A pet can provide companionship, affection, and a great reason to stay active. Seniors who own pets often experience improved mental health and happiness. In fact, brushing or petting an animal can have a soothing effect as well as release endorphins.
However, it’s important to choose a pet that is best suited for you and your lifestyle. If you’d like a pet for companionship and enjoyment at your Jacksonville (Florida) assisted living community, here are some great pets to consider.
A Cat for Companionship
It’s easy to see why cats are such a popular choice among assisted living residents. They are exceptionally low maintenance, quiet, calm, and affectionate. At the same time, they can be quite playful without being overly rambunctious.
Take time to get to know your cat before you decide to take them home for good. Also, consider an older or senior cat. They require less training and often have a perfect disposition for assisted living communities.
An Apartment-Friendly Dog
Cats are amazing, but dogs also make wonderful pets for seniors in Jacksonville (Florida) Assisted Living. Their need for physical activity like walking can provide the necessary motivation for an otherwise sedentary senior to get active.
The key to finding the perfect dog is to take your lifestyle and abilities under consideration. Fortunately, there is a dog breed that is an excellent fit for nearly any circumstance. For example, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are small and easy to train. These loyal dogs are also fine lap dogs.
A Fish Pal
What about seniors who need a pet that requires a bit less maintenance? In that case, a fish can be the perfect pet. So many fish do very well in small tanks and are perfect for residing in an assisted living facility. These include bettas, guppies, and neon tetras.
Are you worried that you or a loved one can’t keep up with a larger pet or might be in danger of tripping or falling? There’s no danger of that with a fish. You can also look into hermit crabs or other small animals that can live in an aquarium.
Pet Alternatives
If keeping a pet simply isn’t an option, you may still be able to enjoy animals in other ways. Seniors are always welcome to volunteer at local animal shelters. Additionally, libraries and other facilities often host visiting animals as part of their community programming.
Enjoy Independent Living in Jacksonville with Your Pet
When you aren’t busy enjoying the many amenities at pet-friendly assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, the right pet can be the perfect companion. However, we encourage you to choose wisely or help your loved one select the ideal pet. Please consider your ability to provide proper care and find a pet that has the right personality.
If you determine that an emotional support pet would be the perfect option, many organizations help you find the perfect match and may also help with training and acclimation.
