Does your aging loved one own a pet? Are they delaying moving to an assisted living community because of it?
Transitioning to a retirement community can be a challenging decision, especially when your elderly loved one shares a deep bond with a beloved pet. Pets provide companionship and a sense of purpose; for many seniors, they are an integral part of their daily lives.
Fortunately, there are pet-friendly retirement communities in Voorhees, NJ that understand this special bond and offer environments where both residents and their pets can thrive.
Are you interested in learning more? Keep reading to learn how to find the perfect pet-friendly assisted living community for your loved one.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Retirement Communities
Pet-friendly senior housing, like retirement communities with pets allowed, can be a perfect solution if your loved one has a beloved pet they don’t want to part with. These Voorhees communities offer a welcoming atmosphere where seniors and their furry friends can live happily together. Here are some benefits of choosing senior living with pets for your loved one.
Companionship
Pets provide constant companionship, which can help in reducing feelings of loneliness. In pet-friendly senior housing, your loved one will always have their pet by their side, offering emotional support and a sense of security.
Physical Health
Pets encourage their owners to stay active. Walking a dog or playing with a cat can help seniors get regular exercise, essential for maintaining good health in retirement communities with pets allowed.
Studies in 2019 showed that physical activity levels among elderly dog owners increased by 34%, significantly improving mood and mental health.
Mental Health
The presence of a pet can improve mental well-being. Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making life in senior living with pets more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Social Interaction
Pets can help seniors interact more with others. Walking a dog in a pet-friendly senior housing community can lead to conversations with neighbors and build a sense of community.
Routine and Purpose
Caring for a pet gives seniors a daily routine and a sense of purpose. Feeding, grooming, and looking after a pet can keep your loved one engaged and active in retirement communities with pets allowed.
Questions to Ask Pet-Friendly Retirement Communities
Now that you know the benefits that await your loved one in pet-friendly communities let’s look at how to choose the right one. Here are several essential questions you should ask before making your decision.
Do You Allow Pets?
When searching for a retirement community in Voorhees, NJ, for your elderly parent, asking, “Do you allow pets?” is a good idea because it ensures you find a community that meets their needs and preferences. Many senior apartments with pets offer special pet accommodations for seniors, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
Confirming that the community allows pets helps ensure your elderly parent will be happy and comfortable in their new home.
Are There Any Pet-Related Restrictions?
Asking, “Are there any restrictions?” when looking for pet-friendly retirement communities helps you understand essential rules about pets. Some communities have breed restrictions, which means certain types of dogs might not be allowed because they are seen as aggressive.
Other communities might have size limits, where only pets under a certain weight or height can live there. Knowing these details is vital because it ensures their furry friend will be welcome and happy in their new home. It also helps avoid any surprises or issues after you’ve already moved in.
How Many Pets May I Have?
This question helps you understand the community’s pet policy and if it meets your needs. Some communities may limit the number of pets your loved one can have. Knowing these details upfront can save you time and ensure your elderly parent’s furry friends are welcome.
It also shows the community that you are serious about finding the right fit for your loved one and their pets. This way, you can ensure your loved one and their pets can stay together.
Are There Pet-Friendly Community Spaces?
Asking if the pet-friendly retirement community has designated pet-friendly spaces is important because it ensures both pets and their owners can enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle. Examples of such spaces include:
- A dog park where pets can play and exercise
- Walking trails where residents can take strolls with their pets
- Shaded seating areas where they can relax together
Are There Any Pet-Related Fees or Deposits?
This question helps you understand the total cost of living in the community. Some communities may charge extra pet fees to cover cleaning or maintenance; knowing these costs upfront can prevent surprises later.
It also shows that the community is organized and transparent about its policies. This information helps you make a better decision, ensuring your loved one and their pet will be happy and well cared for.
Are There Any Specific Requirements?
Asking a pet-friendly retirement community, “Are there any specific requirements?” is a good idea because it helps you understand what is needed for your loved one and their pet to live there. For example, the pet-friendly retirement community might require all pets to be fully up to date with their vaccinations. This means pets need to have their shots to prevent diseases.
Knowing these rules beforehand helps you prepare and ensure the pet meets all the requirements. This will ensure a smooth move and allow your loved one and their pet to enjoy their new home without problems.
Find Pet-Friendly Retirement Communities That Suit Your Needs Today
Finding the perfect pet-friendly assisted living community for your loved one requires careful consideration and research. By understanding the benefits of these communities and asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision to ensure the well-being and happiness of your loved one and their furry companion.
Are you looking for pet-friendly retirement communities in Voorhees, NJ? Seaton Senior Living offers Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, specialized Memory Care, and short-term Respite Care options. Our personalized and adaptable care services meet your loved one’s evolving needs.
Contact Seaton Voorhees today for a fulfilling, pet-friendly lifestyle solution.