Did you know that pets have a profoundly positive effect on the well-being of seniors? Their companionship can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Combining pet ownership with a beautiful retirement community in Brookfield, WI, creates the perfect backdrop for an active and rewarding retirement.
Read on to discover more about pet friendly assisted living in Brookfield and how to create the ideal senior lifestyle with your companion by your side.
Pets can make a significant difference in the atmosphere of a senior living community, making it feel more like home and a family.
Pets help to spark conversations and lift spirits, boosting the quality of life for all residents. They also positively impact the pet owner's well-being. Pets offer companionship and comfort, helping to alleviate negative feelings such as stress or loneliness.
Moreover, they also provide seniors with a sense of purpose and routine in their day, allowing residents to focus on structured daily activities such as grooming or dog walking.
If you want to prioritize your health and well-being, pets are a surprisingly simple way to achieve that goal.
Here are some of the health benefits of owning a pet:
When you look at the wide range of benefits, it's easy to see why pets are so loved. And finding a pet-friendly senior living community is a must for any retiree who wants their best friend by their side.
Some communities may advertise themselves as pet-friendly, but when you are doing your research, make sure you look closely at the small print of those pet policies.
Rules vary by community. You may find limitations on the number of pets you can own, for example. Some communities might ban particular breeds, or they may restrict ownership of larger animals, especially extra-large dog breeds.
Don't forget to check other details, such as the monthly costs or pet deposits that some communities may charge. Check, too, what designated spaces pets have within the community.
When looking for pet-friendly accommodation in a senior living community, there will be certain features that are must-haves for you and your pet. Keep these in mind when touring your shortlist of retirement destinations:
You want an apartment that feels spacious. Open-plan layouts are often a good idea, as they make it easier for you and your pet to move around. Familiar layouts are particularly important for pets in memory care apartments.
Pets often leave a trail of fur and the occasional spot of mud, which can be troublesome on a plush carpet. Instead, opt for easy-to-wipe floors for enhanced hygiene and low maintenance.
Pets will want easy access to the outdoors. Look for communities that have ample green space, including level ground, for easy walking routes for you and your dog.
You'll want an apartment that is secure for you and your pet, especially if you have a balcony. Look for communities that offer specially designed pet apartments.
Look for nearby amenities that are important for pet ownership. That will include amenities such as veterinary services, grooming services, and dog parks.
If you live in a senior community, you'll want one that offers numerous on-site pet-friendly amenities. However, it's essential to consider what else is available beyond the community when you want to explore nature with your pet dog.
Nearby in Brookfield, you will find lots of dog-friendly parks and nature spots, such as:
It's also worth asking staff in your senior living community if they can recommend dog-friendly restaurants and cafes, especially those with pleasant outdoor dining areas. It means you can enjoy a day out together with your pet, relaxing and dining with friends or family.
When you move into assisted living, you'll want to ensure it feels comfortable and safe for both you and your pet.
Choose furniture that's sturdy and easy to clean, especially if you allow your pet to sit on the sofa and chairs. If not, ensure you have sufficient floor space for their favorite pet bed.
If you can, create a designated cozy corner for your pet that includes their bed, toys, and any other comforts, like a favorite blanket. Easy-to-clean floors are also important throughout your apartment as they will help you to keep on top of fur and muddy paw prints.
Moving is always a stressful event, but upfront planning can help.
What's often useful for pet owners is to arrange for someone to look after your pet for a few days so that you can complete your move before introducing them to your new environment. That gives you time to get all the pet furniture and toys in place, which will help create some familiar smells and sights.
Always speak with the staff in your new community to inform them of your special guest's arrival time so they can assist if needed.
Moving to assisted living doesn't mean saying goodbye to your beloved pet. With pet friendly assisted living communities like Discovery Commons, you can enjoy all the benefits of having your companion by your side and enjoy the amenities and support you want in your later years.
Book a tour of Discovery Commons Brookfield, today to find out more about what we offer. You can explore our spacious, upscale apartments, view our beautiful and calming communal areas, and experience our close-knit, family-like atmosphere.