Pet Ownership Archives - CareBuilders At Home Minneapolis, Minnesota

Some seniors love animals, and pets can be great companions to have when aging in place. But there comes the point when a senior can no longer care for an animal. Even with help from home care assistance, they may not be capable of taking care of a dog or small animal like a bunny. Having responsibilities even in old age is important, but not if it puts animals in danger. If your senior can no longer care for their animals, it’s time to give them up and find different solutions. Home care assistance can be there to support your senior as they deal with no longer owning a pet, as well as take them to get some hands-on time with animals Here are some solutions if your senior doesn’t have a pet and needs an animal fix.

Visit an Animal Shelter

Not only can you visit an animal shelter, but you can also volunteer with animals! If your seniors know they can’t have any more animals, the shelter may allow them to socialize with the animals. This not only helps the animals get used to people, but it allows seniors to be around little furry friends and may give them something to look forward to. If a senior wants to do this, home care assistance can help add it to their weekly schedule and may even provide transportation. Volunteering at an animal shelter can help seniors to stay active, build new relationships, and combat feelings of loneliness. Animal companionship also provides health benefits for seniors, such as reduced stress and improved physical and mental health.

Go To a Petting Zoo

Sometimes animal shelters won’t accept new volunteers or have an intake process that can be too strict for a senior. If that happens, try a petting zoo. This is a place where tons of animals look for human interaction. Petting zoos are great for seniors because they can get close to animals and interact in a safe and controlled environment. In addition, these types of zoos may be spread out and allow a senior to move around and walk around, which can be healthy for them too!

Visit a Friend With Pets

If your senior had to give their pet to a friend, ask their friend if they would let the senior come visit. This is a good way to see their beloved furry friends thrive and make the seniors feel happy with their choice. If your senior didn’t have to give up their pet, find a friend for your senior with pets! Set a friend date so the senior can leave the house, meet the friend, and see the animals.

Find a Low Maintenance Pet

Last but not least, try to find a low-maintenance pet. Your senior loved one may not be able to handle a dog, but they may be able to handle a pet fish or another small pet that requires little care. Evaluate what your senior can do and their energy levels before buying a pet, and always ask home care assistance what they’re comfortable helping with before you make your decisions.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Brooklyn Park, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog month which means it’s a great time to find the perfect canine companion for your senior loved one. Dogs are wonderful pets for seniors. And having a pet can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, lower cholesterol levels, and help seniors manage the symptoms of depression. But it’s important that you choose the right kind of dog for your senior loved one. Use these tips to find a dog that will fit perfectly with your senior loved one:

Match Your Senior’s Energy Level

In order to find the right dog for your senior parent you should consider your senior loved one’s energy level and the dog’s energy level. If your senior loved one has a lot of energy and is always on the go wanting to get out and see new things a high energy dog that likes to be always doing something would be a good fit for them. If your senior parent is less energetic and prefers to nap on the couch then a dog with a more laid back attitude is going to be a better fit. Look for a dog that has the same interest and energy as your parent to make sure they won’t get frustrated with each other.

Don’t Discount Senior Dogs

Sometimes people assume that puppies are the best companions but senior dogs are often a better fit for senior people. Senior dogs enjoy a good nap and don’t need as much walking and activity and interaction as younger dogs. Puppies that need training may be perfect for some seniors but other seniors may prefer a dog that is going to be a more laid back companion. Senior dogs also usually are the last to be adopted so there are always lots of senior dogs that are looking for good homes.

Consider The Dog’s Needs

You can find a wide mix of dog breeds at any pet shelter. When you’re choosing a companion dog for a senior keep in mind that different breeds have very different needs. Some breeds need a lot of walking and exercise daily while others are fine with short walks and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Some breeds are more high-strung than others and wouldn’t do well in high-stress environments. Ask some of the shelter staff what breed would be the best for your senior parent and their particular living situation.

Get Some Help With Daily Care

If you’re worried about your senior loved one’s ability to make sure that the dog gets walked and taken outside regularly a personal care at home provider can help both your senior loved one and the dog. When your senior loved one is getting regular visits from a personal care at home provider they will also be able help move heavy bags of dog food, clean the dog’s dishes, and wash blankets and beds. With the extra support from a personal care at home provider your senior parent can get all the benefits of having a dog and a deserving dog can get a loving forever home.

Source:
https://petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/research.php

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Eagan, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.