It’s Brutus or Bust! Finding Pet-Friendly Senior Housing
By James Hall
When seniors are in the market for assisted living, the thought of giving up a pet can be devastating. Our fluffy friends are so loyal and dedicated, and giving them up feels like a significant betrayal of their trust. Luckily, many supported living environments are now open to animal companions, which is good for pets and people alike.
Whether you love dogs or prefer cat companionship, the benefits of having a pet are indisputable. At Around Wellington, you can learn about pet care with columns like Paws-itive Press, see adorable photos, and catch up on other news and events. Seniors transitioning to a new home can find good advice on Around Wellington to help reduce anxiety in animals, as moving can be stressful for everyone.
Reducing Stress While Packing and Preparing to Move
Moving can be such a hassle. For seniors and their pets, it can be stressful and exhausting. As you begin the process of packing up and preparing to move, it is important to keep stress under control. Ask for help. Trying to tackle the packing and moving process on your own is a huge undertaking; do not try to do it alone.
Often when seniors move, it means sorting through a lot of belongings and getting rid of unnecessary items. Enlist the help of a trusted friend and start long before it is time to move. Starting early will also reduce the stress on your pet, who will become accustomed to the additional people in the home and the presence of moving boxes. If you are stressed about finding the right living environment, explore the varying options in your region.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Place
The demand for senior housing that accommodates pets has increased. Assisted living facilities and senior housing complexes have responded accordingly and many offer the option to bring your pets along, to the relief of seniors across the country. To find such housing, start with a general online search. Be sure to include the desired location into your search using your zip code to indicate the catchment area.
Senior advocacy and support agencies are terrific connections when looking for housing. They can often help you identify housing complexes that have availability and will know which ones allow pets. As you find pet-friendly facilities, schedule a time for a walk-through tour. If you see residents out and about during your tour, ask what they think about the place.
Also, check out online reviews and ask locals about the reputation of the facility. This investigative work may save you a lot of stress down the road and help you make a decision about which facility to choose. If you are stressed about paying for your new place, there are several ways to go about it.
Develop a Plan
Now that you have found your ideal place, take time to plan for your big move. The first order of business is probably going to be determining how to pay for it. Some seniors may be selling a home to move into assisted living. You can sell a home as-is or increase the value of your home by making some improvements and repairs, such as fixing cracked windows or leaky pipes. You are more likely to keep the interest of buyers if your home is in good condition.
Another way to pay for senior housing is to apply for reduced rent. Government programs can be helpful resources for housing funds, so be sure to check federal and state websites to find out more. Case managers are often a priceless resource for seniors looking for housing, as they can assist with paperwork, support you with making calls, and a variety of other services.
During the move, be sure to ask a friend to pet-sit, since the chaos of moving will likely cause a lot of stress for your pet. Consider hiring a moving team to help, this may cut back on your post-move aches and pains. When you have your boxes and furniture moved in, bring your animal in and let them investigate the smells and varying areas of the home. Before long you and your pet will be settled into your new place and the stress will be over.
***
James Hall is a retired nursing home administrator. Following his retirement, he wanted to find a way to continue helping seniors and to make the most of his own golden years. He created Senior Care Fitness where he regularly shares his knowledge and resources to help seniors not only overcome the downsides of aging, such as chronic pain and other health issues, but to thrive throughout this “golden” time.