Discover the Joy of Furry Friends for The Elderly
For over 30 years, our mission here at Access Care is to provide the very best home care for all of our clients, making sure they get the loving and personalised home care that they need right in their very own homes.
Over the years, we’ve had the joy of looking after many live-in care clients who live with their beloved pets, and we have seen up close how amazing these furry friends can be.
Pets bring so much joy, comfort, and better well-being to their owner’s lives, and this has only strengthened our belief in how beneficial they are for the elderly.
At Access Care, we are dedicated to boosting our live-in care clients' quality of life, and we know pets play a huge part in that.
In our next blog post, we have shared our thoughts and experiences, and aim to shine a light on how valuable pets can be for elderly people. We hope to inspire more elderly people and their families to think about getting a pet companion, making life happier and healthier for everyone.
Understanding the Bond Between People and Pets
Emotional Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of having a pet is the emotional uplift they can bring. Pets, be it dogs, cats, or even birds, provide constant companionship, which helps in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. For elderly people and home care clients who might not have frequent visitors, pets offer unwavering loyalty and love.
Physical Health Benefits
Having a pet often means more physical activity. Whether that is walking a dog, playing with a cat, or cleaning a bird's cage, these activities encourage us to move around, enhancing their physical health. Interestingly, studies have shown that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Mental Health Benefits
Interacting with pets can stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals that promote happiness and relaxation. This can act as a natural remedy against depression and anxiety, promoting a more positive outlook on life.
The Versatility of Pet Choices
Dogs as Companions
Dogs are known as humans' best friends for a reason. They are loyal, protective, and incredibly affectionate. For elderly people and home care clients, small to medium-sized dogs tend to be the best choice, as they are easier to manage and don’t need as much exercise as a larger dog.
Cats for Comfort
Cats are low-maintenance pets that offer excellent companionship. They are independent yet affectionate, making them perfect for elderly people and live-in care clients who might not have the energy for a more demanding pet.
Birds and Their Chirpy Charm
Birds like parakeets and canaries are fantastic options for those who enjoy the soothing sounds of chirping. Birds are relatively easy to care for and bring a lively atmosphere to the home. They are also enchanting to watch and don’t need to be walked, making them an ideal pet for a home care client who is less mobile.
Practical Tips for Introducing Pets to the Elderly
Assessing Compatibility
Not all pets are suitable for everyone. It is important to take into account a person’s health and personal preferences. For example, a highly energetic dog may not be the best fit for a live-in care client with limited mobility.
Ensuring Safety
In the world of home care, safety is always a top priority, and this should not be any different when a pet is being introduced to the home. Make sure that the pet is well-trained and has a gentle temperament. The home environment should also be pet-proofed to prevent any mishaps.
The Role of Live-In Carers in Facilitating Pet Companionship
Assisting with Daily Care
Live-in carers play a big part in the day-to-day care of both their home care client and their pets. From feeding and grooming to taking pets for walks, live-in carers help to make sure that the needs of the pet are met without overwhelming their live-in care client.
Monitoring Health and Well-being
Home carers can keep an eye on the interaction between the pet and their live-in care client. Helping to make sure that both parties are happy and healthy. They can also keep track of any changes in behaviour or health, dealing with any problems quickly.
Providing Emotional Support
Pets can sometimes be a handful, especially if they are young or untrained. Live-in carers provide the right support and guidance, helping their live-in care client manage their pets effectively.
FAQs: Live-In Care and Pets
Is having a pet in a home with live-in care practical?
Absolutely! Having a pet can really compliment the benefits of live-in care. Home carers are well equipped to help with the responsibilities that come with having a pet, making sure that both their live-in care client and their pet are well-cared for without any additional stress.
What kinds of pets are suitable for elderly individuals with live-in care?
While personal preferences and specific circumstances do of course vary, small to medium-sized dogs, cats, and birds are the types of pet that are most recommended. These pets require less physical exertion on a whole and are easier to care for, which is a big advantage for clients and their live-in carers.
How do live-in carers help with pet care?
Live-in carers can help with a variety of pet care tasks, including feeding, grooming, walking, and cleaning. They can also help monitor the health and well-being of their live-in care client’s pet, making sure that any issues are quickly sorted.
Are there any additional costs associated with pet care in a live-in care arrangement?
Having a pet does of course come with additional expenses such as pet food, veterinary visits, grooming supplies, and possibly pet insurance. These should be considered and planned for in the overall budget of a home care client.
In terms of paying the live-in carer anything extra for helping to look after their home care client’s pet, this is not usually the case.
