5 Benefits of Having a Pet Companion for Seniors

This article will explore five of the top reasons why pet ownership can benefit seniors physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and more.

Having a pet can help seniors’ overall well-being.

Benefits include relief from loneliness to more significant socialization opportunities and physical aspects like increased exercise.

Whether you have a pet in mind already or are curious about getting your loved one an animal, this article will explore five of the top reasons why pet ownership can benefit seniors physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and more.

Physical Benefits

Pets improve the quality of life for seniors, especially their physical health. Many older people report that when taking their dog for a walk, they enjoy their routine exercise more. Regular physical activity in seniors has been proven to improve mobility, decrease blood pressure, as well as cholesterol, and triglyceride (a certain type of fat found in the blood stream) levels.

Mental Benefits

Increased physical activity and time outside with a pet can help maintain cognitive function and mental awareness. Additionally, the consistent daily routine of feeding, walking, and caring for a pet can help give structure and purpose to a senior’s day.

Emotional and Spiritual Benefits

One of the most valuable psychological benefits of having a pet for older people is increased self-esteem. Caring for an animal can help a senior feel loved and needed. Pets can also make people

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happier and less lonely, with a constant companion to enjoy.

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Seniors

Beyond physical and mental benefits, pets can provide seniors opportunities to socialize. Animals are often popular topics of conversation and a great way to meet new people and interact with others. For those who often feel isolated, increased socialization time can be invaluable in reducing stress and improving mood.

Safety Benefits of Pets for Seniors

There are also safety benefits to having a pet in the home. Dogs have been known to deter burglars with their barking, and for seniors living alone, an animal can bring more peace of mind to their lives.

Bringing Purpose & Meaning to Seniors’ Lives

Owning a pet can be great overall for seniors’ health, providing a higher level of support and love, especially when an older person is struggling with depression, loneliness, or other emotional health issues.

The compassionate and friendly staff at Frontier Management have helped many families find a senior community that meets all of their loved one’s needs on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Many communities are even pet friendly! If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us today.

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Oak Park Place offers Assisted Living and Memory Care with all the features you expect in a place to call home.

Individualized services, life-enhancing amenities, and compassionate, professional staff are the foundation of all we do.

Choose from a range of spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments with assistance available from staff 24 hours a day, every day.

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We’ll help you every step of the way. Call would you seek? knowig the signs and when to seek help

I didn’t notice Dad repeating himself so much the last time I was here. Do you remember when it started?

If you do not see an aging friend or relative often, changes in his or her health may seem dramatic. In contrast, the primary caregiver might not notice such changes or realize that more help, medical treatment, or supervision is needed. Or, the primary caregiver might not want to accept the fact that the health of his or her spouse or parent is failing. Sometimes a geriatric care manager or other professional is the first to notice changes.

The decision about whether your parents should move is often tricky and emotional. Each family will have its own reasons for wanting (or not wanting) to take such a step.

You might have to have a serious talk with your family members. One family may decide a move is right because the parents can no longer manage the home. For another family, the need for hands-on care in a long-term care facility motivates a change.

For families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, it can be easier to cover for the person—doing things for him or her, filling in information in conversations, and so on—than to acknowledge what is happening.

As a caregiver, you can provide support by helping an aging friend or relative get the care they need.

In the case of long-distance caregivers, the notion of moving can seem like a solution to the problem of not being close enough to help. For some caregivers, moving a sick or aging parent to their own home or community can be a viable alternative. Some families decide to have an adult child move back to the parent’s home to become the primary caregiver.

A few good questions to help you start the conversation with the primary caregiver are:

If you thought there might be a change in Aunt Joan’s condition, whose opinion

Keep in mind that leaving a home, community, and familiar medical care can be very disruptive and difficult for the older parent, especially if they are not enthusiastic about the change. You might first want to explore what services are available in

For 135 years and counting, Eastcastle Place offers a full continuum of care in Milwaukee’s vibrant East Side. Our 5 Star rated facilities offer high quality care and staff to resident ratios above industry standards and continues to be a dynamic retirement community. As a member of Leading Age Echelon Program , Eastcastle Place is passionate about providing a high level of excellence in care and service to our residents.

