If your love Research has shown that pet ownership has numerous benefits, such as assisting in the management of stress levels, decreasing the risk of a heart attack, and lowering cholesterol levels. The emotional attachment alone makes it easy to understand why someone wouldn't want to be separated. Fortunately, there are some available options.
Look For A Pet-Friendly Nursing Home
The days of all nursing homes forbidding pets are a thing of the past. There are some establishments that permit residents to bring their personal pets when they move in. There may be restrictions on the number of pets that a resident can own, the weight of the pet, or the breeds that can live on site.
It is also important to understand if there are any additional costs associated with bringing a pet, such as a monthly pet fee or pet deposit.
If you are concerned that your loved one cannot solely care for the pet, look for a home with a pet care manager. The pet care manager makes sure that all of the pets at the nursing home are taken care. The manager assists with feeding, grooming, and exercising the pets.
Help The Move To The Nursing Home Go Smoothly
It is recommended that individuals entering a nursing home visit the home numerous times before actually making the move. These visits help future residents learn the layout of the home and the daily routines.
The same is true for residents who are moving to a nursing home with their pets. Visit with the pets to see where pet equipment may be set up in a room. For example, check the room for a nook that can hold a dog bed or a litter box. Make sure that the room is spacious enough for the resident and the pet.
If your loved one is moving with a dog, they can visit the sites and areas that are used for pet exercise.
Consider A Nursing Home With A Pet Program
An alternative to personal pet ownership is to seek a nursing home that has a pet program. These nursing homes have regular visits from pets who are used to interacting with people. Residents get the benefits of pet ownership without the responsibilities.
This is a good alternative if your loved one does not have the cognitive ability to care for a pet.
Nursing home pets are not limited to the standard dog or cat. Birds, rabbits, llamas, and baby horses are just a few animals that have been used in pet visitation programs.
Help your loved one make the move to a nursing home by offering him or her the companionship of furry friends. Whether it is encouraging pet ownership or seeking a nursing home with an animal program, there is an option that keeps your loved one with a comforting animal.
For more information on nursing home placement in general, talk to companies like Senior Solutions of Long Island, Inc.
Share31 May 2016
My mother had been living with my family for about four years before her health got so bad that I couldn't keep her in my home any longer. At that point, I really had no choice but to find a comfortable nursing home for her to move into. This wasn't an easy decision for me to make, but it was the only thing I could do to ensure she was getting the best care possible during her final days. I was pleased to find a wonderful nursing home that provided her with amenities that she could enjoy and a caring staff that would care for her. If you are second-thinking taking your loved one to a nursing home, stop and read my blog where you will find out how much good it can do for your loved one and yourself.
