Anyone who’s ever owned a pet can tell you, they just make life better. It’s more than just a feeling; the CDC confirms that pet ownership has a measurable positive effect on well-being. Pet owners experience lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved heart health.

That’s why there are many pet-friendly senior living communities in Southern Pines, NC. Seniors’ lives are much better when they can take their treasured pets with them into their next chapter.

Interested in learning more about dog-friendly senior communities, emotional support pets, or pets in memory care? This article will show you what’s possible for both you and your furry friend.

The Science Is Clear: Pets Are Beneficial to Health

According to a large study investigating older adults and their relationship with their pets, pet owners are 36% less likely to feel lonely. Loneliness is a huge problem for seniors, as retirement and bereavement mean many older adults don’t have much opportunity for social interaction.

Not only is this bad for physical health, but loneliness can also cause mental health problems.

According to the American Psychological Association, by providing companionship and encouraging physical activity and daily routine, pets can:

Help ward off depression and anxiety
Slow cognitive decline caused by memory conditions like dementia
Improve verbal memory

By providing steady emotional support and ensuring seniors are never totally isolated, seniors have a trusted companion to help them through tough times and uncertainty.

Keep a Steady Routine With Your Pet

Retirement is a time when some people struggle to stay active. Many seniors worked their whole adult lives, often in jobs that kept them on their feet. Once they retire, they lack strong motivation to stay active, often leading to a sedentary lifestyle.

With pets like dogs, seniors have a living motivator for getting out of the house and exercising. Dogs need to go on daily walks, and this kind of light physical activity is perfect for seniors who need to look out for their cardiovascular well-being.

For seniors struggling to find motivation to stay active, a dog could be a great way to find drive and motivation to keep active every day.

Pet-Friendly Senior Living in Southern Pines

Because of the clear benefits of pet-friendly senior living and retiring alongside animal companions, many local senior living communities now have assisted living with pets options available. For example, you’ll find many dog-friendly senior communities that have walking paths.

Some communities will only allow pets in certain circumstances. For example, emotional support pets may be allowed as long as seniors have appropriate documentation.

Pets in Memory Care

Even seniors living in memory care communities can benefit from emotional support pets. Of course, the rules in these communities are always stringent, and safety is always a key concern. According to an article in PMC, animal-assisted therapy can do wonders for improving social interaction and boosting emotional stability for seniors with memory care needs.

Something as simple as brushing or petting a dog helps to stimulate tactile memory and helps to calm the nervous system. Simply put, interacting with pets provides seniors with a familiar sensory experience, triggering positive memories and improving mood.

Of course, it isn’t always viable for someone with memory problems to take care of a dog every day. Family pets are often invited to come for scheduled visits. For those who don’t have pets, trained therapy animals might also periodically come to interact with residents.

The staff in these communities receive training in supporting safe, enriching pet interactions that benefit both the residents and the animals.

What to Look for in Assisted Living With Pets Allowed

So, if you’re looking for dog-friendly retirement communities, what kind of community should you be looking for? If you are not interested in spending your retirement hiding your dog in your wardrobe, it is advisable to find a community that allows pets.

Find a community that accepts animals while maintaining everyone’s safety and comfort. A good pet-friendly community will spell out its pet policies. These usually include:

Size Limits: Big dogs, like Great Danes, are often not allowed, since large breeds can be difficult to handle in shared spaces.
Vaccination Records: You’ll need to show your pet is fully vaccinated to help keep all residents and their pets safe.
Number of Pets: Most communities will limit how many pets any individual resident can have.

If you’re not sure if your pet will be a good fit, call your local senior living community. The staff will be happy to answer your questions and explain their pet policy.

Preparing to Move With Your Pet

Moving to a senior living community is a big change for both you and your pet. Pets love their routines, and moving into a new community could easily throw them off. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and help them adjust.

Start by packing slowly so your pet doesn’t get too anxious. Be sure to bring their favorite toys, bed, and other familiar things so the new community feels like home. Once you’re settled in, try to keep your old routines in place as much as you can.

Also, check the pet policies ahead of time. Some communities have rules about pet size, breed, or may ask for a pet deposit. When you know what to expect, the move will go much smoother for both you and your companion.

Aging With Animals: Discover Our Pet-Friendly Community

Pet-friendly communities offer seniors the chance to enjoy routines and company in a safe, caring environment. Living in a pet-friendly environment offers extensive benefits, such as healthier aging and better emotional well-being.

Are you looking for the right senior living community in Southern Pines, NC? Here at TerraBella Southern Pines, we offer various pet-friendly senior living communities. Discover our assisted living options, where residents can access professional care services 24 hours a day. Or, perhaps you’re interested in our SHINE Memory Care, which has been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association.