Pet Friendly Assisted Living in Marion: What to Expect

According to the National Association of Realtors, about 70% of American households own pets. Many seniors find purpose in caring for a cat or dog, and they may be reluctant to transition to a senior living community for fear of leaving their furry friend behind.

Luckily, pet friendly assisted living is available for Marion seniors!

Marion, OH, is a historically significant community with gorgeous sights, making it a great place for aging with pets. Read on to learn all about cat-friendly and dog-friendly senior housing in the area.

The Emotional Benefits of Animals for Older Adults

The National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that:

One in every three older Americans feels isolated from other people
37% of seniors experience a lack of companionship
Those with social isolation report poor mental health 77% of the time, a significant increase from the 29% of non-isolated seniors with mental health issues

Pets can be a game-changer for seniors experiencing isolation and loneliness.

Cats and dogs are a steady source of love and support. They love their owners loyally and kindly no matter what they're going through. Seniors can always rely on their animals to be kind to them and help them get through each day.

Pets also serve as silent confidants for some seniors. People can tell their cats and dogs anything and expect a steady listening ear. The animal will hold and guard these secrets, so the person sharing them doesn't need to worry about their private thoughts and feelings getting shared with others.

Other Marion Senior Lifestyle Benefits of Aging With Pets

Pets provide more than just emotional support for seniors. They also make it easier for seniors to make human friends within their assisted living community.

This is partly because dogs need to be walked outside, so multiple residents will be taking their dogs out at once. They're likely to meet each other and bond over their shared love of animals. Then, they can strike up a conversation about becoming dog-walking buddies.

Both dogs and apartment-dwelling cats also make for a convenient excuse to visit each other's well-appointed living areas. After all, who wouldn't jump at the chance to go pet a cute animal while socializing with a neighbor?

Purpose

Many seniors feel a lack of motivation due to their isolation. They don't experience a sense of purpose since they just go through the motions of daily life aimlessly.

This is less of a problem for those with pets. Animals require attention constantly. They need to be fed and played with, and the owner is the only person who can reciprocate the loyal love that they show.

Helping a pet grow and thrive is a great way to feel motivated to get up in the morning. It's the key to a purpose-driven lifestyle.

Routine

The lack of a routine causes feelings of chaos and disorder. Older adults with no routine activities may feel a loss of control that leads to depression.

It's also stressful not to know what each day holds. People aren't made for that kind of uncertainty.

Pets help their owners create a routine. They need to be fed at specific times and serve as furry alarm clocks when they're hungry. They also will expect to be walked or played with at set hours, which means that seniors can schedule their days around their pets' needs.

How Does Senior Living Support Pet Care?

It's impossible to care for an animal when your basic needs aren't met. Struggling to move around makes chasing after a cat or dog impossible. Failing to care for personal hygiene means that you're more likely to feel depressed.

The top Marion assisted living community offers daily care services like:

Mobility assistance
Bathing and showering
Choosing clothes and dressing
Brushing teeth
Combing hair
Using the restroom

DeWolfe Place Assisted Living also provides amenities made for senior accessibility. This staves off injuries that could make it impossible to care for pets down the line. Residents can expect:

Wide doorways for easy apartment navigation
Wide hallways that make it simple to get around the community
No-slip shower and floor mats
Grip bars and railings to improve walking ability
Wheelchair ramps
Grab bars to prevent life-changing falls

All of this ensures that residents have the ability to look after their four-legged friends. They're more likely to feel good, so they can keep their animal happy and well-cared-for, too.

Amenities for Happy Animals in Pet Friendly Assisted Living

Beyond helping residents care for themselves, DeWolfe Place offers tons of amenities made for pet friendly assisted living.

The community includes outdoor areas like gorgeous gardens and paved walking paths for dogs to relax or exercise in. Residents don't need to struggle with leaving community grounds just to care for their dog!

Cats mainly dwell in apartments, making them perfect for seniors who struggle with mobility. Our apartments are made to keep cats happy with large, treated windows. You can add a window ledge for your kitty to sit on so they can watch birds and indulge their natural instincts.

Beyond that, apartments also feature in-room, customizable temperature control. Residents can set the thermostat to be comfortable for both themselves and their pets.

Apartment floor plans are also diverse within our community, so you can anticipate ample space for pets to run and play. If you have an animal, choosing a one-bedroom apartment with multiple rooms can help your pet have the space they need to feel at home. Plus, with multiple square footage options, you'll always have a choice about where your pet lives and thrives.

Look Into Senior Housing With Pets in Marion

Understanding the ins and outs of pet friendly assisted living is only the first step toward comfortable companionship while aging. It's also important for potential residents and their families to see the community amenities and learn more about what we have to offer.

DeWolfe Place Assisted Living is proud to offer a wide range of pet-friendly amenities and services. Our compassionate caregivers ensure that all our residents' needs are met, giving them the ability to meet their animals' needs, too.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community and ask any questions you may have about animals in our senior community!