Pets are great companions for people of all ages, but senior citizens who live alone may benefit the most from having a pet. Unfortunately, some people have trouble caring for pets as they age. If you want to make sure you can care properly for an animal companion in your golden years, you may want to consider moving to a pet-friendly assisted living community. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet happy and healthy as you get older.
You Need to Set a Budget
Assisted living communities can be particularly beneficial for senior citizens, but they often come with a significant price tag. If you are considering moving to an assisted living community, you need to start by setting a budget. Know how much you can afford to pay each month for a place to live in this type of community. You may need to start saving money now to afford an assisted living community within the next few years.
One way to afford the price tag that comes with assisted living communities is to sell your existing home. You may want to make cost-efficient home upgrades that will add a significant amount of value to your house. By selling your home for more than you paid for it, you may be able to pay for an assisted living community upfront instead of making monthly payments.
You Need to Find the Right Community
There are many different assisted living communities to choose from. While most of them are great places to meet new friends in the same stage of life, you need to choose one that meets certain criteria if you want to bring a pet with you. Pet-friendly assisted living communities have different features than those that do not allow animals. You want to look for communities that offer assistance with pet care if you are ever unable to take care of your animal companion. You may also want to look at communities with many walking trails if you have a dog that you need to exercise daily. Finally, you want to live in a community with other people who value animal companionship just like you do. If a community meets all of these criteria, it could be the right place for you to live.
One study found that more than 50% of adults over the age of 50 have a pet. This statistic has caused many assisted living communities to change their stances on animal companions.
You Need to Keep Bonding With Your Pet
Even if your pet’s basic needs are taken care of by helpers in your community, it’s still important to bond with your animal companion. Taking your dog on long walks is a great way to bond while you get exercise. If you have limited mobility, spend time snuggling with your canine on the couch. If you have cats, sure you give your fur babies plenty of love, affection, and treats to keep them happy and maintain your bond. Animals need love and affection to thrive, and while someone else may be able to care for basic needs, you are the best equipped to offer the companionship they crave.
Many senior citizens love having animal companions, but some people are unable to care for pets when they live independently. Finding a pet-friendly assisted living community can help you maintain as much independence as possible while giving you the aid you need and helping you keep your pet healthy.
