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
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.
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