How Having a Pet Can Benefit Your Senior Loved One
Being a pet owner is an incredibly rewarding experience. And, as it turns out, having animals in the home can reap serious benefits for your mind and body as well. This is especially true for seniors, who experience physical health problems, cognitive decline, and loneliness at a much higher rate than younger individuals.
Positive Benefits of Pet Ownership for Elders
Providing a safe and loving home for another living creature isn’t something to take lightly. But if you think yourself or a senior loved one can handle the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, there are numerous positive impacts to experience from it. Check out some of the positive benefits of pet ownership for seniors below.
Improves Physical and Mental Health
According to the CDC, the bond between a pet owner and their pets can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and also minimizes the effects of PTSD, which many elderly veterans suffer from.
In terms of mental health, pets help reduce anxiety in people of every age. A recent report found that 70 percent of older adults said their pet helps them cope with physical and emotional symptoms, as well as take their mind off the pain. Studies have also shown that animal assisted therapy can improve dementia symptoms in the elderly.
Lowers Risk of Loneliness
Seniors are at an especially high risk of experiencing social isolation. As they age, their peers and spouses pass away, and many elderly people end up living alone. A pet can alleviate these feelings of loneliness. Pets serve as faithful companions to their owners and give them someone to interact with throughout the day. Additionally, they’re able to meet other pet lovers at the dog park, vet office, or while out on walks.
Creates a Daily Routine
Older individuals, especially those with cognitive decline, tend to suffer from forgetfulness. Having a daily routine of caring for their pet helps them remember specific tasks, like feeding time, play time, and exercise time. This, in turn, can help make it easier for the senior to care for themselves on a schedule.
Increases Physical Activity
Pets increase the amount of opportunities for seniors to get physical activity through walks, throwing frizbees, and generally just playing with their animals. The boost in movement promotes a healthier and overall more active lifestyle for older people.
Visiting Angels Can Help Elderly Pet Owners
Visiting Angels South Elgin understands that high quality home care encompasses all of the senior’s needs, including their desire for companionship and a higher quality of life. Pets are a wonderful way to enhance a senior’s well being in their golden years.
In addition to providing personal care services, our experienced and professional caregivers can assist seniors with pet care tasks, such as feeding and grooming the animals and shopping for pet supplies. They can also accompany the care recipient on walks with their dog. As always, Visiting Angels can customize a client’s care plan to cover all needs and aspects of care, including pet responsibilities.
If you or your senior loved one is interested in learning more about in-home care services with Visiting Angels South Elgin, simply reach out to us via our contact form or by calling us at 847-429-0100. We look forward to hearing from you!