The proven heroic deeds of an elderly pet who provides constant, unconditional love, "Give me a home, and I'll be there for you to the end" means life and death to many elderly people who can have the opportunity of an elderly pet at their side. More and more studies are now showing that elderly animals provide therapeutic value and many health benefits for the elderly in our society, allowing them to live longer and with quality lives with a little furry friend at their side.
An elderly companion animal helps remove the feelings of isolation and loneliness from those who feel alienated from their families, society, and the entire world, whether as a single companion in the individual's home or through an elderly resident animal in a nursing home. It is known that high reductions in blood pressure, depression, and cholesterol levels occur, in addition to fewer medical symptoms. All together, this brings fewer sleep issues which in-turn, brings about better feelings of health.
Overall, the physical health of the elderly person improves with someone to walk with them on a slower pace, to feed and care for, and allows them to get out of their home and participate in society. Their mental health is improved as they have someone who depends on them and loves them, whereas they previously felt they had nothing to live for and lived a life of boredom. The animals in their lives assist the elderly in disassociating from their own problems, bringing many out of their isolated shells.
CHOOSING THE PROPER ELDERLY COMPANION FOR AN ELDERLY PERSON
When choosing the proper elderly animal for an elderly person, the health status of the elderly person and where they live should be considered. Smaller companions are suitable for smaller homes or apartments, or for those who have failing health. Key issues regarding the correct breed should focus on breed characteristics along with certain factors, such as size, trainability, noise level, and energy levels. A young kitten can hang off the curtain rods, while an elderly cat would be more suitable to lie in the sun on the back of the couch. An elderly Pomeranian is content to sit on the lap of its elderly owner from the moment its little feet hit the ground in the morning, as compared to a little terrier running in circles in the middle of the living room- for the hundredth time that day!
It is wise to ask the elderly person if they want an elderly pet for a companion, and what type they would prefer. Let the person pick their own out, through the humane society or shelter, or through breed rescue organizations that have many elderly dogs waiting for homes, as the majority of families do not want the older ones. Many therapy organizations have retired dogs that are in need of a home, with dogs already trained for working with people.
ADDITIONAL FACTS
Other important things to reflect on are how mobile the elderly person is. Can they get their own dog food and supplies, or will they require assistance? Will they be able to take their pet to the vet when needed? Does the public transportation allow pets to accompany the elderly person? And will they be able to afford the food and medicine for an elderly companion in addition to their own needs, or will they place themselves last? And is there a foster family around to care for the pet if the elderly person needs to go to the hospital, until they return home?
Once the pet has been chosen, make sure when the time comes for the elderly person to go into assisted living or a nursing home, they will allow the pet to accompany them. Many are allowing pet companions to accompany the elderly person into their new home, but it is wise to shop around to make sure beforehand. If the home does not allow pets or the elderly owner dies, make sure there are plans made to prepare for the animal's stay instead of being forced into a shelter at its late age.
STATISTICS OF THE ELDERLY WHO LIVE AT HOME WITH A PET
(1) Over 95 percent of the elderly talk to their pets
(2) Over 82 percent feel their pet recognize when they are sad
(3) Over 71 percent feel their pet helps them when they feel bad physically
(4) Over 65 percent feel that touching and petting their pet makes them feel better
(5) Over 57 percent confides in the pets
(6) An elderly person who has a pet had a decrease in heart attack mortality rate of 3 per cent
(7) Animal companionship saves 30,000 elderly lives a year
(8) After having a heart attack, pet owners are less likely to die within the year than non-pet owners
(9) Pet owners recover faster from surgery and illness
(10) Pet owners feel less lonely
(11) Pet owners deal better with stressful situations
(12) Pet owners use less medicine
(13) Pet owners visit their physicians less often than non-pet owners
(14) Overall, pet owners save from $790 million to $1.5 billion dollars per year in Australia alone