The benefits of having pets are well known, and older adults often love to dote on their favorite animal companions. Whether your senior loved one prefers dogs or cats, adopting a pet is a great way to give an animal a loving home. As you help your loved one search for the perfect pet, consider these reasons why older pets and seniors are the perfect match.
A Senior Pet’s History Is Known
With a puppy, you never know what you are going to get. However, older pets often come with a history that helps seniors decide how well their new companions will fit into their lifestyles. For instance, your loved one may prefer a dog that is in good health, or he or she may be fine with a pet that comes with disabilities. Either way, knowing exactly what they are bringing home helps seniors avoid surprises.
Seniors who need help caring for older pets or managing daily activities can benefit from professional at-home care. Calgary senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
There Is No Need to Train Older Pets
Older dogs and cats are typically already housetrained, which means your loved one can avoid the early tasks of pet ownership such as cleaning up accidents. A pet that is already trained allows your loved one to instantly enjoy the benefits of companionship, such as being able to take the pet out for a leisurely walk.
Older Pets Are Generally Calm
Seniors tend to prefer animals with a calm temperament that helps them relax. Older pets have already burned off most of their youthful energy and don’t mind curling up on a senior’s lap for an afternoon nap. By choosing a calmer pet, your loved one can prevent injuries caused by falling over an exuberant smaller dog or cat.
Older adults can also reduce their risk of injuries by hiring professional caregivers. In-home care experts can help seniors with an array of daily tasks and make healthy lifestyle choices that can keep illnesses and injuries at bay. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Calgary respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Caring for Older Pets Boosts Self-Esteem
There is something special about doing something to enhance the life of a pet. However, the needs of older animals are often overlooked by families who are looking for a pet that can grow up with their kids. Seniors who bring home older animals get to know they played a huge role in rescuing an animal that might have otherwise been forgotten. Realizing his or her role in saving an older pet could boost your loved one’s self-esteem.
Seniors Can Prevent Damage to Their Homes
With older pets, your loved one shouldn’t have to worry about things such as a dog chewing up his or her shoes or a cat shredding the furniture. Older animals usually come from homes where they have already been trained not to tear things up, and many senior pets simply don’t have a desire to tear up things now that they are older.
Seniors & Older Pets Develop a Sense of Understanding
Senior pets often experience the same effects of aging as humans, and it’s nice to have a companion that also faces challenges such as hearing or vision loss. Many seniors find adopting a pet with similar disabilities gives them a companion in their house that understands what it is like to advance in age.
Adopting older pets is one of the many ways seniors can boost their wellbeing. Professional respite and live-in caregivers can also help seniors enjoy a high quality of life. For many seniors in Calgary, Alberta, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at 403-301-3777 today.