Pet-friendly memory care centers have grown in popularity among residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. There are numerous advantages to selecting pet-friendly memory care, and they can help improve your loved one’s quality of life while getting care.
Greater Companionship
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, provide their caretakers with unconditional affection and company. Pets provide comfort and normalize the surroundings for elders in memory care communities. Patients value their furry companions’ unconditional affection. They can assist residents suffering from melancholy, anxiety, or loneliness. Pets can connect in ways that language cannot. They can sense when something is wrong or when their companions are feeling sad, and they can offer gentle comfort through touch.
Encourages Socialization
It is normal for others to want to come up and say welcome when you have a companion in memory care. This social contact can be life-giving for elders and aid in the treatment of many of the symptoms of dementia. When elders engage with animals, it can be calming and distracting and provide a brief respite from the pressures of life. Pets can also serve as an icebreaker, giving elders who aren’t used to mingling something simple to talk about.
Better Physical Health
Pet-friendly memory care can be helpful to the physical well-being of elders. Walking dogs on a regular basis can help your loved one get more fresh air and exercise. Pets have been shown in some medical studies to help lower blood pressure, enhance cardiovascular health, and boost serotonin levels in the brain. This can help elders feel better physically and psychologically, as well as provide significant health advantages.
Reduced Anxiety
Anxiety in dementia residents can have a negative effect on their physical and emotional well-being. Having dogs around can help alleviate some of the stress. Having a pet to cuddle with or speak to can provide residents with a feeling of protection and solace. The constant company of their pets can also greatly lower anxiety levels.
Improved Cognitive Functioning
It’s been shown that the presence of pets can also help stimulate brain activity, which can improve cognitive function in senior residents. Pets provide a sense of purpose and daily routine, which can help dementia residents familiarize themselves with their surroundings. The constant interaction between residents and their pets can be mentally and emotionally stimulating and could help slow down memory loss.
In conclusion, pet-friendly memory care can offer incredible health benefits for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Pets can make them feel secure, offer them companionship, and significantly reduce loneliness and anxiety. A pet also offers a constant source of mental stimulation, which is vital to residents struggling with cognitive impairment. Choosing a pet-friendly memory care community for your loved one could be your best decision yet. Schedule a tour today to find out more about our programs!
