The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that over 45% of American households own a dog, while over 32% report a cat as a family member. With these results, the conclusion is obvious: Pet ownership is popular in the United States.
Are you a senior in California, MD, wondering about pet-friendly assisted living? You're in luck; emotional support animals for seniors are encouraged by Discovery Commons at Wildewood.
In this article, we will discuss aging with animal companions, dog-friendly retirement communities, and how solutions such as pet-friendly memory care can benefit elderly residents.
Let's dive in.
Pets are not the only type of animal you may find in assisted living. Here are the three main subtypes of animals you may encounter:
Service animals are trained to assist their owners with specific tasks. Most often, dogs are service animals, but cats can perform limited tasks as well, depending on their training.
Service animals are often trained to:
The most important distinction between service animals and other types is that they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation allows owners to bring their service animals wherever they need, as well as have accommodations for essentials such as housing.
Although any breed of dog can become a service animal, some breeds are more suited for the job:
If you own a service animal, it is helpful to clearly identify them in public. A vest or harness will alert others to the presence of a service animal and will prevent questions about its status.
Emotional support animals, or ESAs, are a special class of animals. Although the designation does hold some weight in certain situations, ESAs do not receive the same protection as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How can your animal be designated as an ESA? First, you must meet with a qualified mental health professional, such as a therapist or a psychiatrist. Then, you need to obtain the proper paperwork.
With this paperwork, those with ESAs can often gain exemption from fees and deposits associated with pets, especially in renting situations.
The primary role of emotional support animals is to provide comfort and security for their owners, particularly those who suffer from mental illness or distress.
Pets do not have any type of special privileges or protections. However, many landlords and senior living communities allow pets, with stipulations. For instance, there may be size or breed restrictions, along with additional fees such as pet rent.
There are many advantages to having a pet to aid you in your assisted living journey. Here are just a few:
Having a pet encourages physical activity, even for seniors with mobility issues, providing increased opportunities for exercise.
Dog owners need to take their canine companions out for walks at least once a day, according to the American Kennel Club. The length and intensity of the walk depend on the breed. Smaller breeds such as terriers may require a few minutes of exercise, while larger dogs like retrievers need a more vigorous workout.
Cats may not need daily walks, but they still require physical activity. Engaging them with toys helps tune their hunting instincts and keeps them in top shape.
As you enter your golden years, finding purpose can be challenging. If your children have left home and you no longer have a job to rely on, you may wonder how to fill your days.
A pet can offer a renewed sense of purpose. The dedication required for feeding and caring for a cat or dog can be both rewarding and fulfilling.
Being around pets can relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, and increase hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin. Pets can even reduce your blood pressure, leading to an overall healthier lifestyle.
Seniors are often plagued by loneliness due to many reasons, such as:
People can be fickle, but pets can provide unwavering loyalty and companionship. Close relationships with furry friends can be different than those with other humans. As a result, a unique bond can form.
Although your senior living community can provide plenty of mental stimulation through activities, pets can also fulfill this need. Brainstorming activities to do with your pets to encourage bonding is a great mental exercise.
Dogs, in particular, can provide a sense of security for their owners. They are often trained to attack intruders, and their finely-tuned senses can identify threats much more quickly than humans.
Have you ever met other dog owners while walking your canine companion? Pets provide a way to bond with others and form lasting friendships over shared interests.
Dogs benefit from socialization, too. Learning how to be around other dogs allows them to adjust to new environments and experiences more easily. They may feel more at ease when you take them in public as well.
Are you wondering if pet-friendly assisted living is the right choice for your senior care needs? Consider the types of animals available, as well as the benefits of having a companion animal in your golden years.
Discovery Commons at Wildewood prides itself on being a pet-friendly community. We encourage our residents to bring along their small animals and take advantage of the many amenities we have to offer, such as streamlined floor plans suitable for pets and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Do you want to learn more? Contact us today with any questions you may have, or visit our stunning campus in California, MD, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!