Written By Katie Gilstrap
Q:
Sometimes I think a pet would be good company for my aging mother, but I worry about the added responsibility for her. Do you have any advice?
A:
Sometimes I think a pet would be good company for my aging mother, but I worry about the added responsibility for her. Do you have any advice?
There is a growing body of research that highlights the benefits of pet ownership among older adults.
“We know from studies that interacting with pets can have a direct influence on your health, from lowering your blood pressure and increasing levels of serotonin, to helping you get more exercise,” says Dr. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist and the author of For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.
“Well-managed pet therapy programs in nursing homes have been shown to reduce depression and even help mitigate the social withdrawal that is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” says McConnell.
Sometimes, as seniors age, they withdraw, losing both the desire and ability to develop new friends. Pets offer companionship and can increase the quantity and the quality of social interactions among their owners. Unlike their non-pet-owning counterparts, who tend to dwell on the past, pet owners tend to focus more on current interests and activities, which creates common ground and conversation starters with new acquaintances.
If you think a pet would be a healthy addition to your loved one’s life, you will want to make sure it is a manageable responsibility. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Can your loved one afford the cost of pet care?
Check with your local vet to find out what types of ongoing care and costs will be involved with adopting a pet. Make sure to include the costs of grooming and any needed transportation.
Does your loved one have a lung condition or an allergy?
Pets can provide affection, but they can also introduce fleas, fur and dander into your loved one’s living space. It is best to find out if allergens such as these will create challenges. Also, it is important to know that the pet doesn’t necessarily have to be fuzzy, furry or four-legged. Fish, birds and other pets encourage the same social and healthy behaviors as dogs and cats.
Will your loved one be moving anytime soon?
Some assisted living and retirement communities allow pets; others do not. If a move is in your loved one’s near future, consider that there may be some additional costs associated with owning a pet.
Finally, if you are considering giving a pet as a gift, try not to make it a surprise. Discuss it in advance so your loved one can help decide what kind of pet makes the most sense and when the right time would be to introduce it in the home.
If you have questions about choosing a pet for a senior, visit petsfortheelderly.org. For more information on caring for an older adult in your life, visit liftcaregiving.com
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