Many do, but it depends on the pet. I brought my neighbor his bird and I've seen cats and small dogs in nursing homes. You'll have to check with the facility that you are looking at. Good luck! Pets are important to people who've had them for a long time. Carol
There are independent living communities that allows pet so it is important to check first if a facility allows pet before moving in. If they have the no pet policy, then there is nothing else you can do unless the pet is a service animal of a long-term care recipient, even if the facility has no pet policy, a service animal is always legally permitted. Service animals are not restricted to doing a task for a patient, there are instances when a service animal serves as a comfort animal for long-term care patients who are suffering from emotional/mental illness notes infolongtermcare.org because they help reduce loneliness, increase self esteem and motivates people to socialize.
I know a community that is IL and AL that allows pets, but you have to pay a fee for caring of the dog. Law and hygiene demand that the dogs, walked on the outer edge of the property be picked up after. If you are in IL, and physically able to clean up after him, I do not know if you are required to buy the service. One pet only, with weight limit.
Carol