Pet-Friendly Assisted Living in Ventura, California

The National Poll on Healthy Aging found in 2023 that roughly a third of adults feel isolated from their peers. The number rises from 34% to 37% for older adults who feel a lack of companionship.

One solution for seniors is to get out of their comfort zones, but that can be challenging for most. Instead, you can try adopting a pet. Pet-friendly assisted living provides the perfect opportunity for seniors to get out and embrace the strong community in Ventura, California.

Here's what you should know about aging with animals and the benefits they bring.

The Rising Demand for Pets in Senior Care

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in how senior living communities approach animal companionship. Pets are now considered vital to the emotional and psychological well-being of many older adults.

Not only can caring for animals lower stress, but it can also reduce depression and improve heart health.

While not every pet is allowed, seniors can often bring their pets and dogs to their new senior living communities. These animals can become an essential part of the community and enrich lives daily.

Emotional Wellness Through Animal Companionship

The connection between emotional wellness and pet ownership is well-documented. Seniors who live with pets report lower levels of anxiety and loneliness.

Petting a dog or listening to a cat purr can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Both of those chemicals help counteract feelings of isolation and sadness.

In addition, owning a pet forces a person into a routine. It can help break them out of a funk or force them out of bed on a bad morning.

Daily Support With Pets in Assisted Living

One of the main concerns for seniors entering assisted living is whether or not they're up to the task of caring for a pet. This is where daily support becomes crucial. Pet-friendly assisted living in Ventura often includes amenities like:

Resident-inspired social calendar
Pet-friendly accommodations
Access to a landscaped courtyard
Outdoor walking paths

Another factor to consider is the pet itself. The best dog breeds for seniors are often smaller ones or those with easier temperaments.

How Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Impacts the Individual

There are three main ways that caring for a pet can impact seniors. These benefits include:

Increased physical activity
Emotional support
Community interaction

More Physical Activity

Owning a dog means caring for and providing for them. A big component of that is giving them some physical activity, whether it's through walks in the park or throwing a frisbee around.

Dogs require this attention throughout the day, which means seniors are more or less forced to become more active for them. At the very least, they need to take them out multiple times a day to use the restroom.

More physical activity means better physical health, which is good for seniors with osteoporosis or other chronic illnesses.

Emotional Support

Cats, dogs, and other pets all provide a certain level of emotional support. Dogs, in particular, are keenly aware of human emotions. They're happy to cuddle up to someone who is sad and take as many hugs as you can give.

Maintaining emotional wellness supports both a senior's physical and cognitive health. As such, taking in and caring for a pet can do wonders for your mental state.

Community Interaction

Pets are social creatures, much like humans. They provide ample opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, whether it's on walks or pet meetups.

Even something like a snake or a fish could serve as a conversation starter for new friends.

Benefits to the Community as a Whole

Allowing pets in assisted living doesn't benefit the individual owner alone. It creates a more vibrant and connected community overall.

Pets encourage interaction between residents, serve as icebreakers, and often become beloved mascots within the community.

Supports More Social Connections

Communities that embrace pets in senior care tend to have higher resident satisfaction and stronger social bonds. That's because pets encourage people to meet their peers who have similar animals.

For example, cat owners love to talk about their furry family members and share photos. When they meet other cat owners, they can share stories and memories.

Dog owners can introduce their dogs to others in the neighborhood. Canines, much like humans, appreciate making new social connections.

Pet-Friendly Events

Some Ventura communities make the effort to host pet-friendly events, adoption fairs with local shelters, or pet costume contests. These activities provide entertainment for their residents and reinforce a sense of normalcy and fun.

More Welcoming Environment

Simply put, pets make an environment more welcoming to new residents.

Seniors who already own pets look for communities that accept their extra baggage. Those without pets at the moment appreciate the option to be around others with pets and can adopt one in the future.

Choosing a Pet-Friendly Ventura Assisted Living Community

If you or a loved one is considering Ventura assisted living and has a pet, it's essential to ask the right questions. Find out information like:

What types of pets are allowed
Potential additional fees or deposits for pets
Whether or not support services are offered for pet care
What pet-related amenities they have
How staff handle pet-related emergencies or illnesses

It may be that communities allow pets but don't handle pet care. In that case, it's important to research the availability of those extra resources.

Give Your Pets a Home to Grow Old In

Pet-friendly assisted living communities are perfect for seniors who want to grow old alongside their animal companions. Whether you have a dog or a cat, you can find a home that supports your little family. Even those without pets can enjoy a community with the option to own one.

The Palms at Bonaventure is a senior living community in Ventura's quiet upland region. Our residents have access to both assisted living and memory care services, while also enjoying the area's orchards and fresh air.