Pets are much more than just animals, they are loved members of the family and can enrich everyday life in so many ways. Whether your elderly relative has a cat, dog or another animal, pets can bring immense joy, comfort and love to their life, and their companionship becomes even more beneficial in later life.
As people get older, it can be more difficult to care for much-loved pets and the responsibility can become too much. The thought of having to give up their furry friends can be devastating and thankfully, there is another option. If your elderly parents or grandparents could benefit from some general support around the house, domestic care services could also assist with pet care. Home care is more versatile than many people realise.
Below we have explored the benefits of having pets in later life as well as how home carers can help to ensure that furry friends are well looked after.
The Benefits of Pets for Elderly People
There are so many ways that pets can benefit the lives of elderly people, especially if they live at home by themselves or feel isolated from family and friends;
- Companionship and Emotional Support – Pets offer continuous companionship. For elderly people, a pet can be a faithful friend that provides comfort and emotional support, bringing joy to everyday life.
- Physical Activity and Health – Walking a dog or playing with a cat is a great way to exercise on a day-to-day basis. The simple act of caring for a pet can keep elderly people engaged and active.
- Cognitive Stimulation – Pets require regular care like feeding and grooming which are tasks that can help keep the mind sharp. Engaging with pets can also spark memories and encourage conversation.
- Therapeutic Benefits – The loving presence of a pet can promote a sense of well-being for elderly people. Animal-assisted therapy is known to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress too.
- Social Interaction – Pets can act as social catalysts, leading to conversations with neighbours or other pet enthusiasts. Speaking to people about pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for the elderly.
How Home Carers can Assist with Pet Care
Caring for a pet in later life can be challenging, particularly if elderly people have mobility issues or health problems. Pets often require a lot of attention and looking after them can be physically demanding. Receiving care at home from a professional care team can play a key role in ensuring the well-being of both an elderly person and their pet.
Assisting with Daily Responsibilities
Home carers can take on various pet care tasks, such as feeding and grooming. They can help to ensure the pet is being kept comfortable. During home visits, a care team can also assist with exercising the pet. Taking dogs for walks or playing with cats is important and including an elderly person in this exercise can benefit them too.
Facilitating Quality Time Together
Knowing that their pet is well taken care of can relieve anxiety for elderly pet owners. Home carers can encourage elderly people to pet and play with their furry friends, so they can enjoy some quality time together too. They can move furniture and create accessible spaces to make it easier for elderly people and their pets to enjoy each other’s company.
Running Pet-Related Errands
Home carers can assist with errands related to pet care. They can take elderly people shopping for pet supplies, including toys and treats for their much-loved animals. They can also support elderly people with vet visits, by scheduling and accompanying them to appointments, and ensuring regular check-ups. If a pet requires medication, a home carer can help in administering it according to the vet’s instructions too.
Monitoring Pet’s Health
Like humans, pets can experience different health issues and elderly owners might not always catch the early signs. Home carers can keep an eye on pets and watch for any unusual changes in behaviour, appetite or energy levels. They can get professional guidance from the vet about any concerns they may have and ensure treatment is provided if required.
Learn More About Domestic Care in Trafford
Pets really can enrich elderly people’s lives in countless ways and they become an essential part of maintaining emotional and physical well-being. With some support from home carers, your elderly relative can continue to enjoy the love and joy that pets bring into their lives, without the stress of managing all of their care needs alone. A professional care team can remove the stress and burden of looking after a pet in later years.
Here at Beloved Homecare, we provide domestic care in Trafford and the surrounding areas, and our care services include assistance with pet care. We pride ourselves on helping our clients to remain living independently at home and we will take care of their pets with the same level of attention they would. If you have any questions about home care services and the type of support available, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.