Pet Care Services in Senior Communities
More than 60% of Americans own a pet. Almost all pet owners say that pets are part of their family.
You don't need to give up your animal companion when you move into a senior community. A growing number of communities have pet-friendly senior living amenities. Here in Muscatine, Addington Place is one example of a pet-friendly community.
Companion animals have many benefits for your physical and mental health. Learn more about pet-friendly senior amenities and the benefits of pet ownership for older adults.
Find a Pet-Friendly Senior Community
Finding pet-friendly housing isn't as hard as you may think. Many senior living communities allow pets. The amount of assisted living amenities for pets can vary.
Independent living communities are usually the most likely to allow you to bring your pet. Many assisted living communities and memory care facilities also allow companion animals.
Be sure to ask about any rules the community has regarding pets. Typical restrictions include:
- No exotic or undomesticated animals
- Pets may not pose a danger to people or animals in the community
Some communities may restrict the size and/or breed of animals they allow. You should also be prepared to show proof of your pet's vaccinations. Most cities, including Muscatine, require pets to be registered.
You will likely need to pay a pet fee. This fee could be a one-time charge or a monthly fee. You will usually need to sign a copy of the community's pet care policy when you move in.
Benefits of Pet Ownership
Owning a pet has many benefits for your physical well-being. Interacting with a pet also supports good mental health.
Stay More Active
Taking your dog for a walk is a good way to stay active. You may not feel like walking in the rain, but you'll certainly take your dog out when it needs to.
Pets that don't require as much physical activity as dogs will also help you move more. Playing with them and even basic care tasks like feeding them will get you up and moving around.
Establish a Routine
Having a daily routine is reassuring for most people. The transition to older adulthood often changes people's routines, which can feel disorienting. A pet can help you stay grounded.
Pets need a daily schedule. They need feeding, walking, and grooming on a regular basis.
If you bring a pet with you to your senior community, you'll have a sense of continuity. If you get a pet while there, it can help you establish a new daily schedule.
Have a More Positive Mood and Less Stress
People have pets because they make us feel good. More than 85% of pet owners say their animals have a positive effect on their mental health. The same survey found that almost 70% of pet owners said their pet helped reduce stress and anxiety.
Pets don't have to be cuddly to have a positive effect on mental health. A Purdue University study found that watching fish swim made people with Alzheimer's disease appear more relaxed. The patients had less agitated behavior, such as fewer instances of yelling or pacing.
Make Social Connections
Pets are excellent companions. They can also help people meet other people. A survey found that being a pet owner was one of the top three ways respondents said they met people in their neighborhood.
Walking a dog is an especially good way to meet other people. However, other animals can help you make connections with other residents of a senior living community.
For example, finding out that someone has the same type of pet establishes a connection with them you wouldn't otherwise have. You have something to talk about. You may be able to help each other with animal-related questions.
Choose the Right Type of Pet
Choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle and needs is very important. You want your animal companion to reduce your stress, not add to it. You want a pet that can thrive in the environment of a senior living community.
Some of the most common pets for older adults are dogs, cats, and fish.
Dogs
Dogs are one of the most popular choices for a pet. Dogs are affectionate, loyal, and helpful. Many breeds of dog are well-suited to be senior companions, including:
- Bichon frisé
- Boston terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English or French bulldog
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Yorkshire terrier
Be sure to consider the activity level you're comfortable maintaining before you adopt a dog. A somewhat older animal is usually a better choice than a puppy.
Cats
Cats are another top choice for pets. They're more independent than dogs, which could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your personality. Breeds of cats that usually do well as senior companions include:
- Abyssinian
- American shorthair
- Birman
- British shorthair
- Manx
- Ragdoll
- Russian blue
- Siamese
They tend to be more affectionate and enjoy human company.
Fish
Fish are relatively low-maintenance pets. They aren't cuddly like dogs or cats, but they're very calming to watch and care for. Be sure to check whether your senior living community has restrictions on the size or type of aquarium you can have.
You can choose either freshwater or saltwater fish. Saltwater environments require more work to maintain, but you can have more visually impressive tropical fish.
Freshwater fish like tetras and bettas are hardier than saltwater fish. They're also less expensive.
Always choose fish species that can live together peacefully in the same tank.
Enjoy Pet-Friendly Senior Living Amenities
Having a pet can improve your quality of life. Studies show that pets have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle and interests will help you get the most benefits.
Addington Place of Muscatine has pet-friendly senior living amenities. Our community welcomes many breeds of dogs and cats as well as other types of animals. We're ready to help you and your animal companion feel right at home.
Contact Addington Place of Muscatine today to learn more about our senior pet care services and how you and your pet can have the lifestyle you deserve.