Let’s be honest; Getting older can become very lonely. As the people closest to us pass on or move away it can become difficult to find the motivation needed to take part in activities or even leave the house.
This is where pets can become a real boost: Providing unfettered affection, companionship and benefits, especially to older people who may experience isolation or loneliness.
The Great Care Company provides home care services across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, so we see first-hand how important people's furry friends are. We actively encourage and support people in their homes to retain their independence as long as possible.
And one of the healing powers of pets for older adults is a feeling of independence. Pets are a huge part of that independence and often a big part of their owner's identity. They give them a reason to leave the house and go for a walk or often simply provide the companionship that many older people crave.
You may not have considered the full benefits of being a pet owner but here are a few to think about:
Health Benefits Of Pet Ownership:
Keeping pets encourages taking part in physical activities. We will always take our dogs for a walk when we otherwise would not have had the motivation to do so ourselves. Even cats can encourage play time but if they are one of those cats who has up to 14 hours of sleep a day then a reassuring cuddle may be just as welcome!
Animals provide a central point of conversation, they encourage social interaction through walks or visits from loved ones who will play with them.
Pets can be a real positive both mentally and physically, encouraging us to get up and go when we may not have felt like it otherwise.
In turn, this can reduce stress, lower our blood pressure, encourage physical activity and get us moving.
The unconditional love that animals can bring will always offset any negative downsides like cleaning up after them, paying vets' bills or limiting some of our options to leave them home for extended periods.
In short, the benefits of having pets are overwhelming. They keep us grounded and make us feel loved. Their input is so valuable even if they are dependent on us to take care of them.
Sometimes that feeling of being depended upon can make us feel valued and validated as human beings. Pets fulfil a role, much like children, which makes us feel important and loved.
Living In The Moment:
Dogs and cats do not worry about the past or the future. They live in the moment and in doing so, they remind us to do so as well.
We all worry about the future and tend to relive the ups and downs we have experienced. Dogs and cats do not care for such things. They simply want to belong and enjoy the moment.
Senior people can often find the future a scary concept, especially if they have health concerns or feel the effects of loneliness. Pets can keep them grounded and distracted from such thoughts, simply by being there. They provide a sense of purpose and the need to live in the moment, taking enjoyment from the here and now.
Pets Reduce Loneliness:
Pets and animals are proven to reduce feelings of loneliness that can lead to depression.
Whilst there can be some downsides and negatives when it comes to owning an animal (no one likes having to open the door at 3 a.m. or cleaning up after they have been to the toilet!) it has to be said that the positives far outweigh these. Simply having a companion to share your experiences with is so valuable to feeling positive. This can be especially true if family members are not around or loved ones have passed on or moved away.
A pet is there through thick and thin. Providing company when it is most needed throughout the day and night. They will often be there more than family members and loved ones, making them the true answer to curing loneliness.
Mental Focus And Memory Benefits:
Believe it or not, pets can help to improve memory recall in their elderly owners.
Older people with conditions such as Dementia will often maintain a better memory, for longer simply by having an animal to interact with.
Pets aid seniors to focus on things other than physical ailments and keep negative thoughts away simply by being a distraction. You'll often find that seniors who have issues with their memory can recall thing things as a result of the behaviour of their pets.
It gives them the incentive to remember not only memories but daily necessary tasks that are required to care for an animal, such as feeding, walking and affection.
Believe it or not, pets can help to improve memory recall in their elderly owners.
Older people with conditions such as Dementia will often maintain a better memory, for longer simply by having an animal to interact with.
Pets aid seniors to focus on things other than physical ailments and keep negative thoughts away simply by being a distraction. You'll often find that seniors who have issues with their memory can recall thing things as a result of the behaviour of their pets.
It gives them the incentive to remember not only memories but daily necessary tasks that are required to care for an animal, such as feeding, walking and affection.
Two-Way Benefits:
Always remember that for all the benefits that older people get from having pets, the aminal is feeling the positives, too!
Older people are ideal for animal adoption; they can provide the care needed for an animal who may otherwise never find a home.
Senior adoptees tend to be more attentive that younger people who have busy working lives to attend to. Pets can take on the role of children to older people, giving them something to focus their care and attention on.
They fill our hearts with love and give back affection and meaning, without ever speaking a word. Finding the right pet is key to making this process work.
