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Pet Ownership is Good for Seniors!

More than 66% of all households in the United States have pets and that equals nearly 195 million pets–mostly cats and dogs–owned in this country! Americans love their dogs and cats, and that does not stop when they reach senior status or when they move to a senior or assisted living facility. 

Abundant research supports the many benefits of pet ownership by seniors. Pet therapy studies began in the 1960’s, but long before that, Florence Nightingale discovered that association with animals helped her patients relax and become less anxious.

Having Pets Promotes Seniors’ Health

• Spending time with pets lowers stress and symptoms of depression in seniors.
• Getting exercise by walking or playing with pets increases seniors’ cardiovascular strength and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
• More movement leads to increased flexibility and reduced pain from arthritis and other joint problems. Daily exercise is recommended by doctors to promote health, and pets who need to be walked can be the prod that seniors need to get out and walk.
• Research indicates that pets can help with sparking positive memories and less “sun-downing” associated with dementia or other memory issues.
• There is evidence of lowered cortisol (a stress hormone) and increased serotonin and dopamine levels in seniors who are around pets.

Animal Ownership Makes Seniors Happier

The companionship of a pet can make seniors feel less lonely and can combat their feelings of isolation.  It is very rewarding to invest in the life of a dog or cat and to feel needed in giving it daily care and love.  Having a routine such as feeding, walking, and spending time with a pet helps bring order to an older adult’s day.

Needing to take the animal to the vet, out on walks and to grooming sessions gives seniors responsibilities and purpose. Getting out and walking a dog can also help older adults make new friends, meet neighbors and find new interests.  Pets are great icebreakers with other people. 

Pet ownership can help older adults feel safer.  Even a small dog can sound an alarm and chase away unwanted strangers. 

What Kinds of Animals Make Good Pets for Older Adults?

Perhaps a pet is already a loved family member and is transitioning to an assisted living community with a senior adult. Or maybe it’s a good time for an older loved one to adopt a new pet, whether he or she is in assisted living or in their own home. Consider the following points when helping a senior select a new pet:

1. Seniors should be able to take care of their pet themselves. Animals should be trained and well behaved. Loud or destructive pets may not be a good fit. Pets should be housebroken and at least one year old. (Puppies and kittens are a lot of work!)
2. Non-domesticated animals such as certain birds and reptiles may not be advisable as some of these can cause diseases when proper hand washing is not implemented.
3. Pets should be up to date on vaccinations and certifications of health.
4. There may be breed or weight restrictions in apartments or assisted living facilities, and animals cannot pose a danger to any member of the community or household. 
5. Proper accommodations should be considered for pets, such as their need for exercise and what space they’re used to having.
6. The cost of caring for pets must be taken into consideration. Food, vet bills, and other yearly costs estimated by the ASPCA are between $500-$800 a year with higher costs for the first year of ownership.
7. The health of seniors must of course be considered. Pets can be a tripping hazard especially for older adults with balance problems. Although there are many benefits of owning a pet, it may become difficult as seniors’ health declines. For that reason, there should be a designated pet owner in case the senior can no longer take care of their pet. Unfortunately pets also get sick or pass away and the affect this will have on the senior must be considered.   

Even with all the above considerations, pet ownership is a wonderful thing for seniors.

Can Pets Stay with their Owners in Assisted Living Facilities?

Many senior living communities in the United States allow pets, including assisted living facilities.  The popularity of pet ownership and all its wonderful benefits have prompted senior living communities throughout the country to adopt pet-friendly policies. 

When searching for a pet-friendly assisted living facility, questions to ask include:

• How much is the pet fee and is it one-time or monthly? Is there an extra pet deposit?
• What health information and vaccinations are needed?
• What animals are allowed?
• How many pets can a person have and how many already live in the community?
• What happens if a senior can no longer take care of a pet?
• Is there any pet care provided by the staff?
• Is liability insurance required in case of damage to the facility by the pet?

Types of Pet Services Offered in Senior Facilities

Some communities offer services to help seniors with pet care. Often this comes at an additional expense but can be well worth the cost. 

Some assisted living facilities have pet coordinators. Pet coordinators facilitate the care of pets. They may schedule vet and grooming appointments; make sure pets are being fed and watered; give or supervise the giving of medication; walk pets, and even clean up after them. This allows seniors who may benefit from pet ownership to have an animal but not have to handle its daily care. 

If the community does not allow pet ownership, there may be pet therapy programs offered. This gives seniors the benefit of animal visits without the responsibility of care. Sometimes there may be a pet that lives at the facility or a pet or variety of pets that visit the facility.

Pets can help seniors to cope with daily life and live richer lives no matter their living situation. Search your community to find the best situation in your area for seniors who wish to include pets in their lives.  

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