What If Mom Still Has a Pet? Can She Choose Assisted Living Still?

April 6, 2022 by ·

A major stumbling block for some seniors when it comes to choosing assisted living is the notion that they can’t bring their beloved pet. Not all assisted living facilities are the same, so it is important not to lump them all together. At the same time, though, it is a good idea not to make assumptions.

Believe it or not, there are some assisted living communities -yes, even within the aging senior’s town or city- that may very well accept elderly residents and their pets.

If your mother is having difficulty with mobility, is facing chronic health issues, or you notice her safety is not as positive as it had been in the past, you may want her to consider assisted living.

 

Unfortunately, she is using her pet as a barrier.

Assisted Living Mobile, Al: Seniors and Pets

Assisted Living Mobile, Al: Seniors and Pets

Maybe not an excuse, but she might be using this pet as a personal barrier against having to listen about assisted living. That can feel like a monumental hurdle to climb over, for sure.

It doesn’t have to be. 

Before you try to sit down and talk to her further about assisted living or what it could offer, find out from a local facility -one she might consider, in your best estimation- and determine what kind of pet policy they have.

Some facilities will be adamantly opposed to all pets. Others may allow some pets, like cats or small dogs. Still others may only limit fish in a small tank.

Keep in mind that if the elderly senior reaches a point when she or he can longer care for the animal properly, it is not going to become the responsibility of staff. In that kind of situation, the pet may have to be moved, either to other family or a shelter. These are things to find out from the assisted living facility directly.

Don’t make assumptions or lean on those assumptions.

 

April is National Pet Month.

That means people love their pets and for seniors, it can be a difficult concept to consider leaving one’s pet behind. Therefore, your mother may not want to hear about all the benefits of an assisted living community.

But if this facility does accept pets, and the type, breed, and size means your mother might very well be able to bring it with her if she moved, then you can move to the next stage in convincing her that this is the right choice to make, for now and for her future.

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

Filed Under: Assisted Living · Tagged: ,
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.
Google Verified Author