Could Your Elderly Loved One’s Loneliness Be Solved With a Pet?

Caregivers in Lewisville, TX – If Your Loved One is Still Able to Care for a Pet, it May Be a Wonderful Solution to the Need for Companionship

If your senior lives independently with professional caregiver services, they’re getting a helping hand around the house as well as a new friend. But even a full-time caregiver has to go to home at some point, leaving the senior alone. When you’re busy at work and your loved one is left with nothing to do, this could bring on depression, loneliness, and other debilitating factors as a result. Even when you do your best to stay in touch with your loved one during your free time, you must realize that they’re still spending hours alone every day. So how can your elder avoid loneliness in the hours where people aren’t available to keep them company? The answer is simple, as you don’t necessarily need people around to keep your senior loved one company. Guaranteed companionship can be as simple as a new pet.

Several studies have shown that getting a new pet can result in many health benefits for seniors. Pet ownership can lower blood pressure, lower stress, reduce the odds of depression, and increase physical activity. In addition, having a pet keeps your elder busy and mentally occupied as they spend time playing with the animal, reading about the animal, or grooming it.

So what kind of pet should your elder get? Here are a few ideas of new companions that can bring a smile to your loved one’s face.

• Dog – Perhaps the most obvious and popular choice, dogs are loyal and love their owner’s affection. Dogs not only have personalities that will keep your elder constantly with company, but they also present opportunities for your elder to go outside, play fetch with the dog, walk the dog around neighborhoods and parks, and teach the dog tricks. Dogs are an ongoing project for anyone who wants a lasting friendship and has spare time on their hands. Needless to say, they’re the best choice for an independent elder.
• Cat – Cats don’t require as much attention or pandering as dogs do. While dogs require training and frequent trips outside, cats are much more low-maintenance for an elder who wants company without having to do too much work for it. Cats are happy staying indoors at all times, they don’t require the owner to be mobile in order to play, and they spend most of their time sleeping on the owner’s lap or bed anyways. Also, your family can take pictures of the cat and post them online.
• Fish – For elders who really don’t want to put any work into having a pet, having a fish tank is a good alternative. Having a variety of fish can be a great visual stimulant for your elder as there are many different colors and species of fish to choose from. While fish don’t really have personalities or interaction with your owner, they will serve as another form of life around the house.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Lewisville, TX and the surrounding areas, contact Approved In Home Care at 972-212-5343 today.