Yahoo Sports 3 Questions to Ask Before Bringing Your Pet to Assisted Living
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Imagine needing to say goodbye to your beloved furry or feathered companion when moving to an assisted living community. It’s no secret that pets can be like family. And, for many seniors, especially those who live alone, their pets have become their best friends as they age. Indeed, pets can often be a lifeline, always by your side no matter what life throws at you.
Some seniors take their pets into assisted living communities where they can continue growing old alongside their animal companions. However, not all pets are suitable for life in an assisted living facility. For example, would your dog bark nonstop in a new environment? That would be distressing for you and your pet, and it would be an almost certain way of starting out on the wrong foot in your new home. After all, nobody wants to be kept awake at night by a yapping canine. Confining a free-spirited previously indoor-outdoor cat inside your apartment could similarly be a disaster waiting to happen.
Also, consider the breed of animal. While pet-friendly facilities are usually happy to welcome cats and dogs, staff and residents may not be so hospitable toward a ball python or iguana. And, if your best friend is a rodent, you probably already know that not everyone will feel the same love. Conversely, it’s unlikely anyone would object to a couple of goldfish swimming around in a bowl.
The thought of leaving your pet behind can be gut-wrenching. Plus, the guilt of sending Fido or Fluffy off to start a new life can be almost too much to bear. However, before you commit to bringing your pet into assisted living, you must consider three major questions.
Does the Community Charge a Supplemental Pet Fee?
Unfortunately, senior care isn’t cheap. Some assisted living communities charge extra fees for pets, increasing your overall monthly costs further. Even if you’re eligible to have most of your fees covered by Medicaid or other funding, most financial assistance doesn’t cover pets. You can normally expect to pay any supplemental pet charges out of your own pocket, and that’s on top of costs for food, toys, vet bills and other animal-related expenses.
When asking about pet fees, be up-front with the administrative staff. For example, if management approves your request to bring along a solo cockatiel, don’t try to sneak in an entire aviary.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the cost of taking your pet into assisted living may be too much of a financial burden.
What Parts of the Community Are Pet-Friendly?
You’ve found an affordable assisted living community that ticks all your boxes and allows pets — fantastic! But, before you sign on the dotted line and start packing up your pet supplies, find out which parts of the community are accessible to you and your animal companion.
Some pet-loving communities allow pets to roam relatively freely. This can be ideal for friendly pets that interact well with other people and animals. However, for shy, nervous or territorial animals, this can quickly turn into a nightmare.
On the other hand, some communities require pets to remain in your room. Needless to say, this arrangement may be unsuitable for some pets.
Think about your pet’s personality when finding out what communal areas you and your pet can enjoy together. Active dogs, for example, may need access to gardens and walking trails. Some assisted living communities even have a private dog park where resident pooches can chase Frisbees and fetch sticks.
What Help Will I Have With My Pet?
You’re likely considering moving into assisted living because you can no longer manage to live alone. You might need some assistance with everyday activities, and you’re likely getting excited about never needing to worry about housework and maintenance tasks again.
With these points in mind, ask how much help you’ll receive with pet care. Can anyone help with walking dogs, cleaning bird cages and changing kitty litter? Will someone assist with feeding and grooming? How about vet visits and administering medication? You don’t want to find yourself struggling even more after your move.
Find out how the community will help take care of your pet if you need to be hospitalized for a period. Would they expect a family member or friend to temporarily take charge, or would a member of staff step in? It’s important to know that help would be at hand in either situation.
If you have any doubts about your ability to give your pet the care and love it needs and deserves, it may be better to make alternative arrangements. Perhaps a family member could re-home your pet and arrange regular meetups and video calls. Moving doesn’t mean you must say goodbye forever.
The Bottom Line
Always take into account costs, amenities and care assistance when thinking about relocating with your pet to a residential care setting. As hard as it may seem, it may not always be best to take your pet with you to an assisted living community. That being said, there are plenty of communities that will welcome most pets with open arms. Fully research pet-friendly assisted living communities in your area, and understand their pet policies before making a final decision.