Eastcastle Place has specially designed memory care support where you’ll find advanced therapies and specialized care programming for those with a memory related diagnosis.

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Three chef prepared meals per day

24 Hour emergency response system

All Utilities (except phone)

Cable TV and Wi Fi

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On site activities and events designed toward memory loss your parents’ community to help them in their home—including home health care, housekeeping, personal care, and transportation services.

Some changes may not be what you think. Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate dementia. Before you raise the issue of what needs to be done, talk to your parent and the primary caregiver about your concerns.

Try not to sound critical when you raise the subject. Instead, mention your particular worry, for example, “Mom, it looks like you don’t have much food in the house—are you having trouble getting to the store?” and explain why you are asking. Listen to what the primary caregiver says about the situation and whether he or she believes there are problems.

Older adults and their families have some options when it comes to deciding where to live, but these choices can be limited by factors such as illness, ability to perform activities of daily living (for example, eating, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, walking, and moving from bed to chair), financial resources, and personal preferences.

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Making a decision that is best for your parent—and making that decision with your parent—can be difficult. Try to learn as much as you can about possible housing options.

Discuss what you think could be done. For example, you could ask:

What Is Assisted Living?

Would you like me to arrange to have groceries delivered on a regular basis?

Do we need to get a second opinion about the diagnosis?

Can you follow the medication schedule?

Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more. Typically, a few “levels of care” are offered, with residents paying more for higher levels of care.

Would you like some help with housework?

Try to follow your suggestions with practical help, and give specific examples of what you can do. For example, you might arrange to have a personal or home health aide come in once a week. You might schedule doctors’ appointments or arrange for transportation.

Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to many services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff; and social and recreational activities. Exact arrangements vary from state to state.

Older adults, or those with serious illness, can choose to:

Stay in their own home or move to a smaller one

In some cases, you may have to be forceful, especially if you feel that the situation is unhealthy or unsafe. Do not leave a frail adult at risk. If you have to act against the wishes of your parent or the primary caregiver, be direct and explain what you are going to do. Discuss your plan, and say why you are taking action.

Move to an assisted-living facility

Move to a long-term care facility

Move in with a family member

There are no specific rules for when someone needs full-time care. A doctor can do tests to determine if their cognitive impairment has gotten worse. If you or your loved one is already in assisted living or a nursing home, staff there may notice signs that they need a higher level of care. And certain changes in their behavior, appearance, and environment can provide clues east catsle

Some families find a conference call is a good way to talk together about the pros and cons of each option. The goal of this call is to come up with a plan that works for everyone, especially your parent. If the decision involves a move for your mom or dad, you could, even from a distance, offer to arrange tours of some places for their consideration.

How do I know when someone needs assisted living?

Memory care facilities provide specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They can be part of a larger community that also has independent and assisted living areas, or they can be a stand-alone facility. Memory care facilities assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), housekeeping, transportation, meals, and recreational activities.

The best memory care facilities offer 24-hour care and have licensed nurses to address residents’ needs and assist with medications; they also have an abundance of daily activities to partake in and calm and inviting common areas.

In general, it’s best to start with a physician’s assessment. Depending on your situation, or that of your loved one, you can find the right level of assistance. When help with daily tasks is needed — taking medicines, bathing, dressing, meals, transportation and housekeeping — an assisted living residence can be the answer. Trained professionals provide this assistance while helping preserve an individual’s independence.

Our Heartfelt Connections Program provided by our Skilled Care Specialists work closely with residents, families and staff members to develop the best care plan in a supportive, purposeful environment.

This builds a sense of comfort through nurturing mind, body and spirit with stimulating activities and personal guidance each day.

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