Adding a pet to the family is a great way to help seniors remain active and engaged. To learn more about the many benefits of senior pet ownership, this article is helpful: https://episcopalhomes.org/want-endless-uncomplicated-love/

Sorry Mavis,
I should have probably said why I said what I said.My husband and I almost adopted a Jack Russell from a Rescue last year.We took the little dog home but after one night,we realized it was too hyper for us.It Never stopped.It looked out every window.It never laid down to go to sleep or snuggle.It/He just ran everywhere,all over the house so the next day,as much as we didn't want to,we returned it to the Rescue.Maybe it didn't have any training and it was a Purebreed and maybe a mix would work out just fine.I think it would be good to meet it/he/she and see if it's a right fit for you.Whatever dog you get,I think it's a great idea and I wish you lots of luck.

I think everyone should have a cat or dog to love and there are so many that need a home but a Jack Russell is a pretty hyper dog.Maybe a quieter breed would suit you better.

I am signed up for a jack rusell mix at an animal shelter. He's about 3. I'm 69 and have a bad back and need to walk. Is this a sensible thing for me?

Great Article. But if any elderly is planning to get a dog he/she should know about the advantages and disadvantages of dogs. While owning a dog is a wonderful experience, just make sure you're prepared for the responsibility. Before really purchasing a dog, consider fostering one for a half a month to get the feel for what kind of schedule you'll have to keep.

And if you're ready to welcome a four-legged, wagging tail into your heart, Pet Parents Brand is one of the best stores which will help you pick the best accessories for your dog.

Owning pets has a lot of benefits to seniors. One of them is companionship. Seniors are at risk of loneliness and isolation. These are serious health concerns that should be addressed right away. According to a study by University of Rochester Medical Center, 36% of care patients who are older than 60 are less likely to report loneliness than those who don't have pets. In addition to this, pets also encourage active and engaging lifestyle. For me, this is very important because this can keep conditions and diseases at bay. By walking their pets, they can maintain an activity and at the same time they will have more opportunities for human interaction.
I've written something similar to this, Barbara with the highlight on the health benefits of pets to the elderly and that pets also need love and care from their owners.
I hope this can help those who are considering to get pets for their elderly loved ones.

My dog does not want to leave my side. He is my sanity. He will follow me where ever I go in my house, and let's me know if anyone is around. He barks when someone comes to the door or if he hears a noise at night. He makes me feel secure in my house. Where can I register him as a therepy dog so I can take him with me where I go.

I just read that some animal care agencies will not place a pet with a person who is over 60 years old. I think they should reconsider this as a person who is over 60 may also be retired and would be able to both a comfortable home and a lot of attention to a pet - probably more personal care and attention than an animal shelter can provide. I think if shelters are worried about the activity level of the senior citizen, they should try to match the dog's activity needs with the "speed and endurance" of the senior citizen. They should be able to match the dog's needs and temperament with the needs and spirit of the elder. Too many animals are euthanized because of the lack of shelter space. And too many elders feel isolated and can benefit from this form of companionship.

I am after some advise my grandad has just retired and me and my family are worried about him he's quite lonely and I thought a pet would be good for him he's had pets in the past I have loads myself he tries his hardest to keep him buzzy but I want him to have something that will cuddle him and keep him company he doesn't want another cat a small dog is the only pet he would consider like a middle aged rescue maybe any suggestions on what breed thanks

One day,I went out to get the newspaper and I had left the back door open.Out of nowhere,a little dog ran past me and into our house and hid under Mother's bed.After coaxing and A lot of love,she came out and joined our family.We named her Taco.She was a Chihuahua.Then a month later,Mother broke her neck and the little dog stayed beside her in bed and loved her...a lot.Mother got better and one day,Taco just died suddenly.We all feel that God sent this little angel to help heal Mother and I guess it's job was over.

One thing to remember, plan ahead. When the time comes that the elderly person needs much more care, will the caregiver be able to give the required time needed for the pet, too? Especially if the pet is dog that needs walking, and the caregiver is now at a point where he/she cannot leave the elder home alone, even to walk the dog.

The other day I found a lost cat who was about a year or so old. Thank goodness I was able to find the owner, otherwise I thought it would be nice to keep him as my 3 cats were in their mid-to-late teens. But I had to remind myself, cats can live to be 20 years old, so that would mean the cat probably would outlive me, and that wouldn't be fair to him. And there wouldn't be any family to pass him down to.

Animals are great for anyone - younger or older. We shouldn't bias decisions to encourage pets for older people, i.e., thinking it's too much work, allergies, what if pet dies, etc. The issue is love and bonding. For everyone - especially the little critters!

Please don't use breeders as a source, when so many wonderful dogs, including many purebreds if that's important to you, need loving homes. Plus breeders are far more likely to supply puppies, which are probably not the best choice. Consider a private rescue group in addition to shelters. The animals are likely in a foster home, receiving training and socialization, and the foster parent can supply much information about the dog's temperament and behavior. And in addition, please have a plan to care for the pet in the event of mom or dad's passing; it's not fair to dump them back in a shelter after being in a loving home.

