Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Assisted Living Facility
The Importance of Pet-Friendly Assisted Living
If you're on the fence about whether or not to allow pets in your assisted living facility, consider this: there are many benefits to doing so! Pets can make a big difference in the lives of those living in assisted living facilities.
Pets provide us with emotional support and can improve a range of health conditions. Seeing and playing with pets can also provide us with a sense of joy and connection. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider letting pets into your assisted living facility.
Pets Reduce Stress and Anxiety Levels
One of the main reasons you should allow pets in your assisted living facility is that they have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in residents. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that petting a dog for just 15 minutes can significantly lower a person's cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress). In addition, another study found that elderly people who own cats are less likely to experience loneliness and depression than those who do not own cats.
Another study found that when pets were present, residents' blood pressure went down as well the number of depression symptoms on rating scales rose by only about 10%. The researchers suspect this finding may be due in part because people with animals had more social interactions than those without them which increased feelings among other things like happiness or feeling useful; they also note research has shown having an animal companion increases life satisfaction regardless if it’s owned professionally (e..g., caregiver).
Pets Promote a Sense of Community
Another benefit of allowing pets in your assisted living facility is that they promote a sense of community. When residents have pets, it gives them something in common to bond over. They can share stories about their pets, exchange tips on pet care, and even take their pets for walks together. This sense of community can be beneficial for both the mental and physical health of residents.
Senior citizens who own pets are more likely to experience feelings of community. The connection between pet ownership and sense perception may not be immediately clear, but there's plenty of research that points out how owning an animal can make you feel like part of something bigger than yourself - maybe even helping your aging process along!
Pets Provide Companionship
Finally, one of the essential benefits of allowing pets in your assisted living facility is that they provide companionship. For many residents, their pet may be their only source of companionship. This is especially true for those who do not have family or friends nearby. Pets can provide the love and attention that many residents need and crave.
There are many reasons why you should allow pets in your assisted living facility. From reducing stress and anxiety levels to promoting a sense of community, pets can make a big difference in the lives of those living in assisted living facilities. If you're on the fence about whether or not to allow pets, consider all of the benefits they offer before making your final decision.
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