Pet Ownership Offers Benefits to Seniors



Research continues to show a strong correlation between pet ownership and a number of benefits to seniors.  Everything from helping the elderly to stay physically active, to lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, providing companionship and making depression less likely are attributed to having a pet.  In fact, there are several studies that indicate that patients with heart problems do better when they are responsible for a pet.  

Not only do pets offer lots of affection and unconditional love but they can also help seniors cope with the loss of a loved one.  In an article from AgingCare.com, a New Jersey psychotherapist, Dr. Jay P. Granat, discusses some of the other intangibles that pets offer to the elderly.  He states that, "Dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now. They don't worry about tomorrow. And tomorrow can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal with that sense of now, it tends to rub off on people."

 At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we wholeheartedly agree that pets provide many benefits to seniors, which is why we are proud that our community is pet friendly.  Our community is conveniently located in the heart of Wheat Ridge, a suburb on the north side of metro Denver, and we offer a choice of 45 private assisted living suites with spacious floor plans.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.   

Contact us to schedule a tour and discover why our residents (including the furry ones) are pleased to call MorningStar “home.”

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living.

Sources:petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html

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

 

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