Assisted Living with Pets: Bringing Companionship to Life at Discovery Village

More than half of older American adults (55%) have pets, with a majority having dogs and cats, reports The National Poll on Healthy Aging. There's a very good reason for that.

Pets are therapeutic companions for everyone, especially seniors, offering unbounded love, daily motivation, and a comforting presence. Discovery Village, a leading Palm Beach Gardens assisted living community (located approximately 80 miles north of Miami), understands this and embraces pet-friendly assisted living as a core part of its compassionate care model.

Here's a closer look at why assisted living with pets is not just a perk, but a life-enhancing component at Discovery Village.

The Power of Pets in Assisted Living

Whether it's a gentle lapdog, a curious cat, or even a small bird, pets can boost emotional health, ease loneliness, and even improve physical activity. Here are some ways in which that happens.

1. Emotional Support and Reduced Loneliness

Living alone or transitioning into an assisted living environment can be emotionally challenging. Pets offer unwavering companionship. For seniors who may have lost a spouse or live far from family, having a pet brings emotional stability and reduces feelings of isolation.

2. Routine and Responsibility

Caring for a pet brings structure to the day. Feeding, grooming, and short walks promote consistency and provide purpose. These small routines help seniors feel needed and engaged, which can be especially beneficial in assisted living settings.

3. Improved Physical Health

Walking a dog or playing with a cat may seem like small activities, but they encourage movement and can help with cardiovascular health, balance, and agility.

Numerous studies confirm the positive physical effects pets have on senior citizens. For example, the American Humane Society tells us that senior citizens who own pets have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-owners, reducing their risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. That's just one benefit of many.

4. Mental and Cognitive Benefits

Interaction with animals stimulates the brain. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's often respond positively to pets, which can trigger memories and emotional responses, improving cognitive engagement and mood, informs Alzheimer's Society.

Discovery Village: A Pet-Friendly Philosophy

At Discovery Village, assisted living with pets isn't an afterthought -- it's thoughtfully integrated into the lifestyle and senior wellness with pets model. The community recognizes the vital role pets play in residents' lives and makes it easier for them to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Discovery Village offers spacious, comfortable apartments designed with both seniors and their pets in mind. Ground-floor access, walking paths, and easy outdoor access make daily routines simple and stress-free. Residents are encouraged to bring their beloved pets when they move in, with staff helping facilitate a smooth transition.

Safe, Supportive Environments

Pets are embraced at Discovery Village, but the safety of all residents and animals is a top priority. The community ensures pets are friendly, up-to-date on vaccinations, and manageable within an assisted living environment. This thoughtful vetting process keeps everyone safe and comfortable.

Socializing Opportunities

In addition to personal pet companionship, Discovery Village often hosts pet-centered events, such as therapy dog visits, pet parades, or pet blessing days. These events bring residents together, spark conversations, and help form deeper connections between neighbors.

Choosing the Right Pets in Assisted Living

While Discovery Village welcomes pets, there are practical considerations to ensure compatibility with a senior lifestyle. Here are tips for selecting or continuing pet ownership in assisted living:

1. Size and Breed

Small to medium-sized pets are typically best for assisted living. Breeds that are calm, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance make ideal companions.

The breed should also be easy to take care of. An exotic pet that requires a lot of additional equipment and care like a snake or sloth are not a good fit and should not be considered, no matter how appealing or exciting it might seem.

2. Energy Levels

A senior's energy level should align with that of their pet. A hyperactive puppy might be too much for some seniors, while a mellow older dog or a calm cat could be the perfect fit.

You need to understand yourself better so you can purchase or adopt the perfect pet for yourself and your residence. Having a pet is a big responsibility, and it shouldn't be taken lightly - you are, after all, going to take on the care of another living thing. It's not as easy as buying a camera or a washing machine.

3. Lifespan Consideration

Older pets can be wonderful companions and are often already trained. Seniors should consider their own health outlook and choose a pet that suits their lifestyle for the foreseeable future.

Pet Therapy: A Growing Trend

Even seniors who don't own pets can benefit from pet interaction. Discovery Village frequently partners with organizations that provide therapy animals. These visits can brighten a resident's day, especially for those with mobility limitations or those who had to leave pets behind when transitioning to assisted living.

Therapy or emotional support animals are trained to engage in gentle interaction, provide tactile comfort, and even participate in memory exercises with residents in memory care. The emotional impact is immediate and meaningful.

Staff Support for Pet Owners

One concern for pet-owning seniors is what happens if they need help caring for their animal. Discovery Village addresses this by offering support services and connecting residents with local pet care providers, such as dog walkers, groomers, and mobile veterinarians.

For residents in memory care or with health limitations, family members and staff work together to assess how to best support their beloved pets' continued presence and care.

An Assisted Living with Pets Built on Compassion

At its core, Discovery Village at Palm Beach Gardens understands that quality of life means nurturing the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. Pets are part of that equation, and their role in promoting well-being and happiness cannot be overstated.

By offering a pet-friendly senior living environment, tailored accommodations, and staff that genuinely value animal companionship, Discovery Village creates an assisted living with pets where residents thrive and so do their pets.

Schedule a tour to see the community for yourself today.