In our assisted living neighborhood, Melody Living welcomes small pets like cats and dogs with open arms. These pets make the move into a senior living community a lot more comfortable for many residents with fur babies. Having a pet in a new environment can create a sense of peace, familiarity, and duty. Pets also are great for residents who may live alone as that little extra sense of company can make all of the difference in their day. While the positive impact that pets have on our lives is undeniable, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks of having a pet and how that impacts seniors.
For example, is the senior resident a long-time pet-owner who is well versed and familiar with the responsibilities of owning a pet? If not, it’s probably not going to be as enjoyable for them and the new experience might even create more stress in their life instead of decreasing their stress. However, if they’ve never owned a pet but are really interested in having a pet, they may want to consider a low-maintenance option like a cat or fish. It’s also important that any senior looking to own a pet, really consider their level of exercise or ability in may require to have a pet. If they’re uncomfortable walking, a dog might not be a good option as they require daily walks and exercise to live a happy and healthy life. Again, a pet like a cat or fish might be a better option. Training a pet also can be a lot of physical, mental and emotional work. If a resident is already struggling with these wellness dimensions, they may benefit from adopting an older pet that is well-trained and well-behaved. Lastly, it’s important that if a senior resident is looking to own a pet, that they have the necessary finances in place to care for the pet and setup a back-up plan for the pet, should the animal require medical care or a new home. Without these two elements, a pet may end up not having the sufficient care it needs or may even be returned back to a shelter – a disheartening moment for the animal and its loved ones. Create an action plan for your pet on their care, should they outlive you, and ensure that you have enough financial support to provide the care your pet deserves. To learn more about Melody Living’s pet-friendly senior living apartment options, give us a call at 719.960.4005 today! To check out more of our assisted living floor plan options, be sure to take a look here. There are excellent options for a pet-friendly lifestyle, like our Verdi or Cadence floor plans. Have questions? Send us an email on our contact form! Comments are closed.
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