Moving into an assisted living facility or retirement home is not something most people look forward to. Unfortunately, many seniors will eventually have to face that decision, or their families will have to make that difficult decision for them. What can make that decision even more difficult is having to leave behind a beloved pet. It can be heartbreaking to leave a loyal and loving long-time companion and worry about who will take care of him or her. If trends continue, they may not have to. More and more nursing homes and assisted living centers are becoming pet friendly.
What Does Pet-Friendly Mean?
There are different levels of pet-friendliness in senior living facilities. Some facilities simply allow therapy animals to visit residents periodically. These animals are typically dogs and cats that come to a common area or private rooms and interact with the residents. Other animals such as rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, fish or birds can also be used to brighten a senior's day.
Some assistant living or retirement facilities will have one or more common pets that live at the facility and interact with residents. Often, those residents who so desire can help with their care, such as brushing, training, feeding and even taking them for walks if they are able. Some of these live-in companion animals choose one or two residents that they like to spend most of their time with. Others are equal-opportunity companions that continually wander from room to room, bringing smiles to their occupants.
Some progressive senior living facilities actually allow residents to bring their furry or feathered companions with them to live at the facility. These residents are usually overjoyed at being able to have their friend with them to help with loneliness and adjusting to a new environment. They are also relieved that they don't have to worry about finding a suitable caretaker for their animal. Some facilities even allow residents to adopt a new pet after they move in.
What Benefits Do Pets Bring the Elderly?
Research has shown many seniors benefit from regular contact with animals. According to AssistedLivingFacilities.org, pet interactions can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, ease stress and pain, stabilize blood sugar, improve immunity and help prevent strokes. Caring for an animal also gives the elderly a purpose in their lives and encourages activity.
What Are the Possible Problems?
Pet-friendly senior living facilities also open their doors to some potential problems, but they've determined that the benefits outweigh the problems. One of the most problematic situations is when a particular animal does not get along with other animals or residents. Many facilities diffuse those types of problems by administering a temperament-screening test before a resident is allowed to bring the pet to live with them.
Some residents may have pet allergies or simply don't like to be around animals. Staff must try to keep live-in animals or therapy animals away from those residents' rooms or areas where they spend time.
Some residents may have physical or mental limitations that may hinder their ability to provide proper care for their animals. In such cases, nursing staff will have to ensure the animal has food and water, exercise, grooming and veterinary care. They may also need to provide potty breaks and clean up after the animal.
Facilities that allow residents to adopt a new pet may recommend or even require that an adoptee is older—at least 7 or 8—as these dogs and cats are usually more laid back and require less care than a rambunctious puppy or kitten and are less likely to cause problems with other animals or people. Older rescue animals are generally harder to find homes for and often are so grateful to have a home that is not 4-foot by 6-foot fenced kennel with a cement floor that they are a perfect match for a lonely senior in need of a friend. It's a win for everyone.
Talk to a professional assisted living facility like Crimson Ridge Meadows and inquire about their pet policy.