Can live-in carers provide training for pets?
While live-in carers can usually help with basic training, praising the pet and reinforcing good behaviour, they are not a substitute for professional pet trainers. For more specialised training needs, it is a good idea to speak to a professional pet trainer who can provide targeted training services - if needed.
What if the live-in care client has allergies to pets?
If a live-in care client has known allergies to pets, it is important to choose a hypoallergenic breed or choose a pet that produces fewer allergens, for example certain dog and cat breeds or even birds or fish. It is a good idea to ensure the live-in care client’s home environment is regularly cleaned to minimise any exposure to allergens.
How do pets affect the mental health of elderly people?
Pets have been shown to have a very positive effect on the mental health of their owners by providing companionship and lessening feelings of loneliness and isolation. Having a pet around can also lower stress levels, improve mood, and increase social interaction, all of which help a person’s mental well being.
Can live-in carers manage pet medications?
Yes, live-in carers can help manage their live-in care client’s pet medications as part of their overall live-in care duties.
They can help to make sure that their live-in care client’s pets receive their prescribed medications on time and in the correct dosage, and they can monitor the pet for any side effects or changes in behaviour that may mean they need to see a vet.
Are there specific types of pets recommended for people with dementia?
For people with dementia, it is a good idea to choose pets that are low-maintenance and have a calm, gentle demeanour.
Companion animals like cats and smaller dogs can provide their owner with comfort and companionship without the demands of high-energy pets.
What are the benefits of pet therapy?
Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, uses trained animals to help people recover from or cope with health issues and mental conditions.
There are many benefits of pet therapy, these can include reduced anxiety and depression, improved physical activity, and increased socialisation and interaction. This form of therapy can be particularly beneficial for elderly people, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Can pets create any risks for elderly people?
While pets offer numerous benefits, they can also pose certain risks. Tripping hazards from pets and their toys, potential bites or scratches, and the risk of some illnesses (those that can be transmitted from animals to humans) are important things to take into account before getting a pet. Making sure that the pet is well-trained, up to date with their vaccines and the living environment is safe can help to reduce the risk.
How to handle a pet if the live-in care client needs to be hospitalised?
If a live-in care client goes into hospital, having a plan in place for the pet is important. This might mean that the pet could go to stay with family, friends, pet boarding facilities, or pet-sitting services. Live-in carers can also provide temporary pet care if they are able.
How Pets Enhance the Quality of Life
Boosting Social Interaction
Pets can often act as social icebreakers, helping their owners connect with neighbours, other pet owners, and even strangers. This boost in social interaction can make a big difference in the quality of life for those receiving live-in care.
Providing a Sense of Purpose
Taking care of a pet brings about a sense of responsibility and purpose. For elderly people, this can be really fulfilling, giving them something to look forward to each day.
Offering Unconditional Love
The unconditional love and affection that pets provide are often unmatched. This emotional bond can lead to lower stress levels and a more relaxed, contented life for their owners.
Choosing the Right Pet for Your Loved One
Considering Energy Levels
When choosing a pet, it is very important to match the pet's energy level with that of their owner-to-be. A high-energy dog might be great for an active elderly person who enjoys long walks, while a more sedentary pet, like a cat or a smaller dog, might be a better choice for a home care client who is less mobile.
Size and Space Requirements
When choosing a pet, think about the size of both the pet and your living space. Smaller pets are usually easier to handle and fit well in a flat or retirement apartment, while bigger animals might need more space to roam around comfortably.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Home Environment
Comfortable Living Spaces
Make sure that the home environment is accommodating and safe for both the pet and their owner This includes setting up comfortable sleeping areas, making sure that food and water are easily accessible, and creating safe spaces where pets can play and exercise without causing disruptions. A live-in carer can help to make sure of this.
Accessible Outdoor Areas
For pets that need outdoor activities, such as dogs, having an accessible and secure garden area is very important. This means the pet is able to exercise while providing their owner with opportunities for fresh air and gentle physical activity.
Regular Routines and Schedules
Establishing a regular routine is crucial for both the pet, their owner and the live-in carer. Keeping the feeding times consistent, exercise schedules, and grooming routines help create a stable and predictable environment, which can be particularly comforting for elderly people, and pets.
The Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Managing Allergies
Allergies can be a real nuisance and have a big effect on quality of life. Make sure the elderly person isn't allergic to their new pet. If you are bringing a live-in carer into the house, check beforehand to see if they're allergic too.
If allergies are a problem, you could consider hypoallergenic breeds or pets like fish or birds instead.
