What Pets Are Acceptable at Assisted Living?

May 17, 2017 by ·
Assisted-Living-in-Mobile-AL

Assisted Living in Mobile AL: What Pets Are Acceptable at Assisted Living?

May is National Pet Month and for somebody considering assisted living who also has pets, they may assume this isn’t an option to think about any further. After all, why would an assisted living community even accept pets?

Every facility is different.

Just as with apartment complexes and house for rent, most of assisted living facilities across the country have their own requirements, expectations, and rules. Some may very well be open to the idea of accepting pets while others are against all forms of pets, including goldfish. Yes, you read that right: goldfish.

There are plenty of good reasons for both perspectives.

A facility that doesn’t allow any type of pet, fish or otherwise, will certainly be able to stand behind qualified and quality reasons for their stance. It could have to do with allergies and protecting the rest of the residents. It could have to do with companionship, whether or not the elderly resident would be able to care for this animal properly, and even the way other residents may view the situation.

A facility that allows pets may only allow small animals, like one cat or small dog. Rarely would anyone find an assisted living facility anywhere in the country that is going to permit larger animals, like larger breeds of dogs, which can include German shepherds, great Danes, and even mastiffs.

If a pet is a key factor for the senior, check with various facilities.

Some facilities will certainly allow pets, as we mentioned, and others won’t. There are numerous benefits for seniors having pets, but if that elderly person is against the idea of even considering moving if they can’t bring their beloved animal with them, it can certainly complicate the discussion about assisted living.

Do they need help right now?

Does this elderly person require physical assistance on a regular basis right now? If so, they might be getting that level of help from family members and friends. Neighbors may also be offering assistance, and that can certainly keep them from considering assisted living because if people are helping them whenever needed, why would they consider other options?

They need to be responsible for that pet, too.

Whether they choose assisted living or not, that senior still needs to be able to responsibly care for that animal. If the care for the animal falls on the shoulders of a family member or friend, it’s not fair to that other individual and therefore the senior needs to consider whether having that pet is the best option right now.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living near Mobile, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

 

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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