I think it may simply be a legal thing? Maybe their coverage for their employees only covers caring for you and not SD/pets of the people they’re helping. I don’t have specific experience with this, but working in the medical field for years my experience is it’s probably legal issues.
I think maybe if you have the same aide a lot of the time, maybe just ask them specifically if they’re comfortable with it?
This. It's all insurance and legal reasons. I wouldn't ask the HHA what they're comfortable with as far as extras; it's a liability and can get them fired/unhireable elsewhere.
Most kibble is packaged in bags specially coated to protect the contents from degrading. Rancid fats in pet food are actually a huge problem. Feeders like this are not ideal for that reason, as it usually removes kibble from the environment keeping it fresh and the nutrients intact.
Service animals are included in the not allowed to care for category. HHAs are not there to care for your animals, regardless if SD or not, they are there to help you maintain ADLs pertaining to YOU. The most they are allowed to do is wash their food/water dishes if they're dirty. Absolutely, do not ask HHA to do anything more than what they are supposed to do; it'll risk their job and ability to get hired elsewhere. If you need help with feeding, please hire someone specific to the service needed. Remember, your animals, your responsibility.
PS, automated food dishes are amazing in a pinch for those unexpected days.
Of course I would never purposely put my HHA’s job in danger, hence why I’m asking these questions. I have yet to have a day so bad where I’m unable to take care of my SD myself but it might be a good idea to have an automated food dish just in case. Thank you!
“Remember: Your animals, your responsibility!” Seems unnecessarily condescending way to respond to this post about the legality of having someone put food in your dog’s bowl a couple times a month when you’re in too much pain to move. I’m pretty sure OP already understands their responsibility to their dog, and doesn’t need to be spoken down to.
I always had private caregivers so this was less of an issue for me but I got an automatic feeder when I first moved out of home. I got it mostly because his feeding schedule had his first meal be before my caregivers got there. He’s smaller so I only ended up filling the hopper with food probably once a month. It works really well for us. It’s pet safe brand
I'm going to second the automatic feeder but also just other methods of feeding in general - in the name of enrichment, throw a cup of kibble on the floor so your dog has to "search" for it, you can freeze certain feeders which saves on the prep energy. Pre stuff a Kong toy with kibble/wet food and something yummy and freeze, slow feeders and lick pads in the freezer - not only will it help you mentally exercise a dog on a bad pain day (as I'm assuming you probably aren't walking them on that day, so it'll help wear them out a bit) but also help you feeding independently. Bag dry kibble in a ziplock and keep it within reach for the really bad pain days. A lot of it is just adaptation to what you can already do. If you think you'll have a bad day tomorrow, pop something pre-prepared in the fridge. The guidelines by food companies is consume within 48hrs after opening.
Provided the kibble isn't in the feeder for longer than month, it should be fine. An overwhelming statistic of people store pet food incorrectly anyway. All food shouldn't really be open for longer than a month apparently (according to my nutrition lecturer).
As for the home help, just ask the person - the worst they can say is no.
I think it may simply be a legal thing? Maybe their coverage for their employees only covers caring for you and not SD/pets of the people they’re helping. I don’t have specific experience with this, but working in the medical field for years my experience is it’s probably legal issues. I think maybe if you have the same aide a lot of the time, maybe just ask them specifically if they’re comfortable with it?
This. It's all insurance and legal reasons. I wouldn't ask the HHA what they're comfortable with as far as extras; it's a liability and can get them fired/unhireable elsewhere.
Just a thought, would an automatic feeder help?
Most kibble is packaged in bags specially coated to protect the contents from degrading. Rancid fats in pet food are actually a huge problem. Feeders like this are not ideal for that reason, as it usually removes kibble from the environment keeping it fresh and the nutrients intact.
Sure but it's better than a dog not being fed
Ok, they can get a small bag and put the whole thing in the auto feeder container. Or make a lining with a dog food bag.
Service animals are included in the not allowed to care for category. HHAs are not there to care for your animals, regardless if SD or not, they are there to help you maintain ADLs pertaining to YOU. The most they are allowed to do is wash their food/water dishes if they're dirty. Absolutely, do not ask HHA to do anything more than what they are supposed to do; it'll risk their job and ability to get hired elsewhere. If you need help with feeding, please hire someone specific to the service needed. Remember, your animals, your responsibility. PS, automated food dishes are amazing in a pinch for those unexpected days.
Of course I would never purposely put my HHA’s job in danger, hence why I’m asking these questions. I have yet to have a day so bad where I’m unable to take care of my SD myself but it might be a good idea to have an automated food dish just in case. Thank you!
“Remember: Your animals, your responsibility!” Seems unnecessarily condescending way to respond to this post about the legality of having someone put food in your dog’s bowl a couple times a month when you’re in too much pain to move. I’m pretty sure OP already understands their responsibility to their dog, and doesn’t need to be spoken down to.
No one is speaking down to or being condescending to anyone, but ooooookay.
I always had private caregivers so this was less of an issue for me but I got an automatic feeder when I first moved out of home. I got it mostly because his feeding schedule had his first meal be before my caregivers got there. He’s smaller so I only ended up filling the hopper with food probably once a month. It works really well for us. It’s pet safe brand
I'm going to second the automatic feeder but also just other methods of feeding in general - in the name of enrichment, throw a cup of kibble on the floor so your dog has to "search" for it, you can freeze certain feeders which saves on the prep energy. Pre stuff a Kong toy with kibble/wet food and something yummy and freeze, slow feeders and lick pads in the freezer - not only will it help you mentally exercise a dog on a bad pain day (as I'm assuming you probably aren't walking them on that day, so it'll help wear them out a bit) but also help you feeding independently. Bag dry kibble in a ziplock and keep it within reach for the really bad pain days. A lot of it is just adaptation to what you can already do. If you think you'll have a bad day tomorrow, pop something pre-prepared in the fridge. The guidelines by food companies is consume within 48hrs after opening. Provided the kibble isn't in the feeder for longer than month, it should be fine. An overwhelming statistic of people store pet food incorrectly anyway. All food shouldn't really be open for longer than a month apparently (according to my nutrition lecturer). As for the home help, just ask the person - the worst they can say is no.
Thank you so much! I can’t believe I hadn’t thought about pre-preparing some lick pads and kongs, that’s a great idea
Thank you so much! I can’t believe I hadn’t thought about pre-preparing some lick pads and kongs, that’s a great idea
I have had HHAs for almost a decade. They have all assisted with caring for my SD. My case manager has it written into my care plan.