No matter your age, there's no denying the joy that a furry friend can bring to your life. According to The Zebra, around 66% of households own a pet, whether that's a cat, dog, or bird. Having the comfort and unconditional love from a pet can melt away anyone's loneliness, especially seniors.
Many seniors may think that they have to find a new home for their pet when they move into a senior living community, but that's not always the case. There are many pet friendly senior living communities in the Chico area. These communities welcome not only the elderly with open arms, but their pets as well.
This blog will go over what to look for when searching for senior housing with pets. We'll also discuss some of the benefits seniors can experience when choosing to live with a four-legged friend.
Owning a pet can provide seniors with many physical and mental benefits. When searching for a senior living community in Chico, it's important to look for an organization that values the impact of animals on their owners' lives.
Pet owners need to be up and on their feet, especially if they own a dog. Dogs need to be walked regularly for their physical health and also so they can relieve themselves.
Establishing a regular walking routine with their dog can help seniors stay active and maintain a healthy weight. It may also reduce their risk of the following cancers:
Seniors don't need to take their dogs on extensive walks to reap these benefits. Incorporating several short walks daily will all add up to improving their physical health.
Pets provide us with constant love with no strings attached. Taking care of your pet and fulfilling their needs can give pet owners a sense of purpose. Some emotional wellness benefits pets can provide us include:
Many people may get overwhelmed by the responsibility of owning a pet, but it's a great way to add structure to a senior's daily routine. Establishing healthy routines that include the following can give seniors a sense of accomplishment:
Creating a daily structure is important for seniors, as they may feel a little lost moving into a senior living community after spending years in their own home. While they may have fewer responsibilities when living in a senior living community, they can fill their days spending quality time with their pet.
As we've talked about, owning a pet can help seniors combat many of the physical and mental hurdles they may encounter as they get older. But did you know that caring for a pet can help those suffering from memory care conditions?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, owning a pet can help improve and slow the rate of cognitive decline in those with dementia. This includes the following:
Pets can achieve this by decreasing depression and distress in their owners.
Pet friendly senior living communities take into account the health and safety of all their residents, including your furry friend. However, they need to ensure the comfort and safety of staff members and other residents. As a result, these communities typically have policies and rules in place.
Some regulations you may encounter when searching for communities for pets and seniors include:
You will also need to consider the ongoing costs of owning a pet on top of the fees the senior living community may charge. This can include:
It's important to ensure that you can fulfill your pet's everyday needs without relying on another person to help you complete them. Asking yourself some of the following questions can help you determine if animal companionship is the right choice for you:
Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make the best choice possible for you and your pet.
Congratulations! You've decided on a pet friendly senior community for you and your animal. Let's go over some ways you can ensure a smooth transition for yourself and your companion:
Moving can be a stressful time, and your pet isn't immune to that. Make sure you stick to your pet's regular walking and feeding schedule during your transition. Maintaining a sense of normalcy as you transition into a new environment can make the process easier on you and your pet.
Pets and seniors go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. You shouldn't have to give up animal companionship because you're moving into a senior community. Find a reliable pet friendly senior living community in Chico to call home with your furry friend.
Provincial Chico is one of the top choices for a premier Chico senior lifestyle. We're proud to welcome pets to our quaint community. Reach out to us to schedule a tour and introduce us to your pet!