San Antonio is not only popular with retirees; it's also a favored destination for pet owners. In fact, this Texas city ranks number 14 on the list of top U.S. cities for dog ownership. For seniors, pets are more than animals to have around the home. They offer companionship and emotional support.
If you are considering assisted living and are worried about saying goodbye to a beloved pet, read on. This article will share details on pet friendly assisted living communities and how to create the perfect new retirement home for you and your best friend.
Pets offer comfort, companionship, and unconditional love to their owners, with owners often forming a strong and unique bond with them.
They can help seniors navigate challenging aspects of retirement, such as loss, health issues, or transitioning to assisted living. They can also ease negative feelings that persist during difficult times, like anxiety, stress, and depression, helping to lower stress hormones with something as simple as a dog walk or stroking a cat.
That's why pet-friendly assisted living communities are crucial. They enable retirees to continue experiencing the joys of pet ownership into old age.
When you move to a senior living community, you'll want to establish a daily routine that helps you feel your best.
If you have a pet, it can be part of your routine and help keep your day structured. There will be regular feeding times, with some loud reminders from your pet if you are late, as well as bathroom breaks for pets and regular walks.
Small additions like this to your daily routine help you stay mentally and physically active, which is vital in your later years. In senior communities, staff are always available to support these routines and assist in any way possible, such as helping you care for your pet if you are recovering from surgery.
Caring for your mental health as you age is just as important as maintaining your physical fitness. There are a number of risks that seniors face with their mental health, such as:
Having a pet can be a therapeutic way to deal with some of life's challenges and help you stay mentally fit. A walk in the fresh air can give you some mindful moments in your day, which can be enough to calm an anxious mind.
Talking to other pet owners or joining a dog-walking group can help keep you connected and protect against risks like loneliness. And, of course, the companionship and loyalty of pets can be a tremendous source of support when you face the most difficult life challenges, such as the loss of a loved one.
If you are considering moving into a senior living community, you'll want to know that your pet will feel just as much at home here as you do. Here are some amenities to check for when you tour your shortlist:
This tour is also a good opportunity to find out whether communal areas in the community are pet-friendly or not. There may be spaces, such as communal lounges and libraries, that are designated as pet-free zones, so please ask before entering.
If you're unsure what's on offer, ask the staff during your tour. Always check whether any features are included or come with additional fees so that you can create an accurate budget for your assisted living move.
When touring senior living communities, inspect their pet policies, as "pet-friendly" may have different meanings at different locations. For example, some communities may have limits on the number of pets you own, and it's essential to understand this before making your final choice if you have a lot of pets. Others may have restrictions on large dog breeds or more aggressive dog breeds.
Ask for a list of accepted breeds when you check their policy.
Almost all communities have rules regarding pet behavior, so be sure to read through them to understand your responsibilities as a pet owner. You may also need to provide documentation to the community before moving to ensure your pet has received the correct vaccinations and is spayed or neutered.
You will want your assisted living apartment to be as comfortable for your pet as it is for you. Here are some tips to create the perfect, pet-friendly living space:
It's always a good idea to view apartments as part of your tour to get a sense of the layout and finishes. Pets in memory care and assisted living apartments need a space that's low-maintenance, spacious, and well-lit.
If you are moving to our assisted living community, Discovery Village Stone Oak, you will be fortunate enough to have San Antonio on your doorstep. There are numerous attractions and amenities for you and your pet to enjoy.
Nearby, you'll find:
Life in San Antonio means you don't have to compromise between taking your dog out for the day and meeting up with friends for lunch. You can enjoy both.
Pet friendly assisted living communities are the perfect answer for those looking to retire with their four-legged companion. You'll have your friend by your side and all the benefits of assisted living.
Discovery Village Stone Oak is a first-class retirement destination in San Antonio. Book a tour today to discover our pet-friendly community, with beautiful outdoor walking spaces, spacious apartments, and a wide range of fun group activities.