Companionship might be difficult to come by for elderly people, but pets can fill that void. They are so effective that they have been shown to boost the health of the elderly. Many elderly people worry that they will have to give up their pets if they move into an independent living community, but there are actually many such communities that welcome pets. It’s not hard to find pet-friendly apartments or independent living facilities in Pine Mountain, GA, but it can be trickier to track down assisted care communities that welcome pets. This is especially true for the elderly who own dogs of medium or large size, as many communities have breed and size limits for permitted pets. Keep reading to learn how to select the best independent living community for your pet and yourself.
Finding an Independent Living Community that Accepts Pets
Traditionally, pets have not been allowed in independent living communities due to safety concerns for both the residents and the animals. However, more and more neighborhoods are welcoming pets because of the positive effects they have on the mental and emotional health of the elderly. You can use the search tools on the internet to narrow down the options for independent living communities that allow pets. To get the most out of your search, focus on finding information such as:
- What breed restrictions are there for pets? Most assisted living communities allow cats, small dogs, and caged pets.
- Is there a pet size restriction?
- How many pets am I allowed to have?
- What are the pet policies, including any deposits or fees?
- Which procedures or shots does a pet need before they can move in?
Finding a Pet-Friendly Independent Living Community
Communities that truly welcome pets do more than just tolerate them. Having services like the following make independent living communities attractive to pet owners:
- Bright outdoor spaces for pets
- Trails for strolling along
- Help with pet maintenance
Are There Exceptions for Service Animals?
The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act both safeguard a person’s right to have a service animal in their home if the person has a handicap that requires the assistance of a service animal. You have the right to ask for a reasonable adjustment for your service animal, even in neighborhoods that have no-pet laws and restrictions on the size or breed of pets. As opposed to charging additional fees for dogs, independent living communities are prohibited from doing so for service animals.
Consider What May Lie Ahead
When deciding whether or not an independent living community in Pine Mountain, Georgia is right for you, it is important to note that the long-term implications of your decision should be taken into account. Investigate more into the community’s overall rating, room count, and staff-to-resident ratio, as well as additional options, such as if skilled care is provided. You might not require the added assistance right now, but that might change in the future, and you don’t want to have to relocate twice.
