Research shows that pets can help stave off cognitive decline in older adults. Cats and dogs aren't just cuddly and cute. They provide love in uncertain times and unconditional affection throughout all stages of life.
Assisted living with pets is one of the best ways for older adults to retain a high quality of life. Read on to learn seven core benefits of pets for seniors as they move into elder care communities.
97% of Americans believe that their pets are family. About half explicitly state that they're just as much part of their family as other human members.
Because of this, it's nearly impossible to convince seniors to move into an assisted living community without their pets. It's only natural that they don't want to abandon their furry companion!
Looking into assisted living pet policies should be a top priority.
Finding pet-friendly senior living means that they can get the care they need without making a painful sacrifice. It also means that they have a loved one with them to provide steady support and companionship.
This doesn't just make the shift into a senior community easier. It staves off loneliness while they're there.
Cats and dogs require daily care. Regular feeding schedules and playtime are essential. Dogs also require walking while cats make great snuggly companions.
Caring for an animal companion provides seniors with a reason to get up in the morning. They're more likely to feel a sense of purpose because they're responsible for a being that relies on them.
This purpose can give older adults a reason to look forward to each day regardless of their health problems or memory issues. Animals are a source of joy and enhance people's quality of life through the need for timely care.
Senior living communities offer calendar events to help seniors add come scheduled structure to their lives. However, people aren't going to attend these events every day. They'll need a boost on days when there isn't anything on the calendar that piques their interest.
That's where pets come in! Cats and dogs rely on routines and schedules. They want to be fed at consistent times and try to play, walk, and socialize at regular waking hours.
This is great because it adds some structure to every day. This helps older adults create a sense of familiarity during their day-to-day lives. It also increases feelings of control, which helps seniors retain a much-needed sense of independence even in assisted living.
Beyond a daily routine, pets are a source of mental stimulation for their owners. Playing with pets can release dopamine and serotonin, which boosts mood. It can also decrease cortisol levels and relieve stress.
Cats and dogs also enjoy puzzles and games. Seniors can come up with innovative ways to engage with animals like new dog walking routes and mazes. Cats enjoy toys that offer them the chance to hunt, and it's fun to set up new ways for them to engage themselves in these activities.
Both cats and dogs also usually like to cuddle. This staves off feelings of isolation and touch starvation. It fosters a sense of connectedness between seniors and their animal companions that lets all parties feel less alone.
Touching pets in other ways can also be calming or soothing. Cat purrs are specifically proven to lower stress. Purrs have healing powers and can lower blood pressure, help respiratory processes, and even heal infections more quickly.
Pets aren't just cute and cuddly - they're also social beings!
Plus, pets are adorable and friendly. They can help seniors make friends within their community because those who don't have pets want to interact with them. It's a great excuse for seniors to get together and socialize while playing with an animal.
If your older loved one is a dog owner, it should come as no surprise that their pets keep them active.
Studies show that those who have dogs report more physical activity than others. They need to be walked and played with outside, which naturally increases the owner's activity levels. Grooming also means that the owner needs to take the dog out, even in an assisted living community that offers pet-related services.
Cat owners can also get more physical activity because of their pets. They need to get up, walk around, and feed the cat, which can be a great workout for seniors with mobility issues. Cats also enjoy chasing things like teasers, which is more fun when the human walks around and moves it unpredictably.
Higher levels of physical activity are great for blood flow, which enhances the circulatory and immune system. It also puts the muscles to good use to reduce muscle and joint stiffness. Plus, activity boosts mood and staves off mental health issues.
According to a 2021 study, pet owners have a 41% lower risk of developing depression than those who do not have animals.
There are several possible reasons for this. Companionship, socialization, and structure are among them. Pets in elder care communities provide these benefits.
Reducing the risk of depression is especially important for seniors in assisted living. Older adults (65+) have an increased risk of mental health issues. They're more likely to have lost spouses and family members, and a higher risk of loneliness and isolation means more anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
Animals can provide steady love and support for seniors who would otherwise feel lost and alone. While assisted living communities are built to foster lifelong friendships, an animal companion is family. Family is critical for those looking to stay mentally well, so pets are perfect for seniors.
Now that you know some core benefits of assisted living with pets, it's time to schedule a tour of a pet-friendly senior living community. Addington Place of Fairfield offers families across Iowa support and care for aging loved ones.
We have a 100% pet-friendly community and amenities that make life comfortable for both older adults and their animal companions. Contact us to learn more about how we can accommodate all members of your family whether they have four legs or two.