Pet Friendly Senior Living

Are Pets Allowed in Nursing Homes?

Some nursing homes not only allow residents to have pets in their rooms, but also allow pet visitations if someone else is caring for the pet. Policies vary from facility to facility so it’s best to ask ahead of time as you’re considering different living arrangements.

If you didn’t have a pet before moving into a new facility, it is not recommended to adopt one beforehand. Many nursing homes and care facilities are not keen on the idea of new or untrained pets. Also, keep the needs of your pet in mind. A house cat may do just fine in a nursing home if it is allowed, while a dog that’s used to roaming a yard may not be best suited for this type of living.

For those nursing homes that do not allow their residents to have pets regularly for one reason or another, pet therapy programs may still be offered. Many facilities recognize the benefits pets can have on their residents and bring in these programs as part of their care packages.

Are Pets Allowed in Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted living communities also have their own rules when it comes to pets. Some do not allow them at all, while others restrict them by breed. You may also be restricted by the size of your pet and how many pets you wish to have with you.

Some assisted living communities have a “community pet” that all residents share. This allows residents to enjoy the benefits of having a pet while letting the community uphold certain rules it sees fit.

If having a pet is a deciding factor for your senior living, ask what the community’s policy is to see if you would be allowed to bring along your animal.

Some other common pet rules you might expect from assisted living facilities include:

• Pet limits per resident
• No undomesticated animals
• No exotic pets
• Pet vaccinations must be up to date
• Pet fees should be paid on time
• Residents must be able to care for pets
• Residents must have a contact to receive the pet if they are no longer able to care for the pet

Are Pets Allowed in Retirement Communities?

If you have a pet, you’ll most likely be able to bring it with you to a retirement community. Most active retirement communities allow their residents to have pets because they can take care of them by themselves. Staff does not need to take the time to care for the pet because the owner can do it.

But, the number of pets may be restricted depending on the community. Two is usually the standard. All pets must be up to date on their vaccinations and owners have to take responsibility if the animal were to harm someone else. As with the other living options, talk to those in charge beforehand so that you can make an informed decision.

Benefits of Pets for Seniors

Many senior living facilities recognize the fact that pets can provide health and mood benefits for their residents. From actual medical benefits to companion perks, having a four-legged friend nearby could be one of the best things you can do for yourself in your golden years.

Here are a few key benefits of having a pet in your living community.

Staying Active

Staying active is just as important for seniors as it is for anyone else. Having a pet to take out and walk can help keep seniors active. While you may not be motivated to get out and go for a walk on your own, the fact that Fido needs to go out will certainly get you moving. Studies have shown seniors with dogs are more physically active than their non-pet-owning counterparts. This is why having pets can also help battle obesity.

Health and Mood Boost

The transition into older adulthood isn’t always easy. We might experience health challenges, changes in our social and family lives, work shifts, and other life-defining transitions that alter important aspects of our day-to-day lives. We know that older Americans are more at risk of experiencing depression if they have other illnesses, so how can owning a pet help boost your mood?3

Studies out of The University of New Mexico show:

• Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than individuals without pets.
• Dog owners experience less stress and have lower blood pressure than those without pets.
• Playing with a pet can elevate the happy hormones (serotonin and dopamine).
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.4

Making New Friends

It’s never too late to make new friends. For some seniors, having a pet allows them to do just that. Pets can spark conversation between owners and ultimately lead to new friendships. Set pet play dates, visit your local parks and gardens, and allow your furry friends to lead you to new relationships.

Pet Protection

Pets bring an added layer of protection for many seniors. For those who live alone, a pet can make seniors feel as though someone is watching over them, especially if a stranger approaches. And if you own a classic guard dog, like a German shepherd or rottweiler, you can bet that someone would think twice about committing a crime around you.

Best Companion Pets for Seniors

While the type of animal you get is a matter of personal preference, when it comes to dogs, the breed can make a difference. Here are some veterinarian suggestions when it comes to the best companion dogs for seniors.

• French bulldog – These make solid companions because of their disposition and because they make favorable walking partners.
• Poodle – This breed is often small and easy to maintain for seniors.
• Schipperke – These dogs are sturdy and often easy to care for.
• Maltese – This breed is known to be attentive to its owners, which is a plus for seniors. It also doesn’t shed a lot, so there’s not much to clean in that department.
• Pembroke Welsh corgi – More active seniors may enjoy this breed that is on the move and often quite determined.

Certain cat breeds may be better for seniors than others. These include:

• Birman cat – These cats like to play, but they’re not over the top when it comes to activities, which can be perfect for seniors.
• Ragdoll cat – This breed is very laid back and affectionate.
• Russian blue – These cats tend to like to be close to their owners and usually stay out of trouble.
• Persian cat – Known for affection, this breed bonds with its owners and is often very loyal.
• Burmilla cat – These cats are active but are also affectionate with their owners.

No matter which type of pet you choose, remember to choose one that you can maintain and take care of on your own or with minimal aid.

The Most Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly city to move to that also has excellent assisted living, we have you covered! According to Bring Fido, Phoenix, San Diego, Colorado Springs, and Austin are some of the country’s most pet-friendly cities. You can check out our guides to assisted living in those cities below!

• Assisted living in Phoenix
• San Diego assisted living communities
• Assisted living communities in Colorado Springs
• Austin assisted living

Is There Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Near Me?

As discussed in this article, there are many benefits to bringing your pet to a senior living community or facility. Whether you want to boost your mood, stay more active, make friends, or simply enjoy time with your furry companion, bringing your pet to your living facility is a great way to brighten your day.

If you are looking for pet-friendly senior living, call us on our helpline, and we can help you find the right home for you and your animal companion.