According to studies by Michigan Medicine, about 55% of older adults own pets. Whether you're among them or have a loved one who is, bringing this animal along is the first step toward transitioning to assisted living. After all, no one wants to leave their furry family member behind!
Fortunately, assisted living with pets is more possible than ever before. The best senior living communities are increasingly realizing why pet-friendly housing is essential. This is especially true in Independence, IA, a city known for its historic sights and bustling culture.
Here, we'll discuss some of these reasons that emotional support pets are so important for older adults. Read on to learn why Prairie Hills at Independence is the perfect assisted living community for pet owners and companion animals!
The US News and World Report cites that about one in three seniors between the ages of 50 and 80 experiences social isolation. This is a major risk factor for loneliness, especially as loved ones pass away.
Those who contend with this loneliness will have a higher likelihood of developing:
The CDC notes that these risk factors can also lead to:
Luckily, assisted living with pets can help their owners feel less lonely and stave off these painful health problems. A recent study from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) showed that:
Pets improve mental health because of the companionship they offer. Community-dwelling seniors can always turn to their beloved cat or dog for unwavering love and support. They'll always be happy to see their caregiving human, so seniors can feel loved and needed.
Animals also decrease stress and anxiety in the long term. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that this is because petting a cat or dog releases dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones are intimately connected with love and happiness.
The same researchers say that petting an animal decreases cortisol, a stress hormone in the brain. This goes so far that 84% of PTSD patients saw far fewer symptoms when paired with an emotional support dog!
Having a pet establishes a sense of routine for seniors. They need to be fed at consistent times and will demand food when it's promised. They also serve as furry alarm clocks in the morning and want to play consistently.
Routine helps older adults by:
This builds independence by making seniors in assisted living feel more autonomous.
Plus, taking care of a pet is a nurturing activity. It gives seniors a reason to get out of bed in the morning!
Those in Independence senior living communities can better their lives by connecting with neighbors. Other residents live nearby, so it's easy for people to spend time together daily.
Companion animals give seniors a reason to visit each other's well-appointed apartments. They'll want to meet each other's cats and dogs and spend time with them. This provides an excuse for residents to spend time together.
They'll get to know each other better in a stress-free environment since the pet will initially be the star of the show. As they see each other more frequently, lifelong bonds can grow and flourish.
Additionally, pet owners can meet each other more easily. For example, two residents with dogs may meet on our community's paved outdoor walking paths.
They can bond over their shared love of animals while walking their four-legged friends. This is a great icebreaker. It can also lead to making plans regarding walking dogs together regularly.
This isn't just amazing for residents. It's also great for pets! When your animal companion has friends of their own species, they're less likely to feel lonely and isolated, too.
Community living is great for animals as well as people!
Prairie Hills Independence offers supportive services to help seniors care for their basic needs. Our compassionate experts assist with hygiene, mobility, and more.
This ensures that seniors are in good enough shape to care for their animals. It boosts motivation in addition to physical wellness!
However, our apartments and amenities stand out even more. Well-appointed apartments include:
Pets can also enjoy community amenities like:
This is great because animals don't need to spend all day cooped up in their rooms to remain safe.
Now that you know the basics of assisted living with pets, it's time to learn more about what life is like in a pet-friendly senior community.
Prairie Hills at Independence stands out in part because of our apartments and amenities. However, we're also special because of our quality of care and readiness to address questions and concerns.
If you or a loved one is transitioning to assisted living or memory care, we'll discuss how pets can stay safe and comfortable on move-in day. However, to be as comfortable as possible before moving, you and your loved ones may want to schedule a tour of our amenities.
Contact us to make this happen and set up a time for your tour ASAP!