According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in 2024, there were 59.8 million dog-owning households and 42.1 million cat-owning households in the US. It’s obvious that in addition to human companionship, we desire time with beloved animals.
As we move through life, people may come and go, which can be disappointing. But one steady thing that remains with us is our furry friends.
There may come a time when we need to move to a senior living community, though, and the thought of leaving behind your pet can be worrying.
Luckily, there’s pet-friendly assisted living available. Read on to see what you can expect from this type of accommodation in Southport, NC.
Benefits of Aging With Animals
As you get older, you may be hesitant about taking on more responsibilities. After all, a pet is a living being that’ll depend on you to survive and thrive.
However, there’s no denying that pets can enrich your life. Below are the main benefits of having a furry friend.
Mental Health Boost
Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan) says that over a third of people aged 50-80 feel lonely, and just as many feel isolated. But if you add a pet to your household, this can reduce loneliness and depression.
In addition, this new family member can decrease anxiety and stress. The simple act of petting them can lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and boost serotonin and dopamine levels.
Caring for a pet promotes routine and structure, too. This is extremely helpful for your emotional well-being.
Improved Physical Health
You may have trouble getting adequate exercise as a senior. However, dogs need to be walked, and pets’ spaces need to be cleaned, so these responsibilities can encourage gentle movement and exercise.
Interacting with your pet can also strengthen your immune response over time. And you may see better cardiovascular health, too.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
You can keep your mind busy when you’ve got a companion to care for. The following activities can help stimulate memory and decision-making:
- Basic care
- Feeding schedules
- Vet appointments
Also, having calm pets can provide comfort and reduce behavioral issues in those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. So getting into memory care with pets can boost your quality of life.
Social Connection
As we’ve said earlier, many older adults struggle with loneliness. Having a pet in itself can combat this loneliness already, but there’s more.
When you’re walking a dog, this can lead to conversations and community engagement. You may be motivated to join groups for pet owners, and this can bring you closer to like-minded people.
Emotional Fulfillment
Taking care of another living being offers meaning and fulfillment to your life. And the best thing is that animals offer unconditional love, especially during tough times.
Now that you understand the benefits you can reap from having a pet, we can go over senior living with pets at TerraBella Southport.
Types of Pets Accepted
Let’s start off with the types of pets we accept. Most are accepted, such as:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Smaller animals
In our pet-friendly community, our main goal is to provide you with an environment that feels like home. So if you’re not quite sure if your companion would be accepted at TerraBella Southport, then all you have to do is ask!
Our senior living consultants are more than happy to answer any questions you have. Plus, we’ll conduct an evaluation to ensure that both you and your pet are good fits for our community.
How We Accommodate Pets
In addition to memory care, we also offer assisted living that allows pets. We have four simple floor plans (two for each type of senior living) where you can move in with your animal companions. They all have enough square footage for you and your housemates to live comfortably.
We also provide a fenced-in space where your pup can run around without issue. In addition, our senior living community is full of greenery, which means you can relax outside with your pets and soak in nature.
Ideal Pets for Seniors
If you don’t already have a pet, but are considering getting one, then you may be wondering about which ones are ideal for older adults. Here are some common suggestions.
Small Dogs
Most small dogs require minimal exercise. Still, they’ll encourage you to get light activity and maintain a routine. The best thing is that they’re easy to groom and handle due to their size.
Ideal breeds include:
- Shih Tzu
- Pug
- French bulldog
Small dogs can make excellent emotional support pets for seniors, too.
Cats
Cats are independent, but are affectionate too. There’s no need for daily walks, as they use litter boxes.
Do note that long-haired cats may require grooming assistance, so you might want to stick to short-haired breeds.
Birds
Birds are easy to care for with the proper setup. Plus, they don’t need walking or litter box cleanup.
These animals can be talkative and entertaining, and they’re quite smart as well.
Fish
Fish are visually calming and stress-reducing. In addition, there’s:
- Minimal interaction
- Low noise
- No noise outside the tank
Tanks do require regular cleaning and water monitoring, though.
Small Animals
Small animals (such as rabbits and guinea pigs) are gentle and relatively quiet. They can be litter-trained, so cleanup isn’t difficult.
Most small animals like to cuddle and bond with their owners. So it’s like owning a cat or dog, but in a smaller size.
Get Into Pet-Friendly Assisted Living
If you’re an older animal lover, then finding pet-friendly assisted living is a must. Living out your golden years with a companion is crucial, and we want to help you achieve that.
We run our senior living community with pets in mind, so you and your furry friends will feel welcome here. And you might just find other seniors who have the same pets too!
At TerraBella Southport, we provide award-winning care with our proprietary SHINE Memory Care Program. Are you interested in senior living in Southport, NC? Then get in touch with us today.
