VISITING ANGELS CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA 831-430-0616
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Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties

Many people, particularly elderly adults in Santa Cruz, Marina, Watsonville and the neighboring towns of California, enjoy having a pet. Spending every day with their own companion provides pet owners with something to look forward to and gives their lives meaning.

But did you know that keeping a pet may provide a number of benefits to the elderly?

Having a pet means more than simply having someone to love and play with every day for seniors. It also requires following a regular care routine, doing some physical activity throughout the day and sharing a similar interest with others in their community.

Increased Happiness

According to new research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets are useful for seniors not just because they make them smile, but also because they improve their moods.

Many elderly adults are worried about what will happen tomorrow. Taking care of a pet and spending time with their furry companion, on the other hand, gives them something enjoyable to focus on. It gives seniors something to do in the present to maintain their attention. Seniors may worry less about the future when they are busy taking their dog for a walk or lounging on the couch with their cherished pet.

Pets also improve the well-being of elderly people who may be suffering from health issues or living alone. According to a 2014 study, seniors who own a pet experienced significantly lower levels of depression than seniors who did not own a pet.

Decreased Loneliness

Isolation is a common problem for older adults who are aging in place. Seniors who have trouble moving or remembering certain dates and events may miss out on opportunities to interact with friends and family. This may result in seniors spending the majority of the day alone at home, which may make them feel lonely and have a detrimental impact on their overall well-being.

Pets, on the other hand, provide seniors company while they go about their daily lives. These animals can accompany seniors as they get ready for work, cook dinner, clean up after meals, bathe or do whatever else they need to do throughout the day. Pets may make older adults feel happier and less lonely by keeping them active.

Dogs have long been acknowledged as a source of comfort and companionship for the elderly, according to the AVMA. Indeed, the researchers behind this study say that dogs lessen loneliness in elderly men and women. This might explain why so many elderly individuals own pets. Pets provide them someone to spend time with every day, which keeps them happy and prevents feelings of loneliness.

Even if your loved one is unable to regularly attend social activities, you know they will always have a caring companion to keep them company at home.

Developing an Everyday Care Routine

Seniors, especially those with age-related cognitive issues, may become forgetful. Creating and sticking to a routine might help your loved one remember certain actions and make it easier for them to care for themselves. Having a pet necessitates the development of a routine to adequately care for them.

While it is vital for elderly people to have a daily routine, it is even more crucial for them to have a routine with their pets. If your loved one creates a regular plan for themselves and their pet, they will be healthy and well-rested throughout the week.

Getting up at the same time every morning and providing food and water to their cat or dog will teach them when to sleep at night. A set plan might help your loved one recall their habit and make it easier to incorporate into their daily routine.

Increased Physical Activity

Aside from providing companionship, adopting a pet helps older people engage in some kind of physical activity. If your loved one struggles to keep active, adopting a pet may help them include some physical activity into their regular routine.

Keeping a dog, for example, means spending time outside with it. If they have a large enough backyard, they can play fetch. Alternatively, your loved one may take their dog for a daily stroll. Some cats like going on a walk, and your loved one may keep their cat and themselves entertained by chasing around a feather teaser toy. These activities are a great way to exercise and burn calories.

A Way to Make New Friends

Many individuals in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties most likely have dogs, cats or other pets. Having a pet is a great way to bring people together and support your loved one in establishing new friends. If your loved one has a dog that needs to be walked every day, they may spend some time socializing with other dog owners at a nearby dog park. They might also go to a nearby pet store and ask other cat owners which treats are the best.

Your loved one may also go outside of their immediate surroundings. There are several pet forums and communities on the internet. When your loved one joins one of these forums, they may discuss about their pet with other people, get pet supply recommendations, and find a shared interest with other pet owners all around the world.

How Visiting Angels Central Coast Helps Elderly Pet Owners

Visiting Angels Central Coast recognizes that providing quality home care necessitates addressing all aspects of the care recipient's needs. We will address not just your loved one's physical needs, but also their emotional and social ones.

If your loved one is struggling with their daily routine, our caregivers can help with light cleaning, meal preparation and laundry. Your loved one may then focus on feeding their pet, walking their dog or playing with their cat. Meanwhile, a dedicated caregiver will give them the help and support they need.

In addition, our home care specialists can assist your loved one in taking care of their pet by filling food bowls, picking up toys off the floor and putting them in a safe place, assist in attaching a leash or putting on a harness, and more.

Our caregivers may also accompany your loved one on a walk with their dog, to the pet store or to the local dog park. Our caregivers can provide companionship and engaging conversation and assure the safety of your loved one and their cherished pet.

Furthermore, by teaching them how to use technology, our Social Care program may help your loved one engage with other pet owners. For example, we can help your loved one set up a Facebook account and join pet-related groups. We may also show them how to use a search engine to get ideas for pet food, toys, and other goods.

We understand that having a pet can be a rewarding and joyful experience for older adults, and we can tailor our senior care services so that your loved one can focus on enjoying their golden years with their furry companion while giving you peace of mind.

Call us today at 831-430-0616 to schedule a free in-home consultation!

Serving Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas, and throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California

Visiting Angels CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA
5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 831-430-0616
Fax: 831-430-0612
HCO #444700002

Serving Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Marina, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Salinas, and throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California

Visiting Angels CENTRAL COAST IN CALIFORNIA
5274 Scotts Valley Dr #102
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: 831-430-0616
Fax: 831-430-0612
HCO #444700002