Are you a senior in Hockessin, DE, who has considered getting a pet? More than ever, older folks are turning to animals as companions in their golden years, and senior living communities are expanding their services to include pets in assisted living.
What is it like to reside in dog-friendly retirement communities, and how can pet-friendly senior living benefit you? In this article, we will explore the full landscape of navigating life with a pet in Hockessin.
The lifestyle of your pet will largely depend on the type of senior living community you reside in. At The Summit, we offer four types of care:
Independent senior living is for seniors who simply want to transition to a smaller living space and a tight-knit community. These apartments offer a full suite of amenities and accommodate seniors who seek a flexible lifestyle.
Pets in independent senior living can enjoy relative independence as well. Dogs have plenty of opportunities for daily walks, while cats can curl up for naps whenever they please.
Assisted living is similar to independent living, except seniors may need a little more help with everyday tasks. Pets may serve primarily as support animals. Active breeds may not thrive in this type of living environment.
Pets serve as a valuable emotional support for patients who suffer from dementia. When memory lapses or the patient gets confused, a cat or a dog can provide necessary grounding.
Service animals and emotional support animals can both provide value to seniors in assisted living communities. Here are some of the similarities and differences between the two.
Service animals provide specific tasks for their owners, and they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are usually dogs, but cats may be able to assist with some tasks, as well.
Service dogs can aid in:
One important distinguishing factor that sets service animals apart is that the law prevents discrimination against animals and their owners. Landlords legally cannot bar them from renting, nor can businesses deny them access if the animal is proven to be a service animal.
In dog-friendly retirement communities, service dogs can be a valuable resource for residents. The help of a service animal may help seniors retain independence for longer, rather than transitioning to assisted living.
Emotional support animals, also known as ESAs, are a different class of therapy pet. ESAs help their owners cope with emotional struggles or the effects of mental illness. Often, this means combating the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not have any legal protections. However, you can obtain an ESA designation from a mental health professional, such as a:
Specifying that your pet is an ESA can open some doors, as landlords and business owners tend to have more flexibility regarding emotional support animals compared to regular pets.
Emotional support animals can be helpful for seniors navigating big life changes or the transition to senior living.
Pets in assisted living present numerous benefits, and that relationship is mutual. Here are some of the ways that having a pet in your assisted living community can improve your quality of life.
Seniors may lose their sense of purpose as they grow older. Retiring and having children who have started families of their own can make it difficult to adjust to an independent lifestyle free from obligations.
Pets can present a sense of purpose for seniors who are looking for meaningful ways to contribute to their happiness. Caring for a cat or a dog brings comfort and pride.
As you age, you begin to lose touch with old friends. You might go through the death of a close loved one or even a spouse. Your children may not be able to visit as much anymore. All of those factors contribute to senior loneliness.
With a pet as a constant companion, you never have to worry about loneliness again. Your cat or dog will always be there for you, ready to cuddle and love you without judgment.
When seniors retire, sometimes they fail to establish a routine. While the freedom from obligations such as work or childcare can initially feel amazing, the lack of a schedule may quickly lead to malaise or disorganization.
Pets thrive on routine. They eat, sleep, and use the bathroom at approximately the same times each day, expecting their owners to maintain an established schedule.
For instance, you may want to sleep in later, but if your dog needs to be walked in the morning, it is up to you to make it happen.
Pet-friendly senior living in Hockessin, DE, can drastically improve your quality of life. With ample benefits and accommodations, having a furry companion may provide comfort amidst the chaos as you make your way through your senior years.
At The Summit by Discovery Senior Living, aging with animal companions is not only permitted but encouraged. Along with many other amenities, the allowance of emotional support animals for seniors fosters a strong sense of community and trust amongst residents. Enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces and walking paths with your canine companion, or lounge in one of our streamlined living spaces with your feline friend.
Are you and your pet ready to make the transition to a senior living community? Reach out to The Summit today, or visit our beautiful location in Hockessin, DE, in person. We can't wait to hear from you!