Seniors are living independently in their homes for longer than ever these days, and sometimes their best friend and constant companion really is a dog or cat. A study in the Journal of American Geriatrics said that seniors living independently who have pets tend to have better physical and mental well-being than those who don’t. They have shorter hospital stays and lower healthcare costs than seniors with no pets, and they are more active and are better at coping with stress.
Cousin Earl was the much-loved companion to our grandpeep in her final years.
Yet aging issues can make it difficult for seniors to keep their pets healthy the way they once did. Caregivers for seniors need a good understanding of resources available to help, and to have a realistic assessment of the situation.
A growing number of groups around the country help through outreach mostly through organizations that seniors already use to help them assist seniors who are already enrolled in other senior assistance programs with help for their pets, too. For example, the Pet Food Pantry in Orlando, FL, run by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, delivers packages of pet food to seniors and their pets who are on fixed income, allowing the seniors to be sure that their pets are getting better nutrition than table scraps. They also provide basic annual vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries. Since pets are sometimes a senior’s sole companionship, they may not have anyone to take care of their beloved companions if the senior becomes incapacitated. The group also includes an option that Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando will care for the senior’s pet if the senior becomes incapacitated.
How can you find a group like this in your area? You probably haven’t heard of them even if they are there, so you may have to ask around. Since this type of group usually partners with groups that provide services to seniors, try contacting your area’s county senior programs, church senior programs, meals on wheels, and even ask your veterinarian. You can also contact your local hospital to find out who their social workers refer to at discharge.
With all the benefits that pets can bring to seniors, let’s help them be sure they can spend their golden years together.
We never heard of such groups : that’s a wonderful idea, for pets and for the seniors ! Purrs
That is such a wonderful initiative. I know that pets will definitely remain a major part of my life, and it would be good to know they’ll be taken care of if they outlive me.
What a great idea for the cats and the owner who won’t need to be worrying about them.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
We have the Space Coast Kibble Kitchen here. They help people who can’t afford to feed their pets.
The Florida Furkids
My Grandma’s facility has a resident cat named Remi…all the residents love him and MOM says Remi is so gentle and loving. You never know whose bed he will be on from day to day.
Lovely post
Hugs madi your bfff
What a great idea! We all know how having pets can help people live longer. And it’s nice to know there’s groups out there to help older people keep their pets. 🙂
Sure wish there was something like that around here. But I know there isn’t any of those. It is a great idea. It is really hard to keep the cats all healthy etc.
Hope you have a great day.
That is a wonderful thing to do. We have several kitties we have helped that have been adopted as Nursing Home and Assisted Living kitties.
We think this is a fabulous idea! It solves so many problems and helps people and the pet overpopulation as well.
What a great post! I loved learning about this. Totally sharing it with my audience. I’m going to look for a group in Chicago! – Crepes.
We are so grateful for any assistance pets of seniors receive!! Kudos to these organizations!
We know firsthand how a senior can require help with their pet, as a relative of ours who is elderly and dealing with human health issues was so distracted that she neglected her pet. Sadly, the cat developed hepatic lipidosis from not eating and passed away. Had their caregivers been supported – or even better informed – perhaps this cat’s life would not have been jeopardized.
This is such a purr-fect post!!! Pets are the best possible companions and healers for our seniors and bless these wonderful organizations for helping them to stay together!
We had no idea groups like this existed! This is so wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
How wonderful for both the pets and seniors!
Great post about this vitally important issue! I’m going to get involved in my area’s groups and if none exist, i’m going to start with my church congregation. Such a worthy endeavor! Thanks for blogging about it.
We are so glad to hear that groups are out there helping the seniors with their pets. So many seniors are afraid because of their own precarious situation to even have pets, if they knew they had options it might be perfect to pair a senior animal and senior hooman!
I heard about a similar program here in Michigan. I think it is just fabulous and I love that you picked this to blog about. Superb!!
Hm, I’m in Michigan too but I haven’t heard about any program like this around…I’ll do some research, and thanks for blogging about this!
What a cool idea! I hadn’t heard to that. TW got Autumn for Gramm when she was in her late 70s. The rescue wouldn’t let them do it until they visited Gramma and saw how active she was. Autumn was a great companion for her. This is the first Blog the Change I’ve missed.
I love this concept! I volunteer with a rescue, and we sometimes get owner surrenders by seniors who are moving into nursing homes or are just getting too brittle to handle walking and caring for their pets! It is so sad! When a senior citizen is getting weak or ill, they should not have to worry about what will happen to their beloved pets. Thanks for blogging about this!
What a great and important post. Love that picture of the lady and the kitty, adorable. So glad that Cousin Earl and your Grandpeep had each other.
Programs like that are really wonderful! I don’t think we have anything like that locally, but it would definitely be worth checking out.
This is an important issue as society ages. I’m glad to know about the Florida group and will keep an eye out for something similar locally.
What a wonderful – and necessary – service! Pets can indeed make the best companions for the elderly, and we need to ensure they’ll be cared for regardless of circumstances. I’ll be checking into area services in my area to make sure this is offered.
Thank you for blogging the change for animals,
KimT
http://www.btc4animals.com
Mommy says hooray for helping seniors. Our local food shelf does dog food. She doesn’t know other programs around. A couple ended because of lack of funding, though.
I love the idea of setting up support systems to help seniors keep their pets. What a wonderful way to honor the bond between these seniors and their furry companions. Thanks for sharing this – now I’m wondering if there’s a group like this in my area!
A.J.
BtC4Animals.com