While pet ownership is a serious endeavor, when done properly, it can provide endless joy and faithful companionship for just about anyone, but especially for the elderly. With the right planning — and in some cases the added support of home care services — a pet can become a meaningful part of a senior’s daily routine.
Unfortunately, loneliness is often a part of many elderly people’s lives, no matter how many friends or family they have. They might still find it difficult to connect with others in meaningful ways, and having a perfectly suited pet might be just what they need.
Not Every Pet is for Every Person
What do we mean by perfectly-suited? Pets can range from needing a lot of care to just a little care. They can be very hands-on or pretty hands-off. They can range in price from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, and picking the right one for your elderly loved one should be a carefully considered decision based on many factors, including whether they even should be a pet owner.
In some cases, home care support can help make pet ownership more manageable and less overwhelming. That said, if pet ownership turns out to be a good fit for your elderly loved one, the health benefits of having that companion can greatly improve their quality of life.
How Pets Reduce Stress Levels in Seniors
Daily Interactions Release Oxytocin
Oxytocin is also known as the love chemical, and while in humans it can be associated with romantic feelings and even assist the body during birth, when it is connected to animals, it evokes a sense of trust and deep relationships. It can help someone who is often alone feel connected strongly to another living being, creating a friendship.
It Distracts from Too Much Self-Focus
While taking care of oneself is important, sometimes a person can become overly self-focused, which can lead them to hyperfixate on their own struggles and problems. Having a pet makes a person step out of their own heads and take a break for a bit each day to focus on something else’s needs. It provides a sense of purpose and an improvement in their self-esteem when they know they are responsible for something other than themselves.
A pet needing to go for a walk or getting fed may be just what your elderly loved one needs to get out of bed and start their day.
Some Pets Can Help Seniors Connect
Pet ownership is often a great bridge to meeting others and building relationships based on similar interests. While pets like dogs that often need to be walked are the easiest way to connect with others, even having a fish can help your loved one connect with others by joining fish ownership groups online to chat about their passion or meeting others in a pet store.
Keep Stress Levels Low by Supplying Help with Pet Care
One of the main areas that may increase stress for seniors in connection with pet ownership is pet care. Dogs require daily walks, cats need litter boxes cleaned, and birds need their cages cleaned, etc., etc. If care of a pet seems to be an obstacle, consider talking to a home care agency about how they can help your loved one with pet care.
Home care providers can assist with light housekeeping, so they can help with sweeping up loose fur or cleaning out a cage. Some home care providers might be able to join your loved one when they walk their dog, providing assistance and support along the way.
With careful planning, consideration, and home care support, a pet might be the perfect companion for your loved one.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Rancho Penasquitos, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, and surrounding areas.
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