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The Value of Pets for Your Aging Parents

Your parents keep asking about a dog or cat. You’re not sure. Did you know that dogs and cats offer the companionship, love, and comfort your parents crave as they age? What do experts say about the value of pets for aging adults? Home care services providers can help with reminders to care for the animal.

Lower Blood Pressure

According to the CDC, pet ownership is linked to having lower blood pressure. Dogs and cats help ease the stress that can drive up blood pressure readings. Plus, the animals make their owners get up and active.

If you have a dog, you have to take it for walks and play with it. That increases activity, which helps maintain healthier blood pressure readings.

Pets Lower Anxiety and Stress

The companionship offered by a pet also helps lower anxiety and stress levels. Instead of being alone all day, your parents have a pet to rely on. When they’re sad, their pet responds by being present. Petting that dog or cat is soothing and helps ease tension and anxiety.

Pets Increase Socialization

Not only are pets there to talk to and offer comfort, but it also gives your parents something to talk about. Dogs are beneficial as your parents take them for walks and have neighbors to talk to. If there are other friendly dogs in the neighborhood, your parents may get together with neighbors frequently to let the dogs play.

What Are the Best Pets for the Elderly?

What are the best pets for an older adult? Dogs and cats are often the first pets people consider, but there are many others. A rabbit may be a better option are they’re less likely to throw up, making it easier for your parents to clean up after the pet. Rabbits can be litter box trained.

Fish are soothing to watch, as long as your parents are okay with cleaning the tank now and then. Birds can be messy as they flap their wings and send seed casings on the floor, but they can be talkative and enjoyable to converse with.

Dogs and cats are likely going to top your parents’ list. Ask them about adopting an older animal. When you adopt an older animal, the vet care may be included for free or at a discounted rate for the rest of the animal’s life, making it easier for your parents to afford that animal.

Look Into Companion Care

There’s another option. Your parents could sign up for companionship services. If companionship is the primary goal of adding a pet to the family, discuss other options. Pets require a lifetime commitment. If something happens to your parents, the dog or cat can’t be abandoned.

Home care aides offer companionship. They’re not limited to tasks like housekeeping and cooking. They can join your parents for a movie, take them to a museum, or sit down for a conversation. Talk to a home care specialist to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Home Care in Greeley, CO, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home today at 303-255-4071.