Caring for an elderly relative often involves a great deal of emotional investment. Many family guardians consider getting a pet as a caregiver for their loved ones to provide emotional support. Furry friends can be crucial in offering companionship and alleviating loneliness and depression. However, weighing the pros and cons before deciding to add a domesticated animal to the household is essential.
Why Get a Pet as a Caregiver?
Caring for a family member can be emotionally and physically demanding. It can leave both caregiver and care recipient with little time for socializing, which takes a toll on their mental health. Adopting a furry friend for an older adult can provide many benefits. Here are a few reasons why:
Emotional Support
Scientific research reveals the substantial benefits of emotional support animals for an older retiree. Household animals have an unspoken way of instantaneously forming precious bonds with their owners. They offer a listening ear and unconditional love, leading to decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation, common issues many golden-agers face.
Physical Health Benefits
Beyond emotional health, fur babies contribute positively to physical health. These cute balls of fluff, particularly dogs, necessitate regular walks and physical play. These responsibilities encourage activity for seniors, providing an enjoyable form of exercise. Research shows that spending time with these critters and stroking them while relaxing can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are crucial to maintaining heart health.
Routine and Responsibility
Everyone needs a sense of purpose and routine, particularly older adults. The daily feeding, grooming, and walks a pet requires can give elderly loved ones a sense of responsibility and routine, providing structure to their day and enhancing their overall well-being.
Challenges of Getting a Companion Animal
While furry buddies can significantly enhance how things work in the care of an older adult, it's crucial to carefully consider the potential drawbacks before welcoming one. These considerations include the following:
Time and Energy
Becoming a fur parent is a serious commitment that demands significant time and energy. Regular feeding times, grooming, walks, and even daily attention take time. Furthermore, these physical demands may challenge some retirees, especially those with limited mobility or chronic health conditions.
Financial Considerations
Another critical consideration is the financial aspect. Support animals are not a one-time investment. Their food, vet visits, and potential health emergencies increase over time, causing financial strain for some families.
Potential Stress
Lastly, adopting household animals can provide relaxation and joy but also cause stress for golden-agers. Dealing with veterinary health issues or high energy levels can be demanding. The thought of outliving their fur baby may also cause emotional distress.
We Can Help
The decision to bring a pet as a caregiver into an older adult's life deserves serious deliberation. While the support and benefits of companion animals are apparent, one must consider the potential disadvantages.
If you reside in the Littleton, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, or Englewood areas and need support caring for an elderly family member, don't hesitate to contact us at Senior Helpers Littleton. We would love to discuss our companion care and respite care services for older retirees and their family guardians.