Pets are Good Companions for Seniors

Many studies have discovered that pets can be very beneficial for the elderly.  For example the various tasks that goes along with caring for a dog such as taking them for a walk offers good cardiovascular exercise for seniors.  Additionally petting, grooming and feeding a pet help to keep seniors engaged in life and give them a sense of purpose. 

Pets also offer unconditional love and their loyal companionship can help alleviant loneliness.  Research points to evidence that pet and human interactions can help to lower cholesterol levels, fight depression, and reduce stress, which is why it is so beneficial to the elderly. In fact researchers report that “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.”

It used to be that when someone moved into a retirement community they had to give up their pet.  Now more and more senior living communities have recognized the benefits of pets and allow seniors to bring them.  Pets can even be beneficial to others living in the community and help draw out residents that may not be very communicative.      

At MorningStar of Billings, we could not agree more about the benefits of pets.  Our community is pet friendly and we even have a community pet.  Grace, a Golden Doodle, joined our MorningStar family in 2015 and we all think that she is the cutest dog on the planet.  If no one is around to cuddle with Grace, she is content to sit quietly in her corner and chew on her rawhide rope. 

Please visit our website to learn about the best senior living community in the west end of Billings.  While we offer a country setting, our community is located near shopping centers and medical facilities. Our community has independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living