Far from the verdant beauty of Roanoke in UC Davis, they recently reported that having a pet directly “improves your mental and physical health“. To those of us who have a pet, this may be no surprise, but it may also be a shock to others.
If your loved one doesn’t want to consider their retirement without the companionship of their best furry friend, that’s a perfectly normal feeling. This mood is why we want to discuss our “assisted living with pets allowed” policies.
Here at TerraBella Pheasant Ridge, we offer all of our programs along with open arms for a family pet.
Below, we discuss our pet-friendly senior living policies and their implications for our residents, as well as on-site amenities that ensure pets are fully integrated into our community. Discover how TerraBella is a top choice for dog-friendly assisted living and memory care with pets today.
Life With Pets at TerraBella Pheasant Ridge
Everything about TerraBella Pheasant Ridge is designed with the idea of a comfortable and safe time alongside a family pet in mind, creating a safe space for daily walks, play, and many other activities.
Our common areas are open to pets that can move around freely, as well as the transport of small, caged animals when kept securely. Outdoors, our courtyard also includes elements such as:
- Paved pathways
- Benches
- Pet waste disposal
- Green areas
These allow small pets to explore safely under the supervision of residents, offering a stress-free experience during morning or evening excursions. Indoors, many of our rooms feature pet-resistant flooring, preventing any accidental messes from causing a problem, as well as robust furnishings that can withstand the occasional claw marks.
Residents may also involve their pets in regular events, helping to ensure that both loved ones and their pets are a part of the community.
However, it is essential to note that these must all pass a basic behavior and health assessment before they move in. We will also need to see appropriate vaccine records for the safety of our residents and staff.
Staff Support for Residents With Pets
Our Expressions Concierge Desk is a vital part of the service we provide to those aging with pets in our care. When requested, we can arrange several services for residents who have pets to prevent them from needing to make phone calls or handle complex processes, especially when they are involved in memory care efforts.
Our staff can arrange for on-site grooming services or veterinary appointments with licensed professionals in our contact book. We can also help residents track vaccination renewal and local licensing deadlines, preventing issues related to regulatory compliance.
When it comes to regular supplies, we also ensure that our residents have a sufficient amount of food, litter, and other necessities available to them. The pets of those in memory care are carefully monitored to ensure they receive the attention they deserve, including regular feeding at appropriate intervals.
Pets in Memory Care and Assisted Living
After an initial compatibility check, we can bring a pet around our community for a brief tour to ensure that there are no surprise incompatibilities with our community.
In general, however, we want to do everything possible to make both pets and residents feel as comfortable as possible, as they can often help alleviate any agitation in new residents by providing a friendly face. Not to mention that therapy animals and emotional support animals for seniors are always welcome, and can receive a fast-track process to ensure the cognitive well-being of those joining us.
We also ensure that our events and programs can accommodate pets as often as possible, especially cats and dogs. Residents may bring them along to engagements when possible to ensure that they have the support they need.
While we would want to include any supportive pet, there are certain realities we must accept about the portability of the 14% of pets that fall outside the cat/dog binary. For them, we will allow what we can, but many will need to stay in their owners’ rooms or appropriate containers.
To help with the process, however, we ensure that our staff are trained in animal-assisted activities, allowing their owners to engage with both the events themselves and with other residents at the same time. We also carefully monitor the interactions between our residents and their pets to ensure that no problems arise during their stay.
For those in memory care, we also ensure that we offer secure apartments and hallways. These ensure that wandering pets and residents cannot accidentally get away from the community for their safety.
Roanoke’s Top Spots for You and Your Pet
If you wish to visit and take your loved one on a trip to a local outdoor area, several fully fenced dog parks exist where a resident can let their dog off the leash. The areas include shaded patches and benches for someone to sit if they cannot stand for too long.
These have their own rules, such as potential division by size for safe play or limitations on the toys that can be brought in. Some may also require you to purchase a pass before your dog can use them. Therefore, ensure that you read up before visiting.
The Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway features several wooded trails and picnic spots where you and your loved one can wander, accompanied by a pet on a leash. Organize a trip out with your family, or put together a small picnic, and enjoy your time outdoors with any resident you visit.
Embrace Assisted Living With Pets Allowed in Roanoke
TerraBella Pheasant Ridge is a community that welcomes both residents and their pets, making them feel at home quickly. For those who need a little extra help, we also offer specialized support for memory care that meets a resident’s individual needs and keeps them safe.
To explore our community and learn more about how we do this, schedule a tour and discover why “assisted living with pets allowed” is our unique strength.
