Over half of people over 50 own pets, with many citing a positive impact on their wellbeing, according to research by the Mather Institute. For seniors in Salisbury, NC, pets are an integral part of the dream retirement lifestyle: living in a friendly community where social interaction and nature walks with your best friend form the foundation of a promising day.
If you are entering the next chapter in your life and want to find out more about pet-friendly assisted living, read on.
The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Assisted Living in Your Senior Years
For many of us, pets are central to our lives, bringing happiness, laughter, and funny stories to each day. They also offer loyal friendship and unconditional love.
Pet-friendly communities recognize the benefits that come from owning a pet, including health benefits, such as taking your dog for a walk each morning. Or it might be some emotional comfort and calm, such as stroking a sleeping cat that’s curled up on your lap after a long and stressful day.
Pets can help alleviate feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety. They can make any new senior living apartment feel like home from the day you arrive.
Finding Communities Offering Assisted Living and Memory Care With Pets
While you may find several senior living communities that advertise themselves as pet-friendly, you want to ensure they have the features and amenities that make it a good lifestyle choice rather than simply checking a box. Here are some of the things you should research before making a final decision:
Assisted Living With Pets: Checking Policies
Communities should have clear rules about pet ownership, as some have restrictions, such as only allowing emotional support pets for seniors.
You should verify this information before making decisions about where to live. For example, check whether there are any limitations on breed types or the number of pets per resident.
Amenities
Pet-friendly should mean a setup that makes it easy for you to move around with a pet. Look for on-site green spaces for walks, pet-relief areas, and pet-friendly communal spaces where you can meet and chat with other pet-owning residents.
Staff Support
When it comes to memory care and pets, you’ll want a community that wholeheartedly embraces pets, which means having staff who can offer a bit of support when it’s needed.
When visiting a community, take the time to chat with residents and staff to ensure there is a welcoming culture for pet owners. Any community is more appealing if you are living with other people who genuinely love and respect animals as much as you do.
Pet-Friendly Apartments
You’ll want a practical living space that works for pet owners. That will include easy-to-clean floors, sturdy furniture, and a simple, open-plan layout. Check the floor space and ensure there is ample room for you and your pet to move around, including space for a pet bed, toys, and a feeding station.
You’ll also want to ensure there is easy access to outdoor space and secure balconies if the apartment isn’t on the ground floor.
Pet-Friendly Attractions Near Salisbury, NC
If you are considering moving to a senior living community in Salisbury, NC, take the time to explore the neighborhood to see what amenities and services you might need as a pet owner. At the top of that list will be veterinary clinics and hospitals. Salisbury Animal Hospital is a mere 12 minutes from our TerraBella senior living community.
You’ll also want plenty of nature spots to explore with your best friend.
Near our community, you’ll find fantastic walking trails, such as Hurley Park and Granite Lake Park, which welcome dogs. There are also plenty of dog-friendly restaurants you can visit, ideal for when you want to catch up with friends and family while bringing your pet along for the reunion.
How to Transition to Senior Living With Your Pet
When transitioning from a family home to a senior living community, you’ll need to prepare to move your pet. The first task on that list is to buy a good pet carrier. Be sure to enlist the help of friends, family, and staff at your new senior living community when moving your pet.
The other task to complete at this stage is to check that all your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Some senior living communities may also stipulate that your pet is spayed or neutered, so check in advance of your moving date.
On moving day, make sure you set up a few familiar items and smells in your new apartment before introducing your pet. A favorite toy, blanket, and pet bed can help them feel more at ease.
Let them roam slowly and gradually in the apartment before showing them more of the community, and be prepared for a few days of nerves from your pet before they begin to settle in.
Aging With Pets and Getting to Know Your New Community
Make the most of pet-friendly assisted living communities by connecting with other pet owners who share your interests. You could arrange to meet with a friend or acquaintance over a casual dog walk, or you might find more structured group activities that are pet-friendly.
Ask community staff about the activities scheduled.
If you’re new to the community, take a moment to explore the communal areas, such as gardens, lounges, and dining spaces, and familiarize yourself with the pet-friendly areas. Some communities may establish pet-free zones, so be sure to check where these areas are located in the buildings and grounds.
Senior Living With Animals in Salisbury
The perfect retirement means having every piece of the puzzle in place, and for any pet owner, that includes their beloved four-legged friend. Use this guide to help you find the best pet-friendly assisted living community.
Set in a historic part of Salisbury yet maintaining a friendly, small-town feel, TerraBella Salisbury is the ideal setting to unwind in your later years with your pet. We have a private courtyard and scenic walking paths. You can start that search here by booking a tour of our senior living community.
