The National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that 59% of seniors in the United States own a pet. Whether it’s a furry friend, a reptile, or a fish, animals can bring joy and stability to your life amid all the chaos.
But what happens when you can no longer stay in your home? What if you need extra care or want to downsize? For seniors in Slidell, LA, these are important questions.
Luckily, we have the answers. At SummerHouse Park Provence, assisted living with pets is an option. Read on to learn all about the different types of animals in assisted living and how aging with pets can contribute to a thriving senior lifestyle.
The Different Types of Animals in Senior Living
Did you know that there are different types of animals for seniors? Although you may colloquially refer to animal ownership as owning pets, animals can serve many different purposes for elderly residents. Here is a breakdown:
Service Animals
Service animals are animal companions who are trained and can assist with designated tasks. Most importantly, service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Some of the conditions that service animals can assist with include:
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety and panic disorder
- Autism
- Blindness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Asthma
- Allergy detection
How can service animals help seniors? Service animals can perform vital tasks such as:
- Retrieving items that their owners cannot reach
- Pulling wheelchairs
- Opening doors
- Medication reminders
- Alerting and guiding to sounds
- Seizure alerts
- Turning lights on and off
Due to the nature of the role, dogs are the most common type of service animal. Dog breeds such as Labrador retrievers or German shepherds are often trained specifically for these types of tasks.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals, or ESAs, are a different class of animals that are not explicitly protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, they serve a purpose beyond just being pets.
You can obtain documentation of an emotional support animal through a therapist or another type of mental health professional. Often, this type of documentation will allow certain privileges, such as waiving of pet rent or allowing your animal into certain spaces.
Emotional support animals primarily benefit their owners by providing comfort. ESAs are a great option for seniors in assisted living who suffer from mental health disorders.
Pets
While pets offer emotional benefits, they do not qualify as service animals or emotional support animals. Pets are there simply for your enjoyment and comfort, providing you with an animal to love and care for.
Some of the most common types of pets include:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rodents, such as hamsters, mice, or guinea pigs
- Birds, such as parakeets, conures, or lovebirds
- Reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, or bearded dragons
- Fish, such as goldfish or betta fish
Proper pet care is essential. Consider the following factors when getting a new pet:
- Your age
- Your mobility level
- Living residence restrictions
For instance, if you do not have the ability to walk regularly, a high-energy dog may not be the best choice.
Benefits of Assisted Living With Pets
What are the benefits of moving to assisted living with a pet or getting one after transitioning to senior living? Here are just a few:
Constant Companionship
When you’re a senior, you may experience loneliness. After you retire or your children move out, you will no longer be surrounded by people all the time. Even if you have a spouse, you may crave a different level of interaction.
A pet can provide that degree of companionship. Furry friends like dogs and cats can cuddle with you and help you relax. If you have a dog, you can take it with you on walks as well.
Emotional Comfort
Have you ever had a bad day and longed for the non-judgmental comfort of a companion? Pets can fill that hole by helping you manage your emotions effectively.
According to the NIH, pets provide substantial emotional support, enhancing feelings of comfort and even boosting your mood. You can curl up with your cat and watch television or hug your dog when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
Physical Activity
Caring for pets can significantly boost your physical activity levels. For instance, walking a dog every day will enable you to:
- Get outside
- Enjoy the beauty of nature
- Socialize with others
- Get your steps in
Throwing toys or a ball for your dog can also help you work out your arm muscles. Your pup will receive the exercise it requires. Some breeds, such as Australian cattle dogs or German shepherds, require more physical activity than others.
Even though cats sleep up to 18 hours a day, it doesn’t mean they do not want to play. It is important to stimulate and engage your feline with toys, especially those that simulate hunting and tracking behaviors.
A Sense of Purpose
Senior years can be tough for those who were active parents or were heavily involved in their careers. Post-retirement, you may feel a loss of purpose.
A pet can bring back that sense of purpose. Owning and caring for a pet is a commitment that lasts anywhere from a few years to decades. You will need to feed your pet, as well as provide an adequate living space.
Pets can bring endless joy and entertainment to your life. With a furry, scaly, or feathery companion, you will have a new reason to get up in the morning.
SummerHouse Park Provence: A Pet-Friendly Community
Are you seeking a new Slidell senior housing option that includes assisted living with pets? At SummerHouse Park Provence, you’re in luck. Our pet-friendly living options allow you to continue your senior lifestyle, with your furry friends by your side.
Aging with pets isn’t all we have to offer. Our stunning campus in Slidell, LA features a bevvy of amenities such as scenic gardens, a library, and restaurant-style dining, all so you look and feel your best.
Want to learn more and see if SummerHouse Park Provence is the next home for you and your pet? Reach out to us today or visit our location in person for a tour. We can’t wait to hear from you!
