Studies show that animals can be wonderful companions for older adults—their presence can calm agitation, alleviate loneliness and even lower blood pressure. A family pet can truly be a best friend to an aging adult who lives alone, and pet therapy is a popular approach in long-term care facilities for enriching residents’ lives.
While animals can make wonderful companions, they also require care and must be a good match for their human partner’s personality, functional abilities and financial situation. Use these pointers to ensure a senior is up for pet ownership before matching them with the perfect new furry friend.
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Look Beyond the Breed
A dog’s breed can tell you some things about him, but it can’t tell you everything. While people tend to only take looks into account when adopting, the best way to choose a pet is to carefully consider what you’re looking for in terms of personality, size, age, maintenance needs, and energy levels. Typically, the only instances where breed is of utmost importance is if the potential owner needs a “hypoallergenic” dog or one that does not require intensive grooming.
Personality Is Everything
Although dog breeds are often associated with certain temperaments, every dog has a unique personality. Will the senior want an outgoing companion who will keep them company on their daily walks, or more of a lapdog type who is content watching movies on the couch? Think about the potential owner’s average daily routine and consider how an animal would ideally fit into it.
It is important to interact with an animal before taking them home in order to get a good feel for their personality. Some dogs are anxious or aggressive, and some do not get along with strangers, children or other animals. This doesn’t mean that a particular dog is “bad” or will always be difficult, but it could indicate that they’ll need special attention or extensive training to help them socialize and feel more secure. A good rule of thumb is to look for a dog who is friendly and capable of calming down within a few seconds while in a comfortable setting.
For Dogs, Age Is More Than a Number
While most people favor puppies for their cuteness and playful antics, adult dogs are equally as adoptable, if not more so. For this reason, adult dogs make for a more confident match.
Another benefit of adopting older dogs is that they are typically house trained already and do not require as much rigorous exercise. Starting from scratch with a puppy requires a great deal of energy, time, attention and patience, which a senior may not want to deal with.
Weigh the Costs
Many seniors are living on limited incomes, and a pet of any kind is a serious investment. There are initial expenses for adoption/purchase, spaying/neutering, supplies, and vaccinations as well as ongoing expenses for food, toys, grooming, medical exams, preventive treatments, and flea and tick control.
Veterinary care is undoubtedly the most expensive aspect of pet ownership, so be sure to ask about an animal’s health issues prior to adoption. Some breeds are prone to specific medical conditions, and just as in humans, dogs tend to develop more problems as they age. Emergency vet visits are another reality of having a pet that can get expensive very quickly.
An Alternative to Ownership
If a senior does not have the financial means or stamina for pet ownership, there are other options available. Shelters and rescue groups are always in need of volunteers to help care for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other animals. Some even run foster programs that allow volunteers to bring animals home temporarily and provide one-on-one attention that will help increase their chances of adoption.
Visiting pet therapy programs are another source of valuable interaction. Senior centers, adult day care centers and long-term care facilities often host activities with therapy animals, and some animal therapy organizations even offer home visits.
For seniors who are living with dementia, a cuddly stuffed animal may provide sensory stimulation and companionship without the walking, training and vet bills. There are even robotic products on the market that make realistic animal movements and sounds.
Making a Decision
There is no doubt that a pet can provide unconditional love and play a part in improving a senior’s quality of life. Just be sure to carefully consider the commitment and see to the wellbeing of both the senior and the animal.
When it comes to senior care, one thing is indisputable: a vast majority of people, including our local seniors here in Plymouth, MA, prefer to remain at home to receive care as they age. This preference for home care remains strong among all seniors, even with those who struggle with their basic health and mobility. After all, as surveys show, they want to live amid the comfort and familiarity of what they’ve known for years, for as long as they can. 
