We Are a Pet Friendly Community

At MorningStar at Jordan, we understand that your pet is an important part of your family and you would not wish to move somewhere that he or she was not welcome.  If you decide to choose our beautiful senior living community for your new home, no worries – we are pet friendly!  In fact our Life Enrichment Coordinator, Jill Fishman, kindly shares her dog Cocoa with the entire MorningStar at Jordan community.  Cocoa’s busy day is spent personally greeting friends and “patiently” waiting for the many affectionate pats she receives.  

More and more research seems to bear out that owning and caring for a pet can actually be good for seniors’ health and wellbeing.  One such recent study reported on by A Place for Mom’s website suggests that, “just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.”   

Researchers found that interactions between pets and their owners can help to fight off depression and lower cholesterol levels.  There is even some evidence to suggest the relationship may help to protect against heart disease and stroke.  Scientists’ reason that pets may help the elderly to feel more connected to the here and now as the pet requires daily attention and care.  Furthermore, the animals themselves offer unconditional love, unending affection and emotional support. 

Pet therapy programs are growing in popularity and used in settings such as hospitals, mental health centers, convalescent homes and child centers.  Studies show that many people who participate in pet therapy programs have an improvement in their appetite as well as improvement in their social interactions and cognitive skills.  In addition the acceptance and non-verbal communication of animals can be soothing for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere. 

Sources: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living   

agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm