What are the benefits of pets for older people?

Pets are treasured companions to people of all ages, but for older people especially, they can provide a vital source of companionship and comfort. Read on to find out more about the benefits of elderly people keeping pets, as well as practical advice and guidance on how to make caring for a pet easier for elderly people with their own physical, mental and medical needs. 

How pets help elderly people 

Keeping pets can provide a range of benefits to elderly people: 

Companionship 

Furry friends can provide a much-needed friend to older people throughout the day. Whether curled up on the end of the bed or beside them watching TV, a pet can help mediate feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially during times when family or visiting carers are not around. 

Physical health benefits 

Caring for a pet can provide significant health benefits to elderly people, providing a great way to stay active. From taking a dog on a walk to playing with the cat, a pet gives elderly people a fun way to keep moving, supporting their overall physical health. 

Mental health benefits 

Keeping a pet can offer meaningful mental health benefits for elderly people, offering emotional support when it’s needed most. Pets help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, offering a comforting presence and daily interaction. The routine of caring for a pet can create a sense of purpose and structure, which supports emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s talking to a bird or stroking a cat, these small, joyful moments can uplift mood and promote a more positive outlook.

When might elderly people need help caring for their pets? 

Whilst having a pet benefits elderly people in more ways than one, meeting an animal’s care needs can become challenging for people with reduced mobility or cognitive function. Some people may have difficulty bending, lifting or reaching, making it harder to complete simple tasks like filling a food bowl or picking up waste. Cognitive decline can also add further complications: elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s can struggle to meet their own needs, let alone remember to care for a pet. Thankfully, receiving care at home can help people manage daily care tasks, ensuring they get all the benefits of owning a pet without having to worry about their mobility. 

How can older people care for their pets at home? 

Live-in care is a great way to ensure your loved one (and their four-legged friend)  has all the care and support they need to continue living the life they know and love. Unlike the majority of care homes or assisted living facilities, elderly care at home means they can stay with their cherished pet in the comfort of their own home. As well as ensuring your family member’s physical and emotional needs are met, live-in carers can also help with a variety of daily tasks, including simple pet care. 

Live-in care with Ashridge Home Care

With live-in care from Ashridge Home Care, your family member will receive quality specialist care in the comfort of their own home, allowing them to stay with beloved pets and partners. Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), our carers are trained in-house to offer exceptional holistic care. We understand that caring for someone is about more than taking care of their medical needs. We create a personalised care plan for all of our clients, helping to make sure that we take into consideration all the little details (and fluffy friends) that matter most.  

Want to find out more about how live-in care could support your loved one? Get in touch today to chat to a friendly member of our team about your family’s needs.