Delmanor offers pet-friendly senior living solutions © Courtesy of Delmanor
Many people living across the Greater Toronto Area are proud pet owners. These four-legged, two-legged, winged, or scaled friends become part of the family. Unfortunately, when it is time for a senior to move into a retirement home, they are often faced with the hard decision of what to do with their beloved pet.
Despite the overwhelming benefits to seniors of owning a pet, not all retirement communities are pet-friendly. Moving into a new home as a senior can be a huge transition, and not being able to bring your furry best friend can be devastating. Therefore, it is very important that older adults can find a pet-friendly senior living solution.
Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits seniors reap from pet ownership.
Reduce Loneliness and Depression
A pet provides seniors with a companion who loves them unconditionally and is by their side every day. A dog, cat, or even a bird or reptile, gives them someone to talk to, care for, and love. For more immobile seniors who may not be able to get out as much as they like, this companionship can be vital to reducing depression and loneliness.
Increase Socialization
An animal can provide seniors with a topic of conversation with caregivers and other residents. For dog owners, going on a walk can provide a source of socialization and perhaps friendships with other dog owners.
Reduce Anxiety of the Future
Owning a pet can reduce a senior’s anxiety about the future. Instead of worrying about their limitations or concerns for tomorrow, they must focus on the immediate needs of their pet. This forces them to stay in the present, reducing anxiety and boosting overall happiness.
Provides Stability and Routine
Pets provide seniors with a sense of stability, routine, and purpose. Every day, they are required to tend to the needs of their pets – feeding them, playing with them, or potentially walking them at set times throughout the day.
Increased Exercise and Physical Health
Owning a more active pet, such as a dog forces a senior to get regular exercise. Exercise lowers cholesterol, sugar levels, blood pressure, and stress. Regular exercise also translates into better cognitive function in older adults.
Even for seniors with mobility concerns, a lower-maintenance pet still provides vast health benefits, such as lower levels of stress and higher levels of endorphins.
Having a pet has even been shown to slow the onset of dementia, and decrease the healing time in older adults suffering from an illness or health condition.
The Delmanor Difference
At Delmanor Senior Communities, we prioritize the well-being of our residents. We take pride in offering exceptional independent, assisted, and supportive senior living options throughout Toronto and the GTA. Our pet-friendly communities welcome you and your furry friends, ensuring a warm and comforting environment. Discover all that Delmanor has to offer—we look forward to meeting you and your best friend soon!
For more information, visit www.delmanor.com or email us at ask@delmanor.com.
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At Delmanor, it’s about people first. It’s about finding the right fit for you. Without any compromises. It is your home. It is your adventure.