Most people had a favorite pet at some point in their life, and they remember well the unconditional love, companionship, and happiness pets can inspire. Those emotions are no different when we age and enter our senior years. Pet ownership provides many benefits for senior citizens. Pets also make exceptional therapy animals because they can bring comfort – especially to dementia and memory care patients.
When a senior citizen desires to own a pet at an assisted living facility, there are both challenges and benefits. If they are currently a resident (or seeking residence) a senior should first ensure that their potential new home allows pets. Once you understand their pet policy in full, there are some additional factors to think about.
Pet Ownership in Assisted Living
There are three significant ways that pets positively impact a senior’s life.
- Pet ownership inspires a senior to become more active, as they will be involved in daily walks, as well as playing and interacting with the animal.
- Pet ownership offers a renewed sense of purpose. Seniors realize that their pets depend on them, resulting in a reason to get up and take of themselves every day.
- Pets are amazing companions and can help seniors feel less isolated and alone – especially if they are missing their spouse or extended family.
Studies also point to some additional ways that pet ownership benefits seniors.
Less risk of heart attack: The increased level of activity associated with pet ownership is a major influence on whether or not seniors develop heart disease. The reduced stress level is heart-healthy as well.
Increased social engagement: While taking care of a dog or cat doesn’t impact the rate of any cognitive decline, it has been shown to help with the management of dementia symptoms.
Lower levels of anxiety and depression: The relationship that develops between animals and their owners is known to have a positive impact on older adults who fight depression and anxiety.
Reduced stress and increased calm: The act of physically touching an animal, such as stroking a cat or dog, promotes a feeling of calm and serenity and will also alleviate stress.
Challenges of Owning Pets in Assisted Living
While there are evident benefits to owning pets, adopting an animal when residing in an assisted living community also represents several pitfalls:
- Expense: Maintaining pets can be costly, especially as they grow older and require additional veterinary care. Paying for food, medications, and grooming can strain a senior’s budget – and if difficult decisions need to be made, taking care of a pet may not be possible.
- Responsibility: Seniors who reside in an assisted living facility generally do so because they are responding to at least a partial loss of independence or mobility. As they age, they may lose their ability to care for the animal. Feeding, walking, grooming, and cleaning are sure to become more challenging as time passes. Residents can ask if the assisted living facility employs an onsite dog walker, as sometimes individuals are hired to assist with pet care.
- Risk of Liability: This applies to dogs more than any other type of pet, but forcing an animal into a community setting can cause them to react badly. In an assisted living residence, they will encounter other people and other dogs, and there is always the possibility of a lawsuit if your pet injures another resident or pet.
- Potential Conflict: Owning a pet can result in problems with other residents who don’t appreciate animals, are scared of dogs, or think your dog barks too much. If other residents do not have the affection for pets that you do, it could cause relational conflict.
We understand that seniors may be reluctant to move into an assisted living facility if they cannot bring their pets. Therefore if you are a pet owner looking for a new residence, be sure to consider their pet policies.
A Banyan Residence is an assisted living and memory care center located in The Villages, Florida.
