If your senior is feeling lonely, one thing many people consider to combat loneliness is getting a pet. A pet provides a constant companion and can help a person feel less alone and isolated. But pets are living beings who require care, feeding, and attention, and home care providers may be able to assist with this care. So, deciding on a pet for your elderly loved one shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision; it should be a thoroughly discussed and planned-for choice so that both your elderly loved one and his new pet will thrive together and enrich each other’s lives.
Four Important Topics to Discuss With Your Senior Before Getting Any Pet
How much space is available for a pet? Even fish in fish bowls need living space, so consider how much room is needed for the possible incoming pet before it’s welcomed home.
What is the long-term expense? It’s usually easy to determine if your loved one can afford to purchase the pet he wants, but he also needs to consider the long-term cost of the pet. Are there routine vet visits, grooming needs, expensive food, or bedding? Talk to your loved one about how he’ll afford it if his pet gets sick or injured.
What is your loved one’s ability to care for the pet? Dogs need walking, bird cages need cleaning, and cats create more housework. Almost every pet will add a bit more responsibility to your loved one’s life. Make sure he’s set up for success if he gets the pet he desires.
What is your loved one seeking in a pet? Does he want something to look at and watch, and be entertained? Is he looking for something to snuggle with and find comfort from? Or is he looking for something to keep him active and busy?
Five Easy-Care Pets
Once you know the answers to the above questions, you can start looking at what pet is best for your senior. While his heart might think it wants a German Shepherd, if he doesn’t have the space, money, or energy for that type of dog, it’s not going to be a good fit for either of them. Many seniors decide to start with a pet that is easy to take care of and doesn’t require quite as much hands-on care or crazy expense to keep it alive and healthy.
Here are five pets that your senior might enjoy that are not dogs or cats.
Fish. Fish are great at providing interest to a room, and even bringing energy by having a constantly moving fish or a multitude of fish swimming around a calm and relaxing setting.
Small rodents like hamsters or mice. These little critters don’t take up a lot of space, can be fun to watch, and usually get by with weekly cleanings.
Lizards and Amphibians. Much like fish, they may not be great to cuddle with, but it can be fun having them around.
Birds. Birds can be great for those with mobility issues who can’t exercise a pet.
Rabbits or Guinea Pigs. These pets allow for petting and snuggling but don’t take up too much space.
Home Care Providers Can Help with Pet Care
When getting a pet, if your loved one has concerns about some of the care needed, consider talking to a home care provider to see what services they can offer to help your loved one be a successful pet owner. A home care agency might be able to help with cleaning, grooming, and feeding if needed.
If you are considering hiring a Home Care Service that is dedicated to the senior care market, contact 24/7 Coastal Contact today at (251) 260-0226.
Let us show you how and why we are different from any other service you may have tried in the past. Our team approach is the standard that sets us apart from the rest.
Prior to establishing 24/7 Coastal Contact, Ms. King worked for 30 years in the health care industry. Her experience began providing direct patient care. Eventually, she transitioned into home care and home infusion, then acquired her HCS-D certification as a Home Health specialty coder where she learned about the administrative burden facing Home Health and Home Care providers.
It became clear that after-hours customer service was a major toll home care industry and it was with this need in mind that 24/7 Coastal Contact was founded. Since 2018, 24/7 Coastal Contact has grown explosively. Now, we provide service to over 40 agencies in over 24 states with a 95% retention of service rate.
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