Are you a family caregiver that is thinking about getting a pet for your elderly loved one? There’s no doubt that cats can provide numerous benefits for the physical and mental health of their owners. No matter what age, people really respond positively to the unconditional love and companionship of their cats. If your elderly loved one could use a pet to give them some daily inspiration and companionship, consider adopting an adult cat.Why Get an Adult Cat?
Cats of any age can be wonderful pets, but an adult cat is a fine match for an elderly person. One reason for an elderly person to adopt an adult cat is because their care is pretty minimal. However, tasks like feeding, cleaning the litter box, brushing, cuddling and playing are all within the ability of most seniors, even those that are homebound or bedridden.
Adult cats are not as energetic as younger cats, and are often content to lie around and sleep for several hours in the day. Adult cats are more likely to want cuddles, yet are still frisky enough to play with a toy once in a while. Cats can also live exclusively indoors and don’t need walks like dogs do. Finally, adult cats thrive in small environments and don’t need much space to feel at home.
Benefits of Adult Cats for Seniors
Several studies indicate that animal companionship can lead to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. That’s a distinct health advantage for seniors, as they are at a high risk for both conditions. Seniors also are more likely to feel lonely, especially those with limited mobility.
Also, many seniors enjoy the responsibility of caring for another creature. After all, they are giving up a lot of independence by having a family caregiver and home care assistants. Having an adult cat to take care of can provide a lot of satisfaction as seniors do the hard work required for keeping up with the cat’s needs. Also, an adult cat can transition easily into a new home, unlike a kitten. Kittens take a lot of work and will usually not fit in with the elderly person’s lifestyle.
Finally, adopting an elder cat makes a lot of sense because there are far too many cats without homes in the country. Kittens are more likely to be adopted than adult cats. Without adoption, some adult cats will not have a home and are then subject to the shelter’s policies for unadoptable animals.
Adopting an Adult Cat for a Senior
As the family caregiver, you need to look at the big picture when considering adopting an adult cat for your elderly loved ones. For example, if they are not able to drive to vet appointments or they cannot clean the litter box themselves, you’ll need to make arrangements with other family members, a home care agency or even yourself to step in as needed. Because your elderly loved one needs help with their own needs, you can be sure the cat will have needs too.
If you’ve done the research and have determined that getting a pet is the right thing for your elderly loved one, there’s no better match than an adult cat. Their love and loyalty can really transform your elderly loved one’s life and be the companion they need at this time in their lives.
Source:
http://www.petful.com/pet-health/pets-and-elderly-people/
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN BERWYN, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY 708-551-2500.
About Linda Kunicki, CMP, Marketing Director
Linda Kunicki, CMP, Marketing Director Linda has been with BrightStar Care of Chicago and BrightStar Care of La Grange since 2013. Her background includes a lengthy tenure in health care as well as a strong business background. While her primary focus has been management, training and marketing, Linda has taken on and succeeded at roles in Sales, Human Resources, and Project Management. Every position she’s had has allowed her to fulfil her passion to service others from children to seniors, which gives her joy each day. Her experience has led her to being on the board of the Chicago Chapter of the Case Management Society of America for multiple terms and serving on many committees for Aging Care Connections and local Health and Wellness groups.
Linda’s pathway to BrightStar began as being the caregiver for her mother and grandmother. Her personal experience has given her perspective into the growing need for high quality care in our society, from pediatrics to senior citizens. And she takes great pride in the Gold Seal of the Joint Commission Accreditation earned by BrightStar. It confirms her decision to make this company her employer of choice.
Linda has also owned Shetland Sheepdogs aka Shelties most of her life. For many years, she has been involved in activities with Shelties that have guided her to earn championship and performance titles on many of her own dogs and help others do the same.
Linda’s favorite quote, “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Zigler