Can You Have a Companion Pet in a Nursing Home?

The American Psychiatric Association recently published the findings of several studies relating to the advantages of pet ownership in older adults. One study conducted over five years in Finland found that “pet owners had significantly better daily activity function and slower disease progression compared to non-pet owners.” The benefits are clear. The question then becomes, can you have a companion pet in a nursing home?

Read on to find out more information about having a pet in a nursing home and how that might positively impact care.

Nursing Homes With Pet-Friendly Policies

Not every nursing home is equipped to support companion pets. However, many facilities encourage pet ownership. In addition to dogs and cats, some assisted living residencies allow birds, fish, and the occasional mouse. Typically, if a nursing home or assisted living facility allows a pet, it is because the resident is capable of taking care of the pet themselves. Additionally, there has to be an acknowledgment that the pet won’t cause harm to the staff or other residents.

Here is a list of common ownership rules you might encounter with a pet-friendly nursing home:

• There might be restrictions regarding breeds and weight
• Vaccinations need to be current
• Additional fees like a pet security deposit
• Extended care plan if the resident becomes incapable of caring for the pet
• No exotic animals

It is essential to take your time to research the nursing home to see what they allow. Additionally, residents who own pets might have to take out additional liability insurance to cover any potential issues with the pets.

If you transition your loved one into a nursing home that allows companion pets, you must be aware of the added costs. You will be responsible for the food and veterinary services.

Even though a nursing home might not allow permanent companion pets, they might allow you to bring the family pet to visit your loved one. There are also several therapy animal services that provide visits from volunteers who bring their friendly dogs and cats into the home to spend time with the residents.

If you find that your loved one’s assisted living facility doesn’t allow for companion animals, you may want to consider a robotic pet, as discussed by the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), for your loved one. The organization’s research shows that animatronic pets help at-risk nursing home residents who struggle with dementia and can combat loneliness, for example.

It is important to note the distinction between a nursing home and an assisted living facility. Many nursing homes utilize shared living spaces with two residents per room. That setup could be prohibitive for having a pet. On the other hand, most assisted living facilities provide single apartment-style residencies. Those environments would make it easier to maintain a companion pet.

Benefits of a Companion Pet

There are 62 million households that own dogs and another 37 million that own cats. That is according to data compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association. There are many reasons why pets add to our quality of life. They:

Provide Much Needed Companionship

A person can live in a nursing home surrounded by staff and fellow residents but still feel lonely. That loneliness can manifest as depression, which is not good for the overall health of the person. Having a pet provides companionship and a reason to engage with others. That can go a long way to help with mental health issues.

Set a Routine

You can’t have a pet without setting a routine. They must be fed, groomed, and walked (if the pet is a dog). That care sets up a routine, which is an excellent way to bring purpose to a senior’s life. You always have to get out of bed to take care of your pet!

Help Reduce Stress

Pets help reduce stress in their owners, which can lower blood pressure, according to research published by the American Heart Association.

Offer a Chance To Exercise

Having a pet helps keep seniors active. This is especially true for dog owners who go out for a stroll a few times a day with their pets.

When you consider all the possible benefits of having pets in your loved one’s life, it is worth exploring these options.