3 Common Challenges Seniors Face Having a Pet, and Why Home Care Can Help
Home Care in Comstock Park MI
Having a pet can be a wonderful experience, regardless of age. However, for seniors, especially those dealing with certain physical limitations or other health issues, having a cat or dog can present certain
challenges. Even if the elderly individual has, to date, refused to even consider the prospect of home care, if they have a small animal or are considering getting one, assistance may be necessary to help take care of that animal.
Below are three of the most common challenges seniors face when trying to take care of a small animal.
Challenge #1: Walking a larger dog.
A larger dog, such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, black lab, or any other type of medium to large size breed can put a significant amount of pressure on a leash. If the senior is trying to take this animal for a walk, and if he gets excited about something it sees or smells and begins to pull, that can cause the elderly individual to lose their balance and fall down. That can lead to significant injuries that may result in hospitalization and even worse.
It’s best to focus on only small animals, such as a cat or small dog (one that doesn’t weigh more than 15 pounds, for example).
Challenge #2: Cleaning out the litter box.
Keeping a cat in the house, whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat (meaning it stays inside all the time or it goes between outdoors and indoor living), means cleaning the litter box out on a regular basis. Some people get into the habit of only cleaning the litter box once a week, but that’s not only unsanitary, it’s not fair to the animal itself.
It’s important the senior is able to clean the litter box out on a daily basis. If they can’t do this, they may need assistance, especially if the litter box is stored in a basement and those stairs are making it more and more difficult for the senior to get down and back up.
Challenge #3: Bringing the animal to a veterinarian.
If the senior has lost his or her driver’s license, it makes getting to the doctor appointments, the store, and even to visit friends much more challenging. It will also make it difficult for him or her to bring that small animal to the vet for its yearly checkup and vaccinations.
Of course, the senior can rely on family members, friends, and even neighbors, but a professional, experienced in-home care provider may be able to assist with these aspects of pet ownership. June is Adopt a Cat Month and having a small animal can provide tremendous benefits to seniors, especially those who may be living alone right now.
If you or someone you know needs help with Home Care in Comstock Park MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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