Moving to an assisted living facility can be a big change for many seniors and can come with emotional challenges and adjustment difficulties. Pets with their constant companionship can make this transition so much easier and bring comfort, familiarity and a sense of home. At Arbor Trace Memory Care Centre in London, Ontario we know how much pets can mean to our residents and as a pet friendly assisted living facility, we encourage them to bring their pets with them.
Pets offer a special kind of companionship that is unconditional and accepting. For seniors making the big life change of moving to an assisted living facility, a pet can be a constant and comforting presence. They can help alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation that often come with such transitions.
Just petting or talking to an animal can release endorphins that calm you down. This can be especially helpful for those who are feeling uprooted or uneasy about the changes in their life. And pets can bring back happy memories and help you feel more connected to your past.
Interacting with pets regularly gets you moving and that’s important for seniors. Even simple activities like walking a dog, playing with a cat or feeding birds can improve cardiovascular health and mobility. This gentle, regular exercise helps seniors stay physically healthy and can reduce symptoms of arthritis. The physical activity of pet care also promotes better sleep patterns which is so important for seniors.
The calming effect of pets goes a long way for mental health. Studies have shown that pets can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety. For seniors, this calmness can mean fewer depressive episodes and a more positive outlook on life.
Pets give seniors a sense of purpose and can keep them mentally engaged by providing daily routines that require attention and care. This interaction distracts from the stressors of aging, builds emotional resilience and overall mental health of seniors in assisted living.
At Arbor Trace Memory Care Centre, we see the many ways pets impact our residents lives every day. From providing emotional support and encouraging physical activity to social interactions and cognitive function, pets are a game changer. We will continue to support and enable pets in our community because we know they make life better and more enjoyable for our residents.
Thinking of moving to an assisted living facility or looking for options for a loved one? Consider a pet friendly assisted community. At Arbor Trace, we believe pets are not just animals but companions that bring joy, comfort and a sense of home to our residents. Contact us today to find out more and book a tour to see how we incorporate pet companionship into our care.