Assisted Living Centers and Pets: What You Need to Know

Author: James Hall at seniorcarefitness.com

Many people find it painful to leave their pets behind when moving into assisted living centers. According to mental health professionals, pets play an essential role in maintaining well-being. Fortunately, many centers allow these relationships to continue because of the benefits provided by pets. Pets Come First shares these tips about what you need to know.

The Value of Pet Therapy

Spending time with pets increases the levels of brain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) that help people feel good, reduce feelings of depression, and protect heart health.

There are many additional pet benefits:

Cardiovascular exercise is increased.
Basic acts of caring for a pet, such as feeding, provide a sense of purpose.
Pet interactions increase socialization and companionship.
Pets soothe residents who are confused or disoriented, helping to lower blood pressure and rapid heart rates.
Pets help people transition into assisted living as they provide a sense of familiarity.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Center

Many assisted living centers today allow residents to bring their pets with them. However, there are several important considerations that must be addressed before check-in day. Centers have their own regulations and provisions regarding pets.

The type of pets allowed generally includes cats, dogs, and fish, but some centers also welcome a wider range of animals.
Some centers provide pet-friendly spaces throughout the facility.
There should be designated areas for walking pets and for allowing pets to eliminate.
Pets must be up to date on vaccinations and veterinary care.
Additional fees and a larger deposit may be required.

There are steps to take before checking into a pet-friendly assisted living center. Residents must be ready to care for pets and should consider whether the cost of caring for pets and paying for the center is too much. It may also be more difficult to handle the care of pets as health declines. Consider some additional ways to prepare before moving into a center:

Enlisting a local friend or family member to be responsible when caring for the pet becomes too much.
Carrying out a trial period to be sure the pet is safe with and around other animals.
Ensuring that the pet is trained well, behaves calmly, and doesn’t pose a threat.
Residents who can afford to pay more may find a residence that includes care for pets, such as veterinary care, grooming, and walks.

Tips for Paying for Pet-Friendly Assisted Living

Paying for residence at an assisted living center is a concern for many people and affording a center that allows pets can be even more difficult.

However, there are several things that could help:

The sale of your home is one of the most common ways to pay for assisted living. You must prepare your home to get the most out of the sale. These include repairing leaking pipes, cracked windows, and other signs of disrepair. Make any updates necessary to get the home ready for the market.
A bridge loan can provide some help paying for the center as you wait for the sale of the home to finalize.
Reverse mortgages are an option if one spouse remains in the family home while the other resides at the center.
Retirement plans, savings, pensions, social security, and veterans’ benefits can all be used to help provide funding for assisted care.
Long-term care insurance or converting insurance policies may be appropriate options.
Some expenses may count as tax deductions.

When living at home is no longer possible, a pet-friendly assisted living center could be a great option. Finding the right center with accommodations for beloved pets and within the right price range can have a huge difference in the well-being of residents.

Pets Come First can help you find the perfect little (or big!) addition to your life. For more information, give us a call at 814-364-1725 or email info@petscomefirst.com.