August is National Dog Month so it’s a great time to talk about whether or not a dog might be a good addition to your elderly loved one’s home. Many people talk about how owning a dog can be a wonderful addition to families and how children benefit from being pet owners, but did you know that there are some great health benefits that your senior may also receive when a dog becomes a part of her life?
Five Health Benefits of Dog Ownership
- Improved Physical Health – Dogs require a bit of exercise, such as daily walking. If your loved one needs an incentive to get her out and moving, a dog can be a great incentive.
- Better Cognitive Health – Owning a dog stimulates the brain into more problem-solving activities as well as memory, keeping your loved one’s cognitive health sharp.
- Reduced Feelings of Loneliness or Isolation – Many seniors feel all alone as they age. A dog will happily provide constant companionship, making sure your senior never feels completely alone.
- Greater Sense of Purpose/Worth – Your senior might wonder what her purpose is now that she doesn’t work or have a family to raise. Pet ownership reminds her that someone is counting on her and that she has a very important purpose for her pet.
- More Joy – Whether it’s laughing at their silly antics, or snuggling together during a storm, dogs just naturally bring more joy into their owner’s lives.
When Dog Ownership Isn’t an Option
Not everyone can own a dog. A dog not only brings amazing health benefits, but some responsibilities come with owning a dog including financial expenses, space requirements, and time commitment. When adopting a dog doesn’t seem like a good decision, but your loved one still wants to enjoy some dogs, consider these options.
Volunteer at a Pet Shelter. Lots of dogs lose their homes and end up in a pet shelter until a new home can be found for them. While they are in the shelter, they need care and attention, sometimes more than the staff can provide. Volunteers get to interact with the dogs, whether it’s taking them for walks, playing with them, or brushing their fur. It provides a wonderful service to the pet shelter, as well as allows your loved one to spend some time with these sweet animals.
Visit a Park. Is there a park that has a lot of people walking their dogs? That can be a great place for your loved one to visit to see some dogs and see if she can get some petting in. It also provides a great way for her to connect to others and maybe build some relationships.
Spend some time with a family member’s or friend’s dog. A great way to get all of those doggie kisses without having to worry about all of the care needed.
Dog Ownership Assistance
What if your loved one wants a dog but just needs a little help with caring for it? A home care assistance team can help your loved one’s dream of owning a dog come true. Home care assistance providers can help with sweeping up fur, refilling water and food receptacles, and other home care responsibilities that come with dog ownership. A home care assistance provider can even accompany your loved one on her daily walks with her dog, making sure she doesn’t get hurt or lost while walking the dog.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Culver City, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
