Often when a senior lives alone, they can experience social isolation, loneliness and reduced energy levels. When it’s hard for you to see your elderly mother or father regularly, you’d feel better if they had some companionship. It can be very fulfilling and healing for your parent to have a pet to care for, and they’ll never be alone. Animals such as cats make great pets for people of every age because they love attention and very freely give their love to the humans who care for them. The stimulation of something new can encourage your senior to read up about cat breeds and become involved with a community of people as a cat lover. It’s very important for seniors of any age to still feel a sense of belonging and find joy in their life.
Pets Can Reduce Depression
There have been studies done that link pet care with less loneliness and more happiness. Pets can also be a welcome distraction from worry or sadness. Even though it might take some help from you and some work to train and care for a pet, the benefits are well worth it.
- Having a pet is like a family member the never leaves your parent to be lonely
- Cats are especially good pets because they’re quiet, independent, and loveable
- Interaction with pets stimulates regaining of memories
- Pets allow a senior parent to focus on something else besides their health problems
- Negative thoughts are banished in the presence of a cuddly cat
- It’s great for the cat, too – they get to live in paradise, with more attention from the senior than they’d probably get from younger people who don’t have time to devote to a pet as much
- Find the right cat for your elderly mother or father; animals are as differently tempered as people, and you’ll want to find a cat who suits your parent
- Having a pet isn’t hard for wheelchair bound seniors because cats can jump up in their laps on their own, and you can leave food and water for a cat at your parent’s chair height if they can’t reach the floor
- Make sure to get your parent an older cat, instead of a kitten who needs training and may outlive their owner
Your senior will get the most out of having a pet if they can have a human companion as well. Why not hire senior care services to help out? A trained caregiver can assist with the pet care, as well as caring for your parent and being there as a friend.
About Zack McConnell
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