According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 59% of seniors between the ages of 50 and 90 own a pet. Pet companionship is more popular than ever among older adults.
If you're a senior in Des Moines, IA, considering moving into assisted living, you may be wondering if assisted living with pets is possible. The short answer is yes! Communities such as Addington Place of Des Moines are explicitly pet-friendly.
Here are the benefits of animal companionship, how pet-friendly housing enhances Des Moines senior life, and information on aging with pets.
Read on to learn more!
Pets are always a fun addition to the family, but they present numerous benefits specifically for seniors. Here are just a few of the advantages of owning a pet in your golden years:
When you own an animal, you must give it the love and attention it deserves. For most pets, a standard care regimen encourages physical activity.
If you own a dog, taking him or her on a walk every day is a great way to exercise. You can:
The physical activity required depends on the breed of dog. Some breeds are designed for herding and running, such as Australian cattle dogs and German shepherds. Other breeds, like poodles or terriers, may be content with a short walk every day and moderate toy engagement.
Although cats do not require outdoor walks like dogs, they still need plenty of physical activity to thrive. Scratching posts and toys allow them to take care of themselves and engage with their hunting instincts, even though they are domesticated.
Some cat toys offer entertainment but require less mobility. If you struggle to throw objects or get on the floor for toys, try string toys. You can hold them and move them around, without having to get up off the couch.
These pets may not require walks or play, but maintenance can be challenging. Often, moving parts of tanks or cages requires muscle and joint strength, so it is essential to ensure you can manage cleanings before committing to any of these animals.
You also need to provide room in your assisted living space for animals that require tanks or cages.
If you suffer from stress, having a pet can help. Petting a dog or a cat can boost levels of:
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can range from uncomfortable to debilitating. A pet will provide emotional stability and comfort to navigate tough mental health days.
Seniors can often suffer from loneliness due to many different factors, such as:
It can be challenging to maintain a sense of purpose after retirement or moving to senior living. Your senior years should be filled with love and fun, but you may feel a void after your children move out or you end a rewarding career.
A pet can renew a sense of purpose for seniors. You will have to commit to caring for an animal, and it can be a motivation to pay attention to something other than yourself.
Pets thrive on routine. They prefer to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom around the same time every day. If you feel lost without structure, a pet can help build a daily routine.
Pet-friendly assisted living communities offer flexibility to support residents with pets, but limitations may apply. Ask your senior living community about size or breed restrictions before committing. There may also be restrictions on pets that could cause excessive damage or noise.
There are three types of pets that you may have in assisted living:
Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are trained to assist their owners with a variety of tasks. If you see them in public, they typically wear a vest or harness indicating their service animal status.
Dogs are the most common type of service animal, due to their instinctual abilities and versatility. Some common service dog breeds include:
Service dogs can assist their owners with tasks such as:
Emotional support animals, or ESAs, are technically not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, you can still obtain a designation from a qualified mental health professional, such as a therapist.
Often, landlords will waive pet rent and other qualifications for tenants with emotional support animals. ESAs provide emotional wellness and stability for people who suffer from mental health conditions.
Pets that do not fall under service animals or ESAs are classified as regular pets. Regular pets can still benefit assisted living residents, especially those with dementia.
If you want to enhance your life, consider getting a pet in your senior years. Assisted living with pets is a fantastic way to improve your quality of life and enjoy time with a furry, feathery, or scaled companion.
Are you considering making the switch to assisted living? At Addington Place of Des Moines, we're here to help. Our pet-friendly community supports residents who want to enrich their lives with animal companions. Additionally, our beautiful outdoor spaces can be wonderful areas to walk and play with your dogs.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us today, or visit our beautiful location in Des Moines, IA, to see it in person. We can't wait to hear from you!