Should Your Senior Adopt a Pet?
November 14, 2024
Aging in place can be a challenge, it can be lonely, and a senior may need companionship. Luckily, there are several things a senior can do so they feel less alone. They can hire companion care at home, invite friends and family over, or get a pet! Seniors should consider adopting a pet when they are looking for companionship, emotional support, or a way to stay active and engaged. Pets can provide structure and purpose, which are beneficial for seniors who may experience loneliness or have fewer social interactions. Here are some things to think about when a senior is thinking about adopting a new furry friend.
Understand If They Can
Not all seniors can move around and not all seniors are able to take care of their house on their own. Companion care at home can help maintain a house and help with basic chores but if your loved one is not doing much on their own they may not be able to buy a dog or a cat. However, there are other pets that need very little or a lot less than a car or dog will need. For example, a senior who is not as active or mobile may still benefit from having a pet fish. Before a senior buys a pet they need to evaluate where they are at in life and choose a pet based on their abilities and how many responsibilities they want.
Look at All Options
There are tons of animals that make good pets and once you choose an animal there may be different breeds with different temperaments. Your senior may want a bunny or a gerbil if they are looking for something smaller, a fish, or even a turtle. There are way more animals than just dogs and cats and all of them will have their own specific needs and bring something unique to a senior's home. Some animals are much easier to take care of, but the truth is, no matter what animal your loved one chooses they will help a senior find a routine and stick with it because most creatures like doing the same things at the same time every single day.
Think About Finances
No matter which pet a senior chooses, they cost money. They not only cost money to adopt but they also cost money to feed, take to the vet, and keep healthy. If you have a dog, cat, or bunny you will need to buy them enrichment toys and even treats if you plan on teaching them tricks. This means your senior loved one needs to have the means to take care of whatever animal they choose. If they are on a budget they may need to find an animal that needs a lot less. A senior should choose an animal they can afford and they need to think about all of the financial responsibility before they bring a pet home.
Consider Lifestyle
Some seniors will go walking every day while others love to sit and read on the deck or in the kitchen in a sunny window. These seniors may end up with two different types of pets because their lifestyles are drastically different. A reader may want a cat while the walker may want a dog. A senior should evaluate their own lifestyle to choose the right pet.
If you or your loved one is looking for Companion Care at Home in Saratoga, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990