The company of furry friends can have therapeutic benefits for seniors living in pet-friendly senior apartments. Increasingly, it’s a pleasure that seniors consider when choosing a retirement community.
We know that caring for a pet gives many seniors a sense of purpose and assists them in feeling better overall. In fact, studies show pets can help people improve their health and raise their spirits by lowering stress, depression and blood pressure while increasing social connections and physical activity.
Pet-friendly senior apartments, but house pets and therapy pets, too
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we’re glad to talk with potential residents about plans for their companions to join them in pet-friendly senior apartments here.
Because pets can benefit seniors in so many ways, all our campuses not only welcome pets but provide house pets as well. These are animals that residents, visitors and employees all may enjoy, generally cats and birds. In addition, therapy pets, accompanied by their owners, frequently visit for the pleasure of residents who enjoy the company of animals.
Our pet care program eases the minds of many senior pet owners
At Country Meadows, we not only provide loving care for our residents, but we can tend to their pets’ needs, too, generally dogs and cats. Residents can enroll in our personalized Pet Care Program, enlisting our support in caring for their pets for an additional fee. Our pet care coordinators love animals and routinely walk and feed them, give them medication, brush and bathe them and change cats’ litter or clean birds’ cages. The service is a big relief for residents who love their pets but feel they can no longer meet all their needs.
Pet care coordinator Sharron McIntyre loves what she does, saying, “Just to see the smile on their faces is enough for me to do this. … Being able to have a pet is a great thing, and I know I would love it if someone helped me if I could no longer take care of him myself.”
Be aware of all aspects of senior pet ownership
Having a pet may not be the right choice for all animal-loving older adults, and the decision is one that seniors might want to make in consultation with their families. The presence of a dog or cat can increase the risk of tripping and falling for seniors who have mobility issues. While a pet’s companionship can lift the spirits of those who are susceptible to depression, dealing with the death of a pet could be counter-productive. And those who are prone to worry might obsess over their pet’s health and well-being. These are not necessarily reasons for not getting a pet, but rather issues that should be realistically considered.
If you’re a senior with a pet or are a family member of an older pet owner, we have tips to help you avoid health and safety risks and enjoy life with your pet, whether you live at a retirement community or in your private residence.
At Country Meadows, we consider ourselves to be senior-friendly and pet-friendly. Whether you are a pet-owner or not, we want you to know that your priorities in senior living are important to us, too. We invite you to visit any of our retirement communities—ten in Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, MD. Please contact us to request information or to schedule a visit at any of our locations.
Country Meadows
Hello!
This message is for Sharron McIntyre. I see that you have a pet care program at your facilitates.
I’m intetested in knowing if you are in need of pet care staff. I’ve been doing pet care most of my life for friends and family, and also have several pet care clients currently.
At age 54, I’ve also cared for several elderly relatives, and am comfortable working with the elderly. In addition, I’ve been in customer service for decades and have experience in dealing with all types of people.
Please contact me to see if my experience could be an asset to your staff.
Ms. Hill,
Thank you for your interest in Country Meadows. We are a pet-loving company and actually employ our own Pet Care team members who also provide care and support to our residents. We just emailed you if you would like to look more into our direct-care positions. Feel free to check out the link we sent. thanks again for reaching out.