subsidiary of the non-profit Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind.
In recent years, we have become more aware of the tremendous role therapy dogs can take in relieving stress in traumatic situations. Therapy dogs were on site on 911 providing a respite to distressed rescue workers and now, they are making their way to Iraq where their very presence eases the lives of the soldiers fortunate enough to enjoy their benefits.
PTSD has become a major problem for returning soldiers and what better way to circumvent the devastation to soldier’s lives than a visit by a K-9 officer? Whether it’s just a moment to bond with a dog or lighten the day with a game of fetch, the mental health benefits of interactions with canines is well-known. Dogs come pre-loaded with all the love, understanding and joy required to offset the dangers of war-time. Dogs are ready confidants and infinite optimists without agendas.
We often talk about troop morale. But with an ongoing deployment such as the one in Iraq, it is hard not to suffer from stress. Stress is not only situational but includes concerns about what is going on at home and separation from loved ones. A therapy dog brings with it a touch of home and a moment to forget the rigors of deployment. Many soldiers have befriended the stray dogs of Iraq and Operation Baghdad Pups endeavors to bring canine companions back to the states to reunite with their veteran buddies. VetDogs has acknowledged this need by deploying canines.
Though some have questioned the effectiveness of deploying trained therapy dogs, their success has been proven through their work with veterans across the United States. These highly trained canines can serve their country in many ways whether serving overseas or assigned to military hospitals in the USA. Regardless of where they are called into service they will provide a completely non-judgmental ear which will allow soldiers to combat the emotional difficulties of deployment.
http://www.vetdogs.org/
Operation Baghdad Pups