No matter what stage of life you’re in, having a pet can be one of the most incredible things that you will ever experience. From learning to care and take responsibility for pets as a child, to seeing them as your children as an adult, to them becoming your closest friend as you age, pets can add an amazing enrichment to our lives. 

However, what you may not know is that pet therapy and pet ownership can be an incredible way for seniors to stay happy, healthy, and independent, especially for residents of senior living in Canton, MI. Pets can help seniors improve their moods, reduce their stress and anxiety, get regular exercise, and more. The unconditional love that pets provide can be a game changer. 

Are you considering getting involved in pet therapy or are you interested in a pet for your senior? Here are some reasons why that could be a great idea:

 

Pets Are Great Mood Boosters

There’s nothing quite like going home to a small, four-legged bundle of fluff, love, and warmth, and pet therapy animals visiting seniors are no exception. 

Pets, whether they are our own loving pets at home or constant visitors to a senior home, provide a love, warmth, and companionship that no other kind of companionship – human or otherwise – can provide. In emotional situations like the loss of a family member or other loved one, a crisis in the world, or even the looming darkness of depression hanging over your senior loved one’s head, having a pet can make the world of difference. 

Pets do not pass judgment. They are eager, avid listeners, ready to hear all of your most troubling thoughts with an open heart. They provide you with unconditional friendship and love, and are always happy to see you. No matter what you’ve done or what you’re going through, your feathery or furry friend will always be on your side, ready for you to lean on. 

Having the unconditional love that a pet provides can actually help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety that so many seniors face. Helping to combat depression, likewise, can help a senior combat diabetes, weight gain, cardiovascular issues, and more. 

 

Pets Can Provide Excellent Exercise Opportunities

If there is one thing that pets know how to do, it is play. Pets are active – whether you have a cat who loves to chase the light of a laser pointer around the room or a dog who loves a good game of fetch, pets are always up, active and moving. That means that seniors who have pets or participate in pet therapy should be up, active, and moving too!

Dogs, especially, are great pets for getting seniors up and active. If there’s one thing that dogs love just as much as treats and company, it’s going out for a walk. Here’s the thing, though: dogs can’t go outside on walks on their own! They need their human friends to help them along the way, and that’s where your senior loved one comes in. 

With some help or with a well trained dog, seniors can get some light exercise by taking dogs out for a walk. It’s fun for the dogs who love to be outside, and it provides an easy way to get some exercise for your senior in a way that provides them with a little extra companionship. 

When you’re here in Kingsley’s senior living in Canton, MI, we provide plenty of opportunities for our seniors to play with the animals around our community. We are a pet-friendly community, which means that you never know what kind of new friend you might find around the corner. Who knows! Maybe your senior will be the next one to volunteer to help take the dogs on their afternoon walk. 

A senior couple laughs while doing yoga because their beagle interrupts

Pets Are Perfect for Improving Socialization

The best thing about pets is that pets are great listeners. A pet will lovingly sit with you as you talk about your day with rapt attention, no matter how boring or exciting, as long as they’re getting some pets in return. They don’t judge for any speech impediments, any dropped, missed, or forgotten words, or any time you may leave out an important detail. 

This is so important for seniors because as seniors age, many of them feel lonely and isolated, like they have no one to talk to. In addition, some seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia may struggle to talk to someone face to face, like a family member or a friend. However, animals don’t have that issue. 

With an animal, you can say whatever you need to say, however you want to say it, without any kind of risk of judgment. Seniors can speak freely without any kind of nervousness or worry, and that kind of judgment-free speaking can really improve their social and conversational skills. 

 

Pets Can Help Manage Stress

While Kingsley’s senior living in Canton, MI has many options for seniors to reduce stress like exercise, games, activities, and more, sometimes that just isn’t quite enough. People deal with stress in a myriad of different ways, and that includes having some time with a special pet friend! 

Pets can lower stress levels, help with anxiety, and may even be able to help lower blood pressure. Even just the simple action of spending time with a pet may be able to help you or your senior loved one lessen the mental strain of everything going on around them. 

 

Senior Living in Canton, MI

When you’re looking for senior living in Canton, MI, we hope that you’ll start here at Kingsley. Our pet friendly senior living community is perfect for seniors who need a little additional help than they get at home but still want to maintain their independence. Plus, since we are a pet-friendly center, you or your senior loved one may be able to bring their furry best friend along. 

If you’re interested in making Kingsley your new home, contact us and schedule a tour today!