Writing Sample 2: Choosing and Taking Care of Pets for Seniors (Ghostwrote for Safety in Place April

Before my grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s, we got him a toy dog. It was a little sleeping spaniel that moved as if it were breathing and its fur felt soft, warm, and lifelike. While he was in no position to take care of a pet, in my grandfather’s last days, it was a comfort for him to have a little sleeping companion by his side.

My grandmother is 89 years young and her dog keeps her active and on a schedule. Tally, a tame, but lively English Cocker Spaniel, gives my grandma a routine. By walking her and playing with her, Grandma can keep active physically and mentally, and have companionship during the day.

Pets can be a boon to seniors, bringing companionship and activity. According to the American Heart Association, owning a dog can decrease blood pressure and lower the risks of obesity, heart attacks, and stroke. And while dogs were the only pets to show an increase in longevity, cats, birds, even goldfish are still an extra soul in the house to keep you company.

However, when seniors own pets, there are a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few to keep in mind if you or your senior loved-ones own pets, or are thinking of getting one.

1)         The lifespan of the pet – As we age, it becomes more and more possible that our pets will outlive us. My grandparents had a cat when I was a kid named Spooky and he lived to be 22! If my grandma got him now, as a kitten, she would have to make a plan to care for her pet when she passes away. Reach out to family members to plan for caring for your pets. Designate who will take care of your pet in the event of a long hospital stay or other emergency, who will become your pet’s guardian after you pass on, or even who will look after Fluffy while you’re on vacation.

2)         The pet’s temperament – Can you or your loved one handle an exuberant puppy? Do you have the strength or energy to restrain a big dog from jumping on people, or do you have the dexterity to get a frightened cat off a bookshelf? These questions and more factor in to decisions about getting a pet, and how much assistance you may need in taking care of your pet.

3)         The time and energy to care for the pet – Can you go on a 10-30 minute walk each day to get Fido his exercise? Do you have the flexibility to bend over and scoop a litterbox? Again, these questions can help you decide what type of pet to get and how to best care for them.

4)         Assess your Aging in Place situation – While your home may be set for you to age in place there, can it also accommodate a companion, and if so, what kind? Is there any furniture which needs to be anchored or donated to accommodate your new (or old) friend? Also, could your companion be a trip hazard, causing you to have a fall?

While none of these points are meant to dissuade you from getting a pet, as we age, we have to consider the benefits of pet ownership and how we can best prepare to bring, or keep, a pet in our lives. A favorite suggestion of mine is to get a senior pet. Senior pets desperately need homes, and they are more stable, likely already housebroken, and make great companions for seniors. But before heading to your local shelter, assess your personal situation with a family member and see which companion is right for you!