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579d

going to college soon, concerned how i’m going to manage my health alone. my mother has been a major part of my health care (scheduling appointments, driving me to clinics, keeping track of meds and refilling them). she does so much for me. i think a service dog would help, but i don’t know. thoughts?

    • Walking_Library

      578d

      This may be a hard pill to swallow but considering all those tasks you’ve listed and related tasks have a big commitment and motivation factor, I think it would be best if you didn’t get a service dog. Service dogs take a lot of time, energy, and resources (money, food, vet care, etc.) to obtain and train even if you’re not doing the training. Service dogs have a high rate of washing out during training if you are inconsistent as a person. Being inconsistent could mean not showing up to training sessions, not engaging as much as usual due to depression symptoms, giving the dog mixed signals by throwing them a lot of commands at once, etc. Plus, with a limited amount of energy and motivation, it may be harder to care for a dog. A dog is a huge commitment in general, but a service dog is an even bigger commitment that has to have specialized attention, top notch vet care, an excellent quality of life that may not be achievable even for some household pets, and has to tolerate outside ableism. What you need is probably another human caretaker if the situation calls for it or to find some sort of caretaker service that works for you. Try a medicine delivery service, talk to your therapist about how to get more consistent when taking medicine, contact people and services in your area that give rides to everyone or disabled people for low or no cost, make sure to schedule your next appointment while still at the doctors office so you don’t have to call in for another appointment, try a mobility aid if you are having mobility or stability issues, etc. But also stay in contact with your mother, she will most likely continue to do things like make appointments for you and fight with insurance if you really need her to, that’s what good parents do. Most importantly, research your options, there’s a lot out there that isn’t a living animal that could be beneficial to you. I hope this helps. 🙏

      • hime

        578d

        @Walking_Library thank you so much for this reply! definitely gave me something to think about :) i haven’t thought about what exactly i’m afraid ill be unable to do without someone else. my main concern is when i’m unable to get up and get medication for myself, like when i can’t even sit up and desperately need salt pills/nausea meds etc.

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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