The majority of people will own a pet at some point in their life and this is especially common for seniors because of the desire for companionship later in life. Many older adults have owned their pets for years and would never want to be separated from them.
If you own a pet, you may worry that this will prevent you from joining an assisted living community in Lakeway, TX. The good news is that there are plenty of communities that are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friend along.
Keep reading to find out why pet-friendly assisted living communities are so beneficial for seniors.
Easier Transition into Assisted Living
Making the transition from your home into an assisted living community can feel quite overwhelming. This is a big change, and some people feel very hesitant during this unfamiliar process.
It can be especially difficult to leave your home behind and give up some of your independence. Having the option of bringing your pet along with you is something that can make this transition period much easier and more enjoyable.
Additionally, choosing a pet-friendly community will be much better for your mental health and happiness since you will not have to part with them during a potential move.
Better Overall Mental Health
Speaking of mental health, pets are incredibly beneficial for your overall mental well-being. Many seniors experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be treated with the companionship of a pet.
Pets have a natural ability to immediately cheer their owners up and help them focus on the present. This joyful companionship can help you focus on what you have right now instead of what you have lost. Pets can also be beneficial if you are going through unsettling health issues and are having to adapt to new changes.
Opportunities for Frequent Activity
As we age, it can become harder and harder to stay active since our bodies and abilities are changing. Pets are a great source of inspiration for staying active since many of them require you to do certain activities such as running, walking or swimming.
Dogs are an especially great option and required to be taken outside and exercised regularly. This is incredibly beneficial since it gives you a reason to go out and enjoy the scenery and walk around a little every single day.
Even the simple activity of playing fetch with your dog or playing a game of hide and seek with your cat is beneficial for your physical health.
Mental Stimulation
When you join assisted living in Lakeview, TX, it can be easy to settle into a very quiet way of living. But mental stimulation is essential when it comes to preserving brain health and your fine motor skills.
Pets are beneficial since they help promote cognitive function regularly. The simple activity of caring for a pet is mentally stimulating and helps you to do something engaging every day. Some examples of this include training your pet, grooming them, or taking them for daily walks.
Socializing Opportunities
Even in an assisted living community, some seniors may start to feel like they are isolated and left out. It can be especially hard if you are moving into a new assisted living community and you don’t know anyone, and you are separated from your friends and loved ones.
A pet provides daily socialization even if they can’t necessarily converse with you. They provide companionship and can even open up other socializing opportunities. For instance, you may meet other dog owners when you take your dog for a walk.
Helps Create a Routine
As we age, one of the most important habits to develop is sticking to a routine. Routines are very beneficial as they help you stay mentally sharp and continue to do everyday tasks that are vital for your mental and physical well-being.
There may be days when you lack the motivation to maintain a healthy routine if you are feeling mentally or physically unwell. Owning a pet establishes a set routine where your pet depends on you to follow that routine even if you don’t feel like it.
In a way, a pet helps to hold you accountable, ensuring that you do what you need to do. Even if you don’t feel motivated, these simple everyday tasks are very important for your mental and physical health.
Provides Purpose
One of the best benefits of pet-friendly assisted living communities is the purpose it gives the residents. After we retire from our normal work lives, it is very easy to start to feel as though we have no purpose in life
Even though work and maintenance-free is something that the majority of people look forward to, it comes with these unexpected challenges. That is where having a pet is most beneficial since it provides you with the responsibility and purpose you are looking for.
You not only need to care for yourself, you need to care for this other creature that depends on you for its everyday necessities.
Free Assisted Living Guide
Making the transition to an assisted living community comes with unique challenges, but these are easier to face when you have your pet with you on the journey. More and more assisted living communities are becoming pet-friendly since pets provide countless benefits for seniors.
For more information on choosing the right assisted living community, download our free guide to assisted living at Arbor Terrace Lakeway.
