We all want our senior loved ones to remain safe, healthy, and supported in a loving environment. However, seniors living alone can face unique challenges such as loneliness. One way to help with that is by providing an indoor pet that can provide comfort and companionship as they age. In this blog post, we'll discuss the many benefits of indoor-only pets for seniors' mental well-being, factors to consider when choosing a pet, indoor-only pets that are great for seniors, and how you can support your elderly loved ones by bringing them home a companion.
Benefits of Indoor-only Pets for Seniors' Mental Well-being
Pets can be a great source of companionship, comfort, and joy for seniors. In addition to providing companionship, having indoor-only pets can help improve your senior loved ones’ mental well-being.
Pet ownership has been linked with reducing depression symptoms and anxiety levels due to the stress relief provided through close contact with a loving creature. Being responsible for a creature also encourages physical activity, which helps reduce blood pressure, boosts energy levels, promotes cardiovascular health, and even alleviates loneliness or isolation from living alone.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Indoor-Only Pet
While there are countless benefits of pet ownership, there are factors that you need to consider when choosing a pet for elderly loved ones. Initially, you'll need to think about the type of pet that would best suit the environment and needs of your elderly loved one. Budget is another consideration, as maintaining an indoor-only pet can become costly due to regular vet visits and supplies. It's also essential to consider space considerations. Depending on how much living area they have in their home, some animals may be more suitable than others. Lastly, you should assess if your senior loved one will have enough time or energy to fully commit to the care of a pet.
Indoor Only Pets Great for Seniors
Looking for ideas about which pets might suit your senior loved one? Here are some suggestions.
Cats
Cats are one of the most preferred indoor-only pets for seniors due to their low-maintenance needs. Cats also provide companionship, comfort, and relaxation through affectionate purring or kneading. And despite their tendency to be more independent than other animals, cats can still become quite attached to family members.
Birds
Birds also make great indoor-only pets for seniors as they require less attention than dogs or cats. But they still offer plenty of interaction that keeps minds challenged and spirits engaged throughout the day. If you’re going with this pet, you should adorn your bird cages with bells or toys that will encourage curiosity from your feathered friend.
Fish
Fish can be calming, and watching them swim gracefully can increase endorphin levels. They are also low-commitment pets, too, making them ideal if full-time care isn't possible. Choose the fish that best fits your senior's needs, depending on the space available in their home.
Small Mammals
Small mammals such as rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils provide lots of love if handled well. They may give much-needed companionship to seniors who need to stay at home. They can also provide hours of interactive fun, creating lasting memories for your seniors.
Looking for More Ideas on Keeping Your Senior Loved One Happy at Home?
The mental-wellbeing benefits that arise from pet ownership are plentiful, particularly for elderly loved ones who may experience feelings of loneliness or isolation. For more help keeping your loved one safe, healthy, and happy at home, you can reach out to our in-home senior care teams in Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, and Fletcher, NC. Contact Senior Helpers of Asheville for a free in-home evaluation of your senior's needs and how we can help!