Pet Friendly Senior Living in Boise: Benefits for Seniors
Many studies question the impact of owning pets on a person's mental and physical health. While they seem to have a positive impact on a person's emotional health, it's not easy to find pet-friendly housing. Caring for a pet may also prove difficult for some seniors.
Fortunately, Boise is home to several pet-friendly senior living communities for animal lovers. It's also a good environment with clean air and a vibrant cultural scene. There are many benefits that they can enjoy that go beyond what they might have while living alone.
Here are some benefits of animal companionship and aging with pets.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Aging With Pets
The first area of consideration for finding pet-friendly Boise retirement living communities is the impact on a person's mental and emotional health.
Not every person gets a pet for the same reason. However, they can benefit from a reduced feeling of loneliness by adding to their daily routines.
Reduced Loneliness and Emotional Support
Older adults often experience increased isolation due to retirement or the loss of friends or spouses. They may even suffer mobility issues due to injury or illness.
Animal companions offer unconditional love and a constant presence. Their presence helps to mitigate loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
A Feeling of Purpose and Routine
Caring for a pet brings structure to a person's life. They have to create a feeding schedule, take the pet for walks, and groom it.
Many seniors find themselves with a renewed sense of purpose now that they have another person to care for. This feeling is integral to mental wellness and helps counter aimlessness.
Physical and Cognitive Advantages
In addition to the emotional advantages, senior living with pets can improve a person's physical and cognitive health. After all, pets might need a lot of physical effort to care for.
Encouraged Physical Activity
Pets, especially dogs, can boost physical health by association. Daily walks stimulate cardiovascular fitness, strength, and balance. They force you to go out into the sun and soak up some vitamin D.
However, seniors should be cautious. Leashes can cause falls, and some dogs are stronger than their owners. It's important to find a breed that's easier to care for or opt for an indoor pet.
Cognitive Maintenance
Routine pet care and engagement stimulate mental processes such as planning, memory, and attention. Even petting an animal can boost dopamine and oxytocin, aiding cognitive health.
How much your pet influences your cognitive health will depend on the type. Something like a hamster may not require as much attention as a cat or a dog.
Social and Community Connections
Pets act as social ice-breakers. Walking a dog around your neighborhood or pet-friendly community grounds encourages conversation and connection. Pets may help seniors re-engage with the community, lessening social isolation.
In addition, part of training a dog is socializing them. Seniors should take some time to introduce their pets to their neighbors and make sure they're friendly and sociable. The last thing anyone wants is for a dog to run out and bite a passerby.
Designing a Successful Pet-Friendly Experience
Not all pets are a good fit for seniors, despite their benefits. You have to take into account factors like temperament, allergies, and the care you can provide for them.
Choosing the Right Pet
The pet's size and desired activity level should match the senior's ability. Small or low-energy pets can be excellent companions for those with mobility issues.
You want to avoid larger and stronger dogs like pit bulls or mastiffs. Some of the best breeds for seniors include poodles, maltese, and pomeranians.
Vet Access and Health Considerations
Ensure that on-site or nearby veterinary services are accessible at all hours. These should include urgent or end-of-life care within 15 to 20 minutes of the community.
Emergency and Backup Care
Clarify backup caregiving policies. If the owner falls ill or wants to travel, they'll need someone to look after the pet. Some communities partner with local pet-sitters or grant access to foster networks.
Safety Measures
Seniors should research leash training and socialization methods before investing in a pet. Proper training can reduce falls and improve interactions during walks.
At home, owners should buy non-slip pads and create fenced-in play areas. They may need to look into crate training for dogs with separation anxiety.
What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Apartments and Communities
The first thing to know is whether or not a senior living community allows for pets. If you already own a pet, that can determine whether or not to even consider a location. Those who want pets in the future should also look for pet-friendly communities.
Next, try to find a place with pet amenities. These may include a dog park, fenced-in yards, and doggy daycares.
Think about proximity to veterinary offices. A community located on the edges of town may be further away from a vet than you're comfortable.
Balancing Responsibilities With Rewards
While the benefits are substantial, pet ownership isn't without challenges.
Seniors who adopt the wrong kind of dog may find themselves more prone to injury. Some untrained breeds are more destructive than others and require more physical activity.
Vet care, food, and grooming all add to the cost of ownership. Budgeting and pet insurance can buffer surprises.
Pet ownership may not be the right choice for a senior who has mobility issues or requires continuous care. They would likely need to rely on a caregiver to help with pet care. It all depends on the specific community and its staff.
Try Pet-Friendly Senior Living Today
The benefits of pet-friendly senior living often outweigh the negatives. As long as you get the right pet for your abilities and needs, then you'll find your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. Even something as domestic as a cat can mean feeling less lonely every day.
Chateau de Boise is a senior living community in the Boise area. Our residents can enjoy independent living with supportive services, which means they can preserve as much of their autonomy as possible. Contact us to learn more about how our community is right for you.