Addressing Mobility Issues
Mobility issues can make it tough to care for a pet. In these situations, live-in carers can help out, making sure both the pet and their home care client are both well taken care of.
Providing Financial Support
Having a pet means taking on some extra costs. These extra costs are things like pet food, grooming, and vet bills. Family members and/or live-in carers can help with planning and budgeting for these extra expenses.
The Positive Impact of Pets on Dementia Care at Home
Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Pets have been shown to provide emotional comfort and reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which are sadly common mental health conditions among dementia patients. Having a pet in the house can help build a sense of companionship and love, leading to improved mood and overall emotional and mental well-being.
Stimulating Physical Activity
Interacting with pets encourages physical movement, whether it is through taking a dog for a walk, playing fetch in the garden, or simply just grooming the animal. This can help dementia care at home clients keep physically active, which is so important for overall health and can help to slow cognitive decline.
Cognitive Stimulation
Taking care of a pet brings routine and involves simple tasks like feeding schedules and grooming. These types of activities can help keep the mind active and create a structured environment, which is great for those living with dementia. Plus, with live-in care, there is always support to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Reducing Agitation and Aggression
Studies have shown that having pets around can really help to reduce agitation and aggression in those living with dementia. The calming effect of interacting with a pet can help to soothe nerves and create a sense of peace, making daily care easier. By choosing live-in care as the care option you can make sure that these benefits are part of everyday life.
Creating a Sense of Security
The consistent presence of a pet in the home can create a sense of security and stability for dementia care at home clients, who can often feel confused or unsettled.
The predictable nature of pets can bring comfort and reassurance, helping to lessen feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Facilitating Routine and Structure
Pets thrive on a routine, which also can be really beneficial for in home dementia care clients who also benefit from a structured environment. Regular daily activities such as feeding, walking, and playing with a pet can bring structure to the live-in care client’s day, making life more predictable, enjoyable and easier to manage.
Understanding Live-In Care
What is Live-In Care?
Live-in care is a comprehensive and personalised caring service where a professional live-in carer lives in their live-in care client’s home to provide 24 hour live in care support and assistance.
This model of care is ideal for people who would benefit from around-the-clock supervision and help, but would like to stay within the comfort and familiarity of their own home over an institutionalised care setting.
Below we have detailed a few key aspects of live-in care:
24 Hour Live in Care and Support
Continuous Supervision: Live-in carers are available at any time to help their live-in care client with emergencies and provide peace of mind to their families.
Consistent Assistance & Support: Live-in care clients are supported by their live-in carer whenever they need, a live-in carer can help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Personalised Care Solutions
Customised Care: Our care solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and health conditions of each of our live-in care clients.
Adaptability: Care solutions can be adjusted as and when the live-in care client’s needs evolve.
Companion Care
Emotional Support: Live-in carers offer companion care and emotional stability, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Social Interaction: Engage in conversations and activities that bring joy and stimulation.
Household Management
Domestic Duties: Live-in carers are there to help their clients with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
Home Maintenance: Live-in carers can help to make sure that the home environment is safe and well-maintained.
Medical Assistance
Medication Management: Live-in carers can help in administering and monitoring their live-in care client’s medications to ensure proper dosing.
Health Monitoring: Live-in carers can keep an eye on their live-in care client’s health and report any changes or concerns to healthcare professionals.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Independence: Live-in care means that home care clients are able to keep a degree of independence in their cosy and familiar home environment.
Comfort and Security: The comfort of being at home often translates into improved well-being and overall happiness for live-in care clients.
Live-in care offers a holistic approach that not only takes into account the physical health needs of a live-in care client but also supports their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring a high quality of life for those in need of comprehensive and high quality live-in care.
How to Choose the Right Live-In Carer
Picking the right live-in carer is key to a smooth and effective care experience. It means looking at their qualifications, experience, and how well they match the elderly person's personality and unique needs.
Many families choose reputable live-in carer agencies that provide vetted and trained live-in carers, ensuring peace of mind and top-notch care. Having the right live-in carer can make a huge difference, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that boosts overall well-being of the live-in care client.
Life With a Furry Friend By Your Side
Bringing pets into the lives of an elderly person can bring lots of benefits. By picking the right pet, making sure the transition is smooth, and giving ongoing support, you can boost your elderly loved ones' quality of life.
Explore the possibilities and take the first step towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life with a furry friend by their side.
If you believe that you or one of your loved one’s could benefit from live-in care then we would love to hear from you. Please give us a call on 01264 319 399 to speak to one of our friendly team members about how one of our live-in carers could help support you.
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