I recently read an article on a referral agency’s web site about senior care providers that allow pets in their homes. The article featured two assisted living communities that have integrated non-traditional pets into their homes.
The first community, a memory care home located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is home to a baby kangaroo, Marlee. Marlee literally spends her days hopping from resident to resident offering unconditional love.
The second community is an assisted living home located in New Mexico. Residents at this home enjoy a host of pets that live in an on-site barn. The extended family includes goats, a miniature horse, chicken, geese, alpacas and rabbits.
Workers at both communities cite health benefits as a main reason for including pets in residents’ lives. Not only does care and maintenance of the animals provide a great activity for residents and their families, but it’s also been proven that animals can reduce anxiety and depression among older adults. Pets provide enjoyment and social interaction as well as encourage laughter, exercise and playfulness.
Residents and staff at Sylvan Crossings in Westshire in Waunakee, Wisconsin know first-hand the many benefits a pet provides. Bogie, a handsome yellow lab, enthusiastically visits the home often, providing much warmth and affection to residents. A staff member at Sylvan Crossings describes Bogie as “big, fuzzy love!”
The next time you visit an assisted living home, consider taking a pet along for the ride. You’ll want to check beforehand with the home’s policies – and while you may not be able to bring in a kangaroo or mini horse, a family dog or cat will most certainly brighten the day of any resident.
To view photos from USA Today’s gallery of pets go to http://www.usatoday.com/life/l080828_nursinghomepets/flash.htm?gid=683
