There are many studies that confirm having pets is fantastic for seniors. Pets can help seniors manage depression and anxiety. Pets provide love and companionship. And pets can help seniors live longer and happier lives. But some seniors have physical difficulty taking care of a pet. Others may not want to commit to a pet. Companion care at home providers make it possible for seniors to get the benefits of having a pet without having to do all of the work themselves.
Fostering pets is the perfect way for seniors to get the benefits of having a pet without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. Many seniors foster senior pets who are often overlooked in shelters but do much better in a home environment. Also seniors love to foster mothers with babies who need a lot of human interaction and care.
If your senior parent would love to have a pet but is worried about the long term commitment they should know these things about fostering pets:
Everything Is Provided
When seniors are fostering pets they won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for the care of those animals. Rescues and shelters will provide food, litter, crates, toys, beds, and any other supplies that the animals need. Vet care is also covered so that seniors don’t have to worry that the animals will need something they can’t provide. There’s no financial commitment associated with fostering pets.
Companion Care at Home Aides Can Help With The Heavy Lifting
Seniors who are worried about lugging heavy bags of food or huge containers of litter can get help from companion care at home providers. With companion care at home your senior parent will have the backup support they need to make sure that dogs get walked when they need it, litterboxes get cleaned, and the water dishes are always clean and full.
Foster Fails Are Common
Another concern seniors often have about fostering pets is what will happen if they fall in love with a particular pet and don’t want that pet to be adopted by someone else. That’s called a foster fail and it happens all the time. If your senior parent bonds with a particular pet they always have the option to either adopt that pet or permanently foster that pet meaning the pet won’t be considered adoptable but your senior parent will still continue to receive all the supplies and supper they need to take care of the pet.
Fostering Saves Lives
By taking in foster animals your senior parent could save thousands of pets who are in desperate need. Shelters are overcrowded. And often senior pets who previously had homes don’t adapt well to being in crowded shelters. Giving these animals the chance to live in a home again will save their lives and free up space in shelters for other pets who really a safe place to be. And if your senior loved one decides they don’t want to foster anymore they can stop at any time.
Source: https://www.petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/research.php
A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home Services in Severn MD please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258
Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.
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