Countless studies have been conducted regarding the impact pets have on our quality of life. From these studies, the consensus is that pets can improve our overall quality of life, especially for senior living residents in retirement communities like Melody Living Lake in the Hills. The studies we’ve reviewed indicate that having a companion can not only improve your quality of life (reducing loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression), but people who own pets tend to live longer than those that don’t. This is likely because of the improved quality of life reducing stress, and cardiovascular related diseases, but it also may indicate that those who have pets carry a sense of purpose each day more than those that don’t. We welcome small pets in our assisted living neighborhoodIn our assisted living neighborhood, Melody Living welcomes small pets like cats and dogs with open arms. These pets make the move into a senior living community a lot more comfortable for residents with fur babies. Having a pet in a new environment can create a sense of peace, familiarity, and duty. Pets within our community are also great for residents who may live alone as that extra sense of company and companionship can make all the difference in their day. The responsibilities of owning a petWhile the positive impact that pets have on our lives is undeniable, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks of having a pet and how that impacts seniors. For example, is the senior resident a long-time pet-owner who is well versed and familiar with the responsibilities of owning a pet? If not, it’s probably not going to be as enjoyable for them and the new experience might even create more stress in their life. However, if they’ve never owned a pet but are really interested in having a pet, they may want to consider a low-maintenance option like a cat or fish. It’s also important that any senior looking to own a pet, really considers their level of exercise or ability it may require to have a pet. If they’re uncomfortable walking, a dog might not be a good option as they require daily walks and exercise to live a happy and healthy life. Training a pet also can be a lot of physical, mental, and emotional work. Therefore, adopting an older pet that is well-trained and well-behaved might be a good option as well. Finances to own a petLastly, it’s important that if a resident in our pet-friendly senior community is looking to own one, that they have the necessary finances in place to care for the pet and setup a back-up plan for the pet should the animal require medical care or a new home.
Without these two elements, a pet may end up not having the sufficient care it needs or may even be returned to a shelter – a disheartening moment for the animal and its loved ones. Also, it’s important to create an action plan for your pet on their care, should they outlive you, and ensure that you have enough financial support to provide the care your pet deserves for the rest of their life. To learn more about Melody Living’s pet-friendly senior living apartment options, give us a call at 847.957.7070 today! To check out our assisted living floor plan options, be sure to take a look here. There are excellent options for a pet-friendly lifestyle, like our Verdi or Cadence floor plans. Have questions? Send us an email on our contact form! Comments are closed.
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