If you’re reading this post, chances are you are an animal lover, like we are at Vantage Point Retirement Living… and we’re not alone! In fact, 70% of households in the U.S. have at least one dog, cat or bird – not including other types of pets. Of those, 63% of pet owners consider their pets to be family members. It’s no surprise then, that one of the top questions we get asked is “is your community pet-friendly?” The definitive answer is “Yes! All Vantage Point Retirement Living communities are pet-friendly – even pet-encouraged!”.
Pet-Friendly Communities > Pet-Restrictive Communities (In Our Opinion!)
Now, we know that not everyone is a pet lover and many people have animal allergies, so there certainly is a place for communities that don’t allow pets. That’s part of the reason why Vantage Point communities do not have ‘community pets’ that reside throughout the community. But for those who love animals, living in a community that offers exposure to furry friends (even if you don’t own one) can provide many benefits that aren’t seen in animal-restricted communities.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Senior Living Communities
For seniors who can’t imagine making the move to a new home without their furry family member, pet-friendly senior living communities offer a perfect solution. The emotional connection between owner and pet has it’s benefits, but there are also physical and health benefits to bringing them along. These benefits are so strong that even non-pet owners with regular exposure to them reap the rewards within a pet-friendly senior living community, too!
For the Mind
Studies have shown that pets provide enrichment to our lives by providing faithful companionship. The unconditional love a pet provides help seniors to feel accepted and even helps foster friendships within the community. Senior pet owners often report feeling less lonely with the companionship of a furry friend.
While seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may not be able to care for a pet on their own, participating in pet therapy has proven to be soothing for those experience agitation and confusion. It has also been shown to help communication and make connections with past memories of their own pets.
For the Body
The responsibility of exercising a pet helps seniors be more active, reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. Additionally, studies show that pet owners visit the doctor less frequently and spend more time outside than non-pet owners.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly 55+ Communities
If you’re searching for the benefits of pet-friendly 55+ communities, you can refer to the reasons above. Additionally, pet-friendly 55+ communities often have lots of sidewalks, walking trails, and even dedicated dog parks. And because 55+ communities are often homes or townhomes, having a pet (especially a dog) provides an additional sense of security.
Even if you don’t own a pet, you may put special preference on communities that are pet-friendly. These places offer benefits above and beyond those that do not allow pets, simply by welcoming a few furry friends into the mix.
If you would like more information about a Vantage Point Retirement Living community’s pet-friendly policies, please contact us.
