Most of us have had pets throughout our lives, and love the companionship and joy they can bring. Why should this change when we grow older? Pet ownership can result in many benefits for seniors. Pets are often used as therapy animals because they can bring comfort – especially, it seems, to memory care patients.

Did You Know? Adults who have pets walk an average of 22 minutes more per day than those who do not.

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When you or a loved one wants to bring a pet to an assisted living facility, there are a lot of great benefits – but also some challenges. You’ll first want to make sure that the facility you are considering allows pets. Once you understand their pet policy, here are some other factors to consider.

Benefits of Pet Ownership in Assisted Living

There are three primary ways that pets can impact senior’s lives positively.

  • Pet ownership helps seniors to stay more active – between walking, playing and interacting.
  • Owning a pet provides a greater sense of purpose. Senior citizens often say that knowing their pets rely on them gives them a reason to get up and start their day.
  • Pets are wonderful for companionship and can help older adults feel less alone – especially if they have lost a spouse or are missing being with their family.

Research also indicates these more tangible benefits to pet ownership.

  • Reduced risk of heart attack: In 2017, a Swedish study confirmed older studies that indicated that people with pets have a lower risk of experiencing a heart attack. The increased activity level associated with owning pets is probably a significant factor in reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • More social interaction: Research has proven that seniors with dementia can benefit from pet therapy, as it increases socialization capabilities. While taking care of a pet doesn’t affect the rate of cognitive decline, it can assist with symptom management.
  • Less depression, anxiety, and isolation: The companionship we derive from animals has been reported to have a positive impact on seniors who battle depression and anxiety. Companionship, a stronger sense of purpose, and increased physical activity all influence mental health.
  • Less stress and more serenity: Physically touching an animal, such as petting a dog or cat, has been shown to promote a sense of serenity and peace and dispel stress.

Downsides to Owning a Pet in Assisted Living

While there are clear benefits to pet ownership, bringing or adopting a dog or cat into an assisted living community also presents some downsides to consider.

  • Cost: Keeping a pet can be expensive, especially as they age and need more veterinary care. Of course, providing food, medicine, and grooming to pets can significantly impact a senior’s budget – and if hard choices need to be made, keeping a pet may not be feasible.
  • Inability to provide care: Older adults who move into an assisted living facility typically do so because they are experiencing some loss of independence or mobility. There is definitely a risk that a resident may not be able to properly tend to their pet as they age. Feeding, grooming, walking, and cleaning up after their pet is likely to become more difficult as time goes by. Be sure to ask the assisted living facility if there is a dog walker onsite, as often individuals are hired to help with animal care.
  • Liability: This risk applies to dogs more than cats, although a cat with claws can do some damage. When a pet is not used to living in a community setting, they may not react well to seeing a lot of other people, as well as other dogs. There is potential liability if your pet attacks or injures another resident or pet.
  • Conflict with other residents: Pet ownership can cause strained relationships with other residents who don’t like animals, are afraid of dogs or are annoyed by your dog barking. If other people in the community do not have the affinity for animals that you do, it could cause relational issues.

It is completely understandable that a senior may not want to leave their pet when they move into assisted living. Be sure to consider each facility’s policies as you look into potential new homes.

A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care center located in Venice, Florida.