In a YouGov survey, most dog and cat owners said their pets know them at least as well as their friends and family. This shows just how important our pets are, as they can provide just as much companionship as humans, if not more.
As you’ve moved through the many chapters of your life, there has been one steady constant: your pets. And now that you’re getting into your golden years, you don’t want to leave these precious family members behind.
Fortunately, there’s assisted living with pets available in Cramerton, NC. Keep reading to find out why you should age with pets, how we accommodate you and your companions, and which ones are ideal for older adults.
The Benefits of Aging With Pets
Being responsible for another living being can be a huge weight, so it’s understandable if you’re not quite sure about moving into senior housing with animals. But we’re here to show you how wonderful these companions are.
Better Physical Health
If you struggle to get physical activity in, then a pup will give you the best motivation possible. It’ll need daily walks, and it’ll require playtime at home too.
Even if you get a cat, bird, fish, etc., you still have to clean its living quarters up, which is great for light activity.
People don’t realize this, but another physical health benefit of having pets is a stronger immune system.
A Boost in Mental Health
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says that anywhere between 1% to 13.5% of seniors have major depression. Not only can this affect your mental health, but it can also affect your physical health.
Part of why seniors are depressed is because they’re lonely. But animals provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which can then significantly improve your mental health.
You may see a decrease in anxiety and stress, especially if you have an animal you can pet. This lowers your cortisol levels and boosts your serotonin and dopamine levels.
Improved Emotional Fulfillment
A specific part of mental health is emotional fulfillment, which can be difficult to achieve. A great way to do so is to adopt a pet since caring for it can give you more routine and structure in your daily life.
You’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you go years with your companion by your side. You may even raise emotional support pets, which can support either yourself or other seniors.
More Social Connections
Interacting with your furry friend can already fulfill your social needs. So you’ll see a tremendous improvement here already.
However, having a pet can lead to more human interactions, too. For example, it’s very likely that you’ll run into other dog owners while taking a walk or playing at the park. Or you might strike up conversations with other pet owners on online forums or at in-person meetups.
Better Cognitive Function
Although it’s not a normal part of aging, unfortunately, many seniors struggle with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related issues. It’s essential to be proactive and stimulate your brain as much as possible.
Fortunately, it’s easy to do that when you have a pet in the house. Responsibilities (such as daily feedings and vet visits) will exercise your decision-making skills and memory.
Our Pet-Friendly Senior Living Accommodations
Do you now feel better about bringing a pet to senior living? Then you might be curious about what residing in TerraBella Cramer Mountain is like.
We have a total of three floor plans: two for assisted living and one for memory care. Both have a 292-square-foot suite, and assisted living has a 527-square-foot one-bedroom apartment. These all have layouts that are suitable for a resident and their animal companion.
Outside, you can play with your dog in our private courtyard. Go along the scenic walking paths, and then hang out in the community garden if you wish. If it’s ever too hot or rainy, you can spend time on our covered outdoor patio instead.
The Best Types of Pets for Seniors
Whether you already have a pet or are considering getting one, not every type of animal will be good for a retirement community. So here’s our guide to the best types you can have.
Cats
Cats can be affectionate, so you can cuddle and pet them. However, they’re also independent and don’t need to be walked, so they’re a relatively low-effort pet.
We’d suggest getting a short-haired breed, though. They’re much easier to groom.
Small Dogs
If you want to have dogs in assisted living, then go with a small breed. They’ll fit better into smaller spaces, and they’re easier to handle and groom, too.
If you need some ideas for the best dog breeds for seniors, here are some:
- Bichon frise
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel
- French bulldog
- Maltese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
Small Animals
Small animals are fantastic because they live in cages; this means that their mess is confined to a specific area. You won’t need to walk them, and they can still be affectionate. Some to consider include:
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Rats
- Mice
Birds
Birds may be a little more work than small animals, but they’re very smart and talkative. You’ll only have a small cage to clean, and you won’t need to walk them.
Fish
For a completely hands-off experience, get fish. You’ll have to clean the tank and monitor the water, but the payoff is excellent. Watching the aquarium can reduce your stress.
Consider Assisted Living With Pets
When you’re about to make the next move in your life, consider assisted living with pets. This type of accommodation allows you to spend your retirement with beloved companions, especially when you choose a community like TerraBella Cramer Mountain.
When you live here, you’ll be spoiled by attentive staff and plenty of amenities. And if you or Fido ever need anything, our knowledgeable concierge can help you out.
TerraBella Cramer Mountain was named one of the top assisted living communities in the 2020 Best of Gaston County. Contact us today if you want to learn more about senior living in Cramerton, NC.
