Pets and Their Role in Home Care
A pet in the home brings unmatched joy to life, regardless of your age. Our most cherished memories often include a family pet or furry companion. Pets provide seniors with several benefits, including independence and a better quality of life. However, pet ownership can be complicated for some seniors who may struggle with mobility and memory.
Visiting Angels Knoxville caregivers enjoy meeting the cats, dogs, and other pets seniors may share their lives with. Our staff assists with caring for pets in addition to the care we provide for local Knoxville seniors aging in place. We know a pet holds a special place in a senior’s heart, and we take every opportunity to foster that bond.
How Pets Can Benefit Seniors
Pets can bring joy and love into the home and give seniors a sense of purpose. Below are additional benefits of having a pet that seniors can experience:
- Constant companionship
- Improved mood
- Increased motor skills
- Better cognitive function
- Increase in physical activity
- Stress relief
- Shift in mindset to focusing on living in the present
- Reinforcement of structure and routine
Additional health benefits of having a pet in the home include lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and decreased anxiety or loneliness. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging surveyed adults aged 50 to 80 and found that 73% of respondents stated their pet provided a sense of purpose, 65% said a pet helped them connect with others, and 88% recognized that pets allowed them to enjoy life. Therapy pets can also help seniors with a cuddly, furry friend to love.
Additional Resources For Seniors With Pets
Seniors and their pets can absolutely live happy and healthy lives together. If you’re looking for ways to support the senior in your life and their pet(s), check out the following resources:
- Caring for a pet is one of many daily hobbies to improve memory function
- Learn more about local services available to keep people at home as they age
- Find out how pets and social connections can reduce the risk of isolation in seniors
- Reach out to learn how professional home care can help seniors with pets
- In-home care can help seniors keep their homes clean and keep everyone healthy
If you’re concerned about an aging loved one and their pet, contact Visiting Angels Knoxville. Our caregivers help seniors care for their pets in various ways and would love to share a bond with you and your loved ones (including the four-legged variety).
How Visiting Angels Knoxville Supports Seniors With Pets
One of the many benefits of aging in place includes sharing new experiences with our beloved pets. A study shows that “care workers may be able to improve home care by accounting for the role of pets of older adults receiving home care.” Below are the many ways Visiting Angels Knoxville caregivers assist seniors with caring for their pets:
- Supervision and safety monitoring at home to reduce fall risks and injury
- Transportation to a local dog park for the day
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Assistance with pet feeding, exercising, and grooming
- Scheduling and attending veterinary appointments
- Shopping for pet food and supplies
- Help seniors connect with other pet owners locally or via social media
If you’re interested in learning more about how Visiting Angels Knoxville is helping seniors maintain their independence and care for their pets, contact us to schedule a free consultation.