The Benefits Of Pet Ownership And Senior Care Companions
Many seniors choose to spend their Golden Years aging at home. While comfortable and convenient, especially with quality in-home senior care assistance, aging at home could lead to feelings of loneliness and boredom for many seniors. A decline in the ability to be independent often comes with limited social interactions and engagement. Companionship and love from a pet could relieve some of those isolating feelings and improve the quality of life for older adults. If a senior is cognitively and physically capable of pet ownership, it may be mutually beneficial for both humans and pets. In fact, studies have shown that 5 or more years of pet ownership could significantly delay cognitive aging in older adults. Human-animal bonds could have many positive effects such as a sense of purpose, emotional support, stress reduction, opportunity for physical activity, and more. Keep reading for insight into the best pets for seniors, more about the profound comfort that a pet may offer, and how in-home senior caregivers can make pet ownership more manageable for your senior loved one.
The Best Pets For Seniors
Individual lifestyle preferences, available space, and personal abilities should all be considered when deciding on a pet as a senior. Dogs, cats, and small birds are common pets of choice for older adults. For seniors with limited mobility, a lower-maintenance pet such as a cat, bird, or small dog may be ideal. Most cats are fairly manageable with minimal chore-related care needed aside from feeding and litter box cleaning. As an added bonus, many cats are more than content to snuggle on the couch with their owner all day. Small dogs typically require more exercise than cats and need to be let outside or walked for bathroom purposes. While this may be too difficult for limited mobility seniors, it may encourage physical activity for those who are capable. For seniors whose mobility is not severely restricted, larger dogs can provide companionship, motivation for physical activity, protection, and more. The best dog breeds for seniors will be dependent on the above factors but include low-maintenance dogs with good temperaments such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Corgis, Miniature Schnauzers, and Golden Retrievers.
Ways Pet Ownership Could Benefit Seniors
Much more than simply a furry or feathered companion, a pet opens the door to opportunities for life enrichment, mental stimulation, and even physical benefits. There are many ways that a pet could improve a senior’s overall well-being, and plenty of research to back it up.
Social Interaction: Pet ownership opens a myriad of possible social connections, especially with dog ownership, where a walk through the park could ignite conversations with passersby or other dog owners. Dogs are often said to be a conduit for opportunities for connection. In fact, simply having a dog with you may make you seem more approachable. Vet appointments, pet stores, and other pet-centered outings could also be opportunities for social connections.
Mood Enhancement: Studies have shown that deeper bonds between pets and their humans directly correlate with lower levels of anxiety and depression in adults. This may be especially true for seniors who often have more time to spend with their pets.
Routine: The importance of routine for seniors is often understated. A predictable routine promotes a calmer and more comfortable day – which can contribute to enhanced cognitive abilities. Pet ownership can present opportunities for routine feeding, walks, and grooming that can be incorporated into a daily routine.
Overcoming Challenges And Concerns
Mobility limitations, cognitive impairments, and financial considerations must be addressed before adopting a pet. The best pets for seniors will be the ones that align with their capabilities and restrictions. Even simple pets that don’t require much space, such as fish, can bring joy and help mitigate feelings of loneliness. If you or your loved one already enlists the help of an in-home senior care provider, discuss the possibility of getting a pet with a senior caregiver. They may be able to provide insight into which pets may be most manageable, as well as express comfortability in assisting with daily pet ownership duties as needed.
How We Can Help
Serving Seniors Care is dedicated to assisting with many aspects of your or your senior loved ones’ lives. Our caregivers are thoughtfully partnered with clients to ensure the best fit, so owning a pet will never be an issue. Moreover, if it’s companionship you’re seeking, our compassionate senior caregivers are devoted to enriching our client’s lives. Attaining quality in-home senior care is easier than ever before – contact us today!
Image by Freepik