What Seniors Need to Know About Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Communities

It probably comes as no surprise that pets can provide senior citizens with companionship and foster a sense of responsibility. Because of this, many senior living communities accommodate pets to serve as companions to residents. In this article, Enjoying Aging shares some tips to help you find the best assisted living community for both you and your pet.

How to Look for Pet-friendly Communities

The internet is one of the best resources for finding a pet-friendly community. Go to your favorite search engine, like Google or Bing, type in "pet-friendly assisted living communities in [location]," and check the search results. You should see a list of pet-friendly communities in the area. Check each assisted living community's website for more information about living with pets in that community.

Another way to find a pet-friendly senior community is to visit senior care websites, which offer a wealth of information about senior assisted living communities. Sites such as A Place For Mom, Caring.com, Enjoying Senior Living, and Senior Advice can help you compile a list of pet-friendly communities in your area. Learn each community's pet policy, and don't hesitate to ask questions so that you become well-informed.

Common Pet Policies You Need to Know

Assisted living communities adhere to rules to ensure the residents' safety and comfort. Some communities may only allow certain breeds and sizes. For an extra fee, some communities can also provide personalized pet care, or they may work with third-party vendors to assist with grooming, dog walking, and feeding. Once you find a pet-friendly community that appeals to you, learn more about its policies on keeping pets to help you make an informed decision about whether to choose this as your new home.

Things to Consider Before Taking Your Pet to the Community

Before transitioning to assisted living with your pet, make sure that your furry friend is trained and well-behaved. If your dog has a history of jumping on people or biting, it may be best to enroll your pup in dog training or obedience classes. Also, consider the environment the dog will be living in. If it's not used to indoor life, it may make more noise and look for ways to get out.

Be realistic, as problems can still arise. Will you be able to properly care for the pet in the assisted living community? If not, does the community offer extra pet services? In some instances, it may be wiser for you to find a new home for your pet or consider a different senior community.

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Why Purchase Pet Insurance?

Like your health insurance, pet insurance helps cover veterinary costs for your pet when it's injured or sick. Having pet insurance prevents you from having to dip into your savings to pay for expensive veterinary care. When choosing pet insurance, consider the premiums, deductibles, coverage level, and maximum pet age before making a decision. To avoid problems, carefully evaluate sample quotes, research and compare pet insurance coverage and considerations, and read customer reviews.

Stock Up on Supplies and Toys

When considering pet supplies and toys, it's important to choose items that are safe and easy to use. First, safety is paramount. Look for products that are made from non-toxic materials and that don't have small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Second, ease of use is important. Seniors may have limited mobility or dexterity, so look for products that are easy to grab, hold, and manipulate. Third, consider the pet's individual needs. Some pets may need extra support for their joints, while others may need products that encourage mental stimulation or provide a sense of security. Lastly, don't forget to read reviews before making a purchase. This way, you know all the supplies and toys you're getting are worth the money you're spending on them.

Plan Accordingly

Use the guide above to help you find a pet-friendly assisted living community, and smooth your transition by purchasing pet insurance. By stocking up on supplies (and reading reviews), looking into pet insurance, and ensuring the assisted living facility is right for you and your pet, you can rest easy knowing that your new home is perfect.

A special thank you to Lydia Chan at alzheimerscaregiver.net for contributing this article.

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