For many older adults in Arizona senior living communities, connecting with pets is a prominent part of their day-to-day routine.
But even though pets become part of the family and enrich daily living, they can also add to routine tasks and chores that may be challenging to manage later in life.
To assist older adults in maintaining their pet care needs, some Arizona senior living communities (such as Grandview Terrace) offer specialized pet services.
Services offered at Grandview Terrace in Sun City West,
for instance, include:
- Dog walking
- Clean up
- Transport to a local vet or groomer
- Feeding and companionship (cats only)
And whether you’ve been a pet owner for decades or have just recently considered adopting a “critter companion,” it’s always important to keep in mind a few animal care tips:
- Veterinary Clinic visits, check-ups and routine costs
- Supplies needed for potty training, playtime and bedtime
- Time needed to care for your pet day-to-day
- Resources needed to care for your pet while you’re away
Experts also recommend that you consider your family’s budget when selecting the right pet. Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian” and the resident veterinarian for Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show, has been known to say that because different pets come in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to think about a pet’s food, bedding, toys, veterinary care and other costs before adopting. Certain breeds such as poodles and Bichons require professional grooming, whereas small breeds, such as Yorkies and Dachshunds, require more professional dental care than large breeds. If a special-needs pet like a one-winged Cockatoo or a diabetic Dalmatian catches your eye and heart, tally the costs associated with his or her care.
Birds can also be great pets for older adults residing in an Arizona senior living community. However, it’s important to remember that, as exotic and domestic animal behaviorist and trainer Diana L. Guerrero says, even though their maintenance can be far more manageable, not all birds are laid-back, easy-to-care-for companions. Parrots, for example, can have the intelligence of a chimp and, according to Guerrero, a plethora of emotional and physical needs. Experts advise starting out with smaller “fids” (feathered kids), and possibly hand-raised birds who will receive formula daily from humans until they’re weaned and ready to join your family.
To learn more about the pet care needs offered at Arizona senior living communities such as La Loma Village and The Colonnade, visit us today at http://www.sunhealth.org/.
