Getting the Pet-Friendly Senior Housing Options
When people get older, having a pet to keep you company can provide great comfort. Thanks to the companionship of a pet, there are fewer therapy visits, a decrease in the medications taken by clients and an increase in client mobility, creating a win-win scenario. But finding a retirement community that accepts pets can be a challenge. Most retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes have stringent pet restrictions, forcing seniors to make an impossible decision, between housing and their cherished pets. Fortunately, through diligent search and a little elbow grease you can locate senior housing for pet owners that will accommodate both the needs of the senior citizen and his or her pet.
1. Know the Types of Senior Housing
The search partly begins with knowing about the various types of senior housing. There's also different rules about having pets in independent living communities, assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Independent living communities for active seniors who need minimal assistance are more likely than others to allow pets, although they may restrict size, breed or number of pets. Assisted living facilities, which offer more medical and personal care, may have stricter rules, but there are some that do allow small pets. CCRCs, that offer various levels of care, may allow pets in independent living areas but not in higher-care areas. Understanding these distinctions will filter the results down to the most reasonable choices.
2. Use the Internet
The internet is one of the greatest resources for searching for pet-friendly senior housing. Sites like A Place for Mom, SeniorLiving. org and Pets for the Elderly Foundation offer search filters for pet-friendly communities. These databases allow you to enter your location, budget, and care requirements, and check a box for pet-friendly options. Local senior-housing directories and local nonprofit groups focused on aging may also have lists of pet-welcoming homes. There are also valuable online forums and social media groups.
3. Approach Senior Housing Communities Directly
Another good idea is to directly approach senior housing communities. And while not having an official policy one way or the other, some facilities choose to make exceptions. Managing square footage so you can comfortably move in and keep your belongings organized is taught in every home organization or interior design class, and it's true when getting an apartment as well. Having a conversation with management is the best way to figure out if your small pet is acceptable, if there's an additional fee, or if there are certain requirements. Some buildings may require a pet interview or a health certificate from a veterinarian before approval. Being nice sometimes works for them, especially when pet is well behaved and resident is a good fit for the community.
For older adults who need more specialized care, like memory care and skilled nursing, pet-friendly units may be harder to come by. But some facilities acknowledge the power of pets for healing and may permit visits from therapy animals or even have resident pets in the form of cats or small dogs that everyone can visit. Groups like Pet Partners or local therapy animal organizations can assist in planning regular visits if a senior is unable to have their own pet in the facility. Family members might be able to take care of the pet or bring in for visits, so the senior can continue to reap benefits of animal companionship.
4. Cost
Cost is also a big factor in the search for pet friendly senior housing. Other communities may charge a one-time pet deposit or stipulate monthly pet rent or extra cleaning fees. These costs can accumulate, so it's important to include them in the budget. In some cases, eligible seniors might be eligible for financial assistance, grants, or senior housing based programs through a nonprofit, or charitable foundation designed to make pet buying, or care, for pets in senior housing an affordable option.
Ultimately, it's a combination of creativity and patience to find pet-friendly senior housing. By doing their homework, asking the important questions and looking carefully, seniors can find a living arrangement that they and their pet can both enjoy. The bond between the senior and his or her pet is invaluable and can be preserved into the golden years, with a little innovation.
