Some Assisted Living Facilities May Accept Pets, but Not Many

May 19, 2015 by ·

Assisted Living in Chickasaw AL

Pets can be incredibly beneficial for people as they get older. Small dogs and cats can offer companionship for seniors, especially those living alone. Research has indicated that having a pet or just sitting with one and petting it on a regular basis can help to lower blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Assisted Living in Chickasaw ALFor any elderly individual looking into assisted living as an option who may also have a pet at this time or is interested in possibly getting one in the future, not every assisted living facility is going to allow pets.

In fact, it appears that the majority of assisted-living communities do not allow pets, for a variety of reasons. The most significant is safety. Because many of the residents within a community require assistance or have difficulty ambulating without the assistance of a cane or walker, and have balance related challenges, having small pets possibly escaping a resident’s room could pose a serious trip and fall hazard for other individuals walking around.

Another factor has to do with allergies. Many people are allergic to pets and can’t be in the same room with somebody who has a small animal. Pet dander gets into carpeting, can float around onto cabinets and counters, and get onto clothing. Some allergic reactions are so severe that a person can be standing within a relative proximity to another individual who has cat hair on their coat, for example, and begin to have a reaction.

This doesn’t mean there are no assisted-living facilities throughout the United States that allow pets, but for those who are interested in moving into one of these communities, they either may have to consider giving up their beloved animal or give up the idea of getting a small dog or cat.

What alternatives are there?

Moving into assisted living is a great option for people who require some level of assistance or who don’t want to have the responsibility of maintaining a house any longer. For those who enjoy spending time with pets, they could possibly volunteer at a local Humane Society or other shelter. If they have transportation to get there, they could sit and spend time with some of the animals that are waiting to be adopted. That can be a great way for those seniors to spend time with small animals, pet them, and gain the benefits pets offer aging individuals.

May is National Pet Month and these are just a few thoughts about pets and assisted-living.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Chickasaw, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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