Do you have a pet? Does the senior you care for have a pet? In most cases, a pet, especially for older adults, is a literal lifesaver.
Having a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure and provide companionship, but the need for a pet goes beyond that. A pet is an obligation, it requires time and commitment, but it gives a senior a reason for getting up in the morning. The care of a pet means:
* getting some exercise every day (whether it's walking a dog or preparing and serving food)
* the need for a regular schedule to feed and care for a pet
* having someone (your pet) to talk to, confide in, without any judgments or censure
* having a living being dependent on you, so you need to see to it's care and health, which means maintaining your own health.
"Studies have shown that pet companionship actually improves senior citizen health and outlook on life. Lowered blood pressure and a reduction in stress are among the potential benefits of pet ownership. In addition‚ seniors with pets report feeling happier and safer." (http://www.purinapetsforseniors.com/learnMore.aspx?LI=1)
Pets can give a senior, or anyone living alone, a fuller, richer life. And programs all over the country help seniors adopt pets, sometimes lowering or even eliminating adoption fess for seniors over 60.
The Purina Pets for Seniors program helps to cover the cost of adoption fees and provides product information‚ coupons‚ and a pet care booklet. www.purinapetsforseniors.com
Second Chance for Pets is a California based program matching pets with seniors. The website has more health facts for people living longer and better if they have a pet, as well as testimonials. http://www.2ndchance4pets.org/cfs/
Enter ("Pets for seniors' +yourstatename)in any search engine and you should find programs in your area. Or check with your local vet or SPCA. Pet rescue organizations dealing with the type of pet you want can also be valuable, especially when matching the temperament of an older pet with the senior.
PLANNING AHEAD -
Depending on the age of the senior, and the average life expectancy of the type of pet you are looking for, you may need to consider an older pet, perhaps a dog or cat turned over to rescue group. Or you will need to make arrangements for the pet's care after a senior has passed away. Will a family member or friend agree to take the animal? If the pet is from a rescue group (especially parrots) will they accept the pet back to find it a new home? You may want to add a note to the person's will to specify the future of a beloved pet.
For dogs, cats, and large parrots, you need to figure in the costs from food and grooming, to toys. But especially vet care. A trip to my vet this morning for a check up, one blood test, and some anti-inflammatory pills for my arthritic Australian Shepherd cost $200. If your senior is on a low fixed income, or as the caregiver, you aren't able to help financially, be sure to look into pet insurance. Policies that help with regular appointments, immunizations, and a large percentage of emergency care costs are not that expensive.
TYPES OF PETS
Dogs are good for seniors that are still mobile or who would benefit from regular exercise. Be sure to study the types, habits, care requirements, and final adult size of the dog before you make a decision.
Cats are good if mobility is a problem or the senior needs a pet to cuddly and care for, without the need for daily walks.
Fish are calming and usually require little care after the initial setup. If the tank is salt water, the care is a bit more involved, but the aquarium dealer can usually guide you to people who will come to the house for setup and maintenance as needed.
Birds are often comical and fun. Care is moderate with daily feeding, water, treats and weekly cage cleaning. Small birds, such as finches, are fun to watch and require no human interaction. Larger birds, such as cockatiels and parakeets, can bond with a person, can learn to talk, but need daily interaction, training, and playtime. The largest parrots, while playful and talkative, can also be destructive. They should only be considered in special circumstances. They need large (expensive) secure cages, heavy duty toys, and a lot of attention. It's almost like having a 2-year-old in the house. They need an owner who is experienced with birds and has the energy to keep up with them. If the attention is suddenly withdrawn, as when the senior is sick or in the hospital, the bird can be destructive or even pick themselves bald in mourning.
If the senior lives in an apartment, can't walk a dog, or is allergic to cats, try a rabbit. The larger breeds (such as French and English lops) have larger bodies and brains, in my opinion, more personality). At 16-20 pounds, they are the size of a large cat or small poodle. They are friendly, cuddly, will learn to come when called, and while needing a cage when you aren't home, they can easily be litter box trained so they can run around the house when you're home. And there's no barking to bother the neighbors. <grin> Just be sure to "Bunny proof" your home, such as having the cords hidden or encased in plastic cord catchers to discourage chewing. (or spray regularly with Bitter Apple, available at pet stores.) You can even go to a breeder and pick out a nearly weaned kit that you can finish hand feeding to have it truly bonded to you. The larger breeds can even be put in harnesses and taken for a walk in the park with the proper cautions. (I did that regularly with my solid black French Lop named Merlin. We even visited nursing homes and kindergarten classes.)
Even if the senior you care for is unable to walk a dog or physically care for the feeding of an animal, they can still benefit from a pet. If you live separate from the person you care for, bring your own pet for a visit, ask a friend to stop by from time to time with their pet, or even contact nursing homes in your area to find out if there are any therapy pet groups nearby that you could schedule once or twice a month.
As a caregiver, you are responsible for the emotional health of your patient, as well as the physical. Keeping life in old age as close to normal as possible, is always a plus. There are very few disabilities or illnesses in older people that prevent a person from enjoying the companionship of a pet. It might just be the therapy your senior needs to enjoy their remaining years.
Until next time,
Kathy
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