How to Find the Right Pet For Seniors With Health Conditions:
The positives of pet ownership are undeniable. However, like anything, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before seeking an animal to buy or adopt.
- It is important for older adults and caregivers to have a thorough conversation about pet ownership before welcoming a new pet into the family.
- Your daily routine will be affected. Not everyone embraces this change and this should be considered before seeking out a new furry friend.
- It can be easier if the senior person has some experience with pets already. Although there are obvious benefits to being a first-time pet owner, there may also be some unexpected drawbacks.
- Mobility issues should always be a consideration. Dogs will require walks and regular exercise. Whilst cats are easier, they can still require a high degree of mobility, especially if they are young, playful and curious.
- Remember that gardens and outbuildings should be safe and enclosed. You cannot stop animals from wandering and going to explore their surroundings. This can cause stress if they go missing or require chasing to get them to return to their home.
- Remember that there may be programs available for trained therapy dogs to assist owners with certain conditions. It may be worth looking for animals who can provide physical support as well as companionship that can actually aid with conditions like visual impairment.
- Dogs can be hard to train and cats may prove impossible! It is difficult to devote the time required to teach an animal to behave in a certain way or follow set rules. If this process is going to be difficult for a senior then it is often best not to take on young pets with no previous experience with people. Adopting can provide a fantastic solution to this.
- Pets can often outlive their owners. Whilst most pets have significantly shorter lifespans than their human counterparts, it's important to consider that care may be required by family members or loved ones, long after their owners have gone.
- Any physical limitations of the senior person should be considered when choosing a pet.
Do Your Research:
In all animals, certain breeds will display different characteristics. Whilst there is a lot to be said about nature/nurture, you will always find that certain types of dogs or cats are predisposed to behave in a certain way.
It is always worth considering the energy of the pet you are taking on. If it requires regular walks or may be naturally curious then it could be a bit of a handful for an older person. As much as they may like the look or appeal of a certain type of animal, ultimately, it has to suit the lifestyle of the owner to be happy and fulfilled.
How To Develop a Great Relationship with Your Adopted Animal
The breed will often dictate the behaviour.
Each animal may be unique but certain breeds will always be pre-disposed to certain character traits.
- Make sure any animal has been thoroughly examined by a trained professional prior to purchase or adoption. Any negative health conditions may prove difficult or expensive to maintain.
- Bear in mind any conditions that the senior owner has. Pets can sometimes trigger conditions when they have fur shedding or bring dirt into the home.
- The animal should be positive for the person's mental well-being. If they are a source of stress or concern then it may be best not to seek an animal in the first place.
- If other animals are already living in the home then consider how new pets may affect things. It isn't always positive.
- It can be a big financial commitment when owning a pet. They can eat a lot or require grooming. Finding food your pet enjoys can be a great way to grow the bond but always make sure it is affordable.
- Pets can cause damage to the home. Much as we love them, they can chew through things, soil in areas we do not want them to and break things through play or curiosity. Make sure the home is ready to deal with this as much as possible before bringing them in.
- Playtime is as important as snuggles. When we are older we may want to enjoy the affection more than taking part in physical activities but keeping each other entertained is a great way of growing the bond.
Preparing For the Worst:
Now for the most heartbreaking and awkward question which needs to be asked: Is there a backup plan if something happens to a senior owner?
Situations can change. An owner may require an extended stay in a hospital, their health can worsen or they could pass away.
It is a horrible prospect but we'd always ask that a plan is in place. Can a loved one or relative look after the pets for the short or long term?
Pets love unconditionally and the last thing they deserve is to be up for adoption or rehoming if it can be avoided. We know this can be an awkward conversation but it's always one worth having if it is for the pet's welfare.
Where To Find Your Future Pets:
We'd always advise that you avoid breeders (unless you are willing to thoroughly research them and consider a rescue centre.
These will finds homes for the pets who need love the most, often giving them a second chance at life with a person who can shower them with love and affection.
Not only are rescue animals significantly cheaper, but they will also be health-checked and assessed for personality types and potentially you will be saving their life by giving them a home.
Here at The Great Care Company, we provide carers across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire to homes that often have pets. We provide a great solution for older people who wish to avoid going into full-time care and allow pets and their owners to stay together for longer.
If you wish to find out more about our home care services you can get in touch with our team. We love animals as much as you do and can make pet care part of our care plan because they are part of the family too.
