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Seniors and Pets: The Pros and Cons
Donna Nichols • December 23, 2020
Seniors and Pets: The Pros & Cons
Do seniors need pets?
Some say yes, others say no. Some believe the seniors can’t take care of themselves so how are they going to take care of a pet?
Others believe the pet gives the senior purpose.
Which side are you on?
Let’s look at some pros and cons of seniors having pets.
Pros of Seniors having a Pet:
- A pet can reduce isolation by providing companionship to the senior. So, if you can’t be there, at least they don’t feel as if they’re alone
- A pet can give the senior a sense of purpose . They won’t feel as if they don’t matter, they have someone to care for, someone who depends on them and needs them. Your mom or dad took care of you and or siblings for so long and now they have no one to care for anymore.
- A pet can be extremely satisfying and make them feel useful again .
- A pet can ensure the senior gets regular exercise , especially if they have a dog. They will need to walk the dog routinely and thus give them exercise and get them out into the world. Vitamin D is one vitamin many seniors lack because they tend to stay indoors.
- A pet can provide the senior with a routine . They will need to feed the animal at approximately the same time each day, which adds structure to their life.
If they have a dog, it’s a great way to meet new friends and peak new interests
. Dogs are great icebreakers and conversation starters. As far as peaking new interests, the senior might be inclined to clean up the dog walking area, or perhaps take the friendly pet to the senior center or hospital to spread cheer to others.- A dog can provide a sense of protection . Even a small dog barking can deter a burglar.
- A pet can help lower stress in seniors. Perhaps because of the companionship, or maybe because they have someone to talk to, love and care for again. Could it be the structure or constancy pets add to the senior’s life?
- Petting a dog or cat can reduce stress. It acts as a relaxing mechanism in our brain and body and while we pet the animal we talk to them as well which helps ease our stress level.
- Dogs and cats can help the senior cope , especially after an illness or surgery. They are specifically keen and can pick up on their owner’s discomfort and will be supportive of their comfort needs.
Petting a dog or a cat can reduce stress.
Now, let’s talk about some cons:
If you get a puppy, you may not have the stamina or the energy to “keep up” with the puppy.
Also, if you have a pet that requires a cage cleaning, make sure you are physically able to clean the cage regularly.
Ensure you are able to put everything into pet ownership that comes with it.
Time, money, energy, the daily care, veterinary visits, food, and attention.
If you have a dog, cat, or bird make sure you have a plan for the animal should they outlive you or you move into an assisted living community.
You don’t want the constant stressor of what will happen to your pet if something happens to you.
So, should you get a pet?
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but if you look closely, the pros outweigh the cons . Adopting a pet from a shelter is a great way to get a pet. Not only will the seniors have a companion, but they will also be helping save the life of an animal.
This can provide the senior with an amazing sense of purpose, and because they feel responsible for the animal’s life, they are more likely to take better care of their life.
If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at 386-847-2322
or check out our Caregiver Support Group. Our Senior Advisors
are here to walk with you through this journey.
Valentine’s Day tends to zero in on romantic love, but what about our seniors? They too often get forgotten. We have some ways to make Valentine’s Day special for them too. Spend the day with your loved one. Spending quality time with a loved one is more important to a senior than anything else. There is no greater gift than time and please make sure you have enough, so you are not rushed. Do your elderly loved one have a favorite meal? Perhaps you can prepare it for them, or if they are able, you can prepare it together. How fun would that be for you both? Be sure to discuss the enjoyment it brought you while you are sharing the meal together. How about a game of name that love song? You could prepare a playlist of love songs from the generation and play them to see how many they get correct. Or, if you can sing, you can sing some for them and see if they can recollect them. Take some time for reminiscing, go through old photo albums, or ask about old times. Ask them about when you were young and what trouble you caused; this will give you all something to laugh (or cry) about. Has your loved one been cooped up all winter? Take them out for a nice lunch, or weather permitting, a picnic in the park. Go for coffee and a donut, then head out to see a movie. Make a “date” of it. Maybe your senior is into crafts. You can design special Valentine’s Day cards for other family members. This way your senior can express their love for them and send it to them in their own unique way. You can create other greeting cards as well. Bake some special treats together. Does your senior have some favorite cookies or cake? You could bake it together, or you can bake it for them. Then you can enjoy it after you have the meal you prepared together. Yummy, delicious!! You can watch some romantic movies together if they prefer to stay in the house or the weather isn’t so good. If they like to color, you can buy them some of those large coloring books and you can color together. Don’t forget the decorations and the flowers! Make the house or apartment as festive as possible. Even if they live in as assisted living community, you can still decorate their room to the nines! Make it as festive as possible! If you live in another state or can’t be close to your senior for Valentine’s Day, how about sending them a specially crafted care package. You can hand make some gifts, add some photos of family and friends, and send a personally recorded message. You can bake some homemade treats and incorporate some things that are of personal interest to them. This will show how much you care for them and make their Valentine’s Day extra special even if you can’t be with them. There are so many ways to make Valentine’s Day special for seniors. Let’s not forget about them; make sure to show them they are so loved too!
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I’ve written many blogs about the importance of staying hydrated in the summer, but did you know it’s just as important to stay hydrated in the winter months? I’ve shared some important tips on how to stay hydrated in the winter and why. Cold, dry air can dehydrate you easily and quickly. Even if you don’t feel thirsty. Proper hydration can help regulate your body temperature, maintain healthy organ function, and prevent fatigue, dry skin, and headaches. In the colder months, you do not feel thirsty, that’s why it’s so important to make sure you drink plenty of water. Why is winter hydration so important? Colder air tends to be drier causing moisture to evaporate through your breathing which can cause dehydration. In colder weather, you may not feel as thirsty, causing you to become dehydrated quickly. Also, wearing more clothing traps sweat inside your clothing causing more fluid loss. What are some of the benefits of staying hydrated in the winter? • Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents dryness. This will help with that dry, itchy skin feeling we all get in the winter. • Water helps your body maintain a regular core temperature. Which is so important to maintain in the winter. • Drinking plenty of water supports your immune system, which helps fight off winter colds and the flu. We all want to fight those germs off! • When you are dehydrated, you become tired easily, so drinking plenty of water helps keep your energy levels up. How do you stay hydrated in the winter? • Make sure you drink plenty of water. Set reminders if you must; you probably won’t feel as thirsty in the winter, but you need to keep drinking that water! • You don’t have to drink cold water; room temperature water works. You can also drink tea or water with lemon, as long as you’re getting your water. • If you’re going out, carry a water bottle with you to ensure you have water to drink. • Eat fruits and vegetables that contain water. Tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, watermelon, cauliflower, mushrooms, cucumber, apples, and pineapple are just a few that contain high water contents. • If you think you’re dehydrated, check your urine; if it’s a darker color, that can suggest dehydration. Urine should be a pale, yellow color. As you can see, staying hydrated in the winter is just as important as staying hydrated in the summer, if not more. In the winter you don’t realize you are thirsty therefore you tend not to drink as much water as you should. This has the potential of wreaking havoc on your body. Please make sure you drink plenty of water in the wintertime as you do in the summertime. We have rebranded our company, we are now Assisted Senior Services! Call us for ANYTHING SENIOR!! 386-847-2322!
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