I love my furbabies,, my question is there help with buying food for them???And thank u so much for the information you have on here,,,

good

it has some good facts

Another idea is to run a digital picture frame with some quiet videos of tropical fish, goldfish, or whatever interests someone. It can run 24 hours at minimal utility costs and even appear to look like a night light. The movies appear like real fascinating pets but without the cleaning and annoying maintenance!

How about a small fish tank with fake, animated fish? They are a sort of toy-Those can be amusing for someone with allergies, and requires no committment!

I agree with many posters that pets can add quality of life for a elders and those suffering with dementia...however, if the person involved is not a pet lover and has not had pets all along their journey...suddenly introducing a pet could be counter active.

Any allergies to animals?

I'm sure the under 60 rule was just this particular organization. They did a home visit, a background check....and she brought Vegan dog food. Plus the lady did not disclose the fact he had serious dental disease. But we took care of that!
My dad, who hated walking because of his hip and knee, actually walks the dog with me! Love-Love- Love. Even a small goldfish would be great in some situations.

Another option would be to foster a pet. If it is successful, you can continue to foster pets or look into adopting a pet.

So, if you are 61 you can't adopt a pet????? That is odd, I'd see the point if you were 80, but if you are in good health at 70 why not, my friend is a APR registered nurse she is 78, just renewed her license and works 30 hours a week. I've seen some people that are 30 and 40 look like they were in their nineties. I am glad the little doggie got a great home and escaped death.

Devotedto dad. I am so happy for you both and your new family member. I am a great believer in things happening for a reason.
For other pet adoptees the over 60 rule is far from universal and many shelters encourage the adoption of senior pets by senior people. just be sure another care taker will be ready to step up to the plate when the time comes. Thinking about a beloved pets future is one of the major worries for ailing humans. both young and old.

I'm so glad this article came up. I am 54, my Dad is 87. I just found a small terrier/Chihuaua mix who is a rescue. He is the sweetest dog, who has energy, but also wants to cuddle a lot. My dad has gotten to the point where he is not interested in much, and is reclusive. At first I wanted the dog for myself- to calm me down from the stress of 24 hr. caregiving. I also needed to force myself to walk. Zeke has revived both of us, and gives my dad his share of lap-time, although he wants to sleep with me. The adoption agency said that they do not adopt dogs to people over 60, but as I am not, the dog is being adopted to me. It's nearly 3 months now. The day we came home without zeke after taking him for a dental hygiene visit(surgery) we found out just how much he has changed our home, our lives! It was as though the light and life was gone. The atmosphere in the home was dark and empty. We both instantly realized just what a miracle he is for us! And he was saved from the Euph. on the last day of his shelter life. He had been found running the streets, half starved, sick. This precious angel was OUR angel!

" How about a pony or goat or pot bellied pig. They can all be diapered "

There's also 'miniature horse' which may be smaller than a pony, and a well trained one would not need diapering. They are legal as 'service animals'!

I agree with Veronica91 about having an area in a care facility where the animal could be taken care of and make regular visits to the patient's room. I know this won't happen because it would take a lot of time and effort on the part of the people who work at the facility. I know when Mom relocated to the nursing home, the thing she was the most upset about was not being able to take her little dog. Her little dog didn't do well after they were separated. She was so devoted to Mom that no one else would do. The facility she relocated to had tried in the past to have people's pets relocate with them, but had to discontinue this practice. Pets are extremely important to the people who love them. The animal becomes their best friend and companion. I know our animal shelter in our town has a special program for seniors adopting pets. Our pets are gifts from God.

Loved the article. Think it would be wonderful if many animals other than cats and dogs could be used for therapy. How about a pony or goat or pot bellied pig. They can all be diapered for their visit. Another fantastic idea would be to have an animal care facility attached to a nursing home where resident's pets could be cared for and make regular visits to the patients room. now that would be a good not for profit to start. Volunteers anyone?

Pets are without a doubt a pure joy and comfort; they also require lots of attention, medical attention, love and care, excellent food, no cheap stuff, they are what they eat, good food eliminates some health issues. I think it is a blessing for someone with dementia, the pet will sit for hours listening to the same stories without getting upset. The biggest point however is that the family must remember that the pet will ultimately be their responsibility. So, if the time comes, they must be willing to step in and care for the little furry guy or gal. If you can't do this, NO pet. Also, another BIG issue, is make sure the pet likes your parent. No pets do not like everyone on a full-time basis. So, make sure there is a potential bond there or FORGET it. This is a life commitment NOT a stuffed toy to keep a child quiet.

I hope that this article will be circulated again for everyone who hasn't seen it.
Not only are pets therapy for elders. They provide comfort, joy and a support system for many caregivers who are isolated ....

My dog is a lifeline and care partner for my mom & I heartily recommend it if you love pets.