Aging at Home with Pets: What Families Should Consider
Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease stress hormones, lower blood pressure and boost mood.
There’s an unmistakable bond between people and pets. In addition to the “warm fuzzies” we get from having a furry friend, research has revealed that there are health benefits to human-animal connections.
Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease stress hormones, lower blood pressure and boost mood. These benefits can be particularly important for senior adults who find themselves facing the challenges of loneliness and isolation. In one study of people who are aging alone, 73% of respondents reported a greater sense of purpose from owning pets, 81% said that pets provide them with daily structure and routine, and 82% said that they receive emotional and social benefits from their pets. Is adopting a pet a good idea for your older loved one? Here are some points for families to consider.
Home Environment
When a senior is still living at home, responsible pet ownership centers on the person’s ability to properly care for the pet. Can your loved one…
• Make sure the pet receives regular veterinary care and any needed grooming? Are they able to take the pet to necessary appointments, either on their own or with assistance?
• Keep up with household chores, such as scooping a litter box, cleaning a bird cage or picking up yard waste?
• Ensure that the pet receives proper exercise through regular walks or playing in a fenced yard?
• Remember to provide fresh food and water for the pet every day?
• Provide safe shelter for the pet?
If your loved one generally believes that animals should be kept outdoors, adopting a pet may not be a good idea for them.
Other Considerations
Financial responsibilities. Costs for vet care, medications, grooming and food can add up for those who are living on fixed budgets. Is your loved one prepared to handle pet expenses?
Home safety. The pet’s temperament and size will play a part in its suitability. A large and energetic dog, for example, may be too much for an older person to safely handle. Likewise, a cat or small dog could pose tripping hazards if your loved one is unsteady on their feet.
Future pet care. If your loved one experiences a change in their physical or cognitive abilities, it’s wise to think about who would care for their pets if they were unable to do so.
If your loved one is ready to welcome a furry or feathered friend, pet ownership can be beneficial for both the senior and the pet, but it’s important to make sure the right support is in place.
Through its Companion Care program, Kadan Homecare caregivers can help support daily pet care tasks so seniors can continue enjoying the companionship and purpose pets provide while aging at home. Even if they later move into senior living, many communities recognize these benefits and welcome pets.
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