5 Reasons You Should Take Your Pet with You to Assisted Living
Are you considering the idea of moving to an assisted living facility? Consider a pet-friendly community! Having your four-legged friend with you makes the transition easier and has numerous health benefits as well. Several studies show that older adults who interact with pets on a regular basis tend to lead happier, healthier and longer lives. Recognizing the impact of the human-animal bond on seniors’ health and wellness, Wyndemere Woods allows you to bring your well-trained, small pets that will easily fit in to our facility.
Here are 5 ways that pets improve your quality of life at our assisted living facility:
- Reduce stress: While we know that pets make us feel better in general, science even offers proof of their therapeutic effects. Studies show that just 15 minutes of bonding with animals (such as stroking your dog or cat) increases the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin while lowering levels of cortisol (a fight-or-flight hormone) which is associated with stress. We have also seen that residents who bring their pets to our assisted living facility are less anxious or stressed about the transition into their new residence.
- Eliminate loneliness: Although residents and staff in assisted living facilities are friendly and caring, having your animal friend with you is very comforting. The 24/7 companionship your pet provides can help reduce any feelings of loneliness and make it easier to settle into your new home.
- Improve health: The unconditional love that pets offer has been linked to improved health in seniors. Increased levels of ‘happy hormones’ (and the consequent decrease in stress levels) helps alleviate many health conditions including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improvements in patients with heart ailments, an increased appetite in Alzheimer’s patients as well as an enhanced ability to fight depression.
- Animal-assisted therapy: This type of therapy offers emotional, physical, social and mental benefits for seniors. For years, dogs have been called upon to help the elderly in many settings including in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Give life a new meaning: Having pets around gives seniors more focus and zest for life prompting them to pursue hobbies and new interests. The responsibility of caring for their pets which includes grooming, cleaning and feeding them, also encourages a more active lifestyle and enhances their well-being.
Do All Assisted Living Facilities Allow You to Bring Pets?
No, not all assisted living facilities allow pets, and some may have restrictions on the type of pet that is permitted to come with you. Also note that there may be an initial assessment during the admission process before you are given permission to bring your pet.
At Wyndemere Woods Assisted and Independent Living Community in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, we allow our residents to bring pets with them. However, as part of our admissions process, we check that your pets are appropriate for our building and that you are fully able to take care of them. This includes feeding and walking your dog or cleaning the cat litter box. You will also be required to pay a one-time fee of $500.
Contact Wyndemere Woods Assisted and Independent Living Community at 401-762-4226 for more information or fill out this online form to book a tour.