Helping a Senior Cope with the Loss of a Pet

When your seniors choose to age in place, they will still need some companionship, especially if they are alone and have lost their partner. Companion care at home offers a huge benefit when it comes to caring for your senior because they not only provide stable company but they can be an extra pair of eyes on your senior, and they can help your loved one stay independent. Another great way to add purpose, responsibility, and love into your seniors’ life is by encouraging them to get a pet. But what happens when your loved one loses a pet? How can you help them cope with this major loss in life? It’s a fact of life that things will grow old and die, including beloved pets. Here are some tips to help your senior mom or dad cope with the loss of a pet.

Offer Support

Your senior may have an animal that is sick and actively dying. This can be one of the worst times for your loved one, and they may not know what to do. The best thing for you to do is offer your emotional support. Be there when the vets look at the pet and be there if they have to put it down. Just your presence can help your loved one get through this difficult time. Even if you can’t make it, ask their companion care at home to be there for your senior. This can make a huge difference in how they cope with the loss later.

Find Someone To Listen

It would help if you always listened after your loved one has lost their pet. You may have heard the stories a million times, but your senior is still grieving, and they may want to talk about their beloved furry friend. You and companion care at home should actively listen to your senior when they are talking about the one they have just lost. This is a way for them to work through their emotions and accept the loss they just endured. Listen without trying to offer advice on a situation unless asked for.

Keep Them Busy

If your senior needs help to stay busy, help them with other tasks. This is a great way to keep them distracted and spend time with them. For example, help them start a garden, rearrange their home, spring clean, or cook something together. Whatever it is, ensure that it has your seniors’ full attention. Sometimes seniors need a few days of silence and other activities before they’re ready to talk about what has happened.

Seek Therapy

Although you may think getting a therapist for this loss is silly, it may be the right thing to do for your senior. Losing a pet can be horrible for them if they have lost everyone else in their life, like a partner, friends, and even some close family members. It’s important to talk about grief, and they may not want to do that with their adult children because they don’t want to burden you. So always ensure your senior has someone to talk to, whether a friend or a professional.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering companion care at home in Greenwich Village, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 212-201-6139