5 Advantages Of Choosing A Pet-Friendly Memory Care

Who doesn’t love the purring of cats or the wagging tails of furry friends? Pets are adorable little creatures that can improve our mental and cognitive health with their cute presence. That’s why many memory care communities allow pets within the community to support their residents.

Pet-friendly senior homes offer numerous benefits to residents, especially those with memory-related issues like Alzheimer’s or dementia. In today’s post, we’ll explore five advantages of picking a pet-friendly memory care home for your loved one.

5 Benefits of Choosing a Pet-Friendly Memory Care Community for Your Loved One

1. Enhanced Emotional Support

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, their emotional health may go downhill, especially at the beginning of their move to the memory care community. Imagine moving away from family and friends. Wouldn’t you feel sad and alone? It is natural for your loved one to feel alone and isolated as they move to dementia care. However, during this phase, it is essential to have a companion to support their emotional needs, or else they may fall into deep depression. 

Pets, especially furry friends, will offer unconditional emotional support with endless affection and company to your loved one. If your loved one experiences agitation, stress, and confusion because of Alzheimer’s or dementia, pets like cats and dogs can provide comfort through touch. Moreover, they can sense if something is not right with their caregiver companions. 

For example, if your loved one is sad and lonely, a pet can sense it and connect in ways that language cannot!

2. Increased Physical Activity

If you have a pet cat or furry friend, you will know how much they like to play and run around. Pets naturally demand physical activity from their caregivers. In hindsight, it is great for older adults with memory impairment to engage in physical activity and improve their health. 

For example, if your loved one pets a furry friend, they’ll have to take them out for a walk daily. In case your loved one forgets it, their pets will make sure to remind them by excitedly circling around in the house. 

Most memory care communities offer pet-friendly accommodations because they understand the importance of pets in motivating residents to engage in physical activities daily.

3. Improved Mental Stimulation 

Seniors who lack mental stimulation often develop neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia over the years. Many memory care communities provide pet therapy to stimulate the brain and maintain cognitive functioning. It’s even better if your loved one owns a pet. They will be able to interact and mentally engage with it daily. 

A simple activity of feeding and playing with a pet can help keep the mind active, which is very essential for older adults who have memory-related issues. Moreover, taking care of a pet will give a sense of purpose and motivation to your loved one to keep looking forward in life.

4. Encourages Social Interaction

Lack of social interaction is the major catalyst of cognitive decline. A study published by NIH shows that feeling lonely and isolated can increase the chances of dementia by 31%. But did you know that pets can encourage your loved one to socially interact with more people without forcing conversations? 

When your loved one hangs out with their furry friend, people with a shared love of animals will be compelled to ask about their pet, which will naturally start a conversation and foster a connection. These small interactions may eventually turn into a strong friendship and help your loved one combat isolation and loneliness.

5. Therapeutic Benefits

Pets not only provide emotional support and companionship but also offer many therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and calming nerves. Many clinical studies suggest that touching and talking to a dog lowers blood pressure. 

In a memory care community where residents often experience agitation, confusion, and stress due to their poor cognitive health, pets can be used to counter those negative feelings.

Find a Safe and Secure Memory Care Home for Your Loved One and Their Pets at Bristol Park at Eagle Mountain

All in all, moving your loved one to a pet-friendly memory care community will support them in ways you can’t imagine. From providing unconditional emotional support to helping with their physical health, the simple presence of pets makes a huge difference in your loved one’s life. 

Looking for safe and secure pet-friendly memory care for your loved one? Consider exploring Bristol Park at Eagle Mountain. At Bristol Park, we offer specialized care assistance, exceptional food, and comfortable living arrangements that feel like home. 

Your loved one’s cognitive health is declining with every passing day. Now is the perfect time to schedule a tour to Bristol Park at Eagle Mountain and see how we can support your loved one in maintaining their health and quality of life.