7 Benefits of Pet-Friendly Assisted Living in Beverly, MA
Experience the Benefits of Pet-Friendly Assisted Living
A beloved pet provides companionship, purpose, and unconditional love. Having to choose between a pet and assisted living can feel like an impossible dilemma. Pet-friendly assisted living communities understand that pets aren’t hobbies or luxuries, but family.
At The Herrick House, we won’t ask you to make that choice. We welcome pets with open arms and treat them with the same kindness and care we’ll show you or your loved one. We’ve seen firsthand that seniors with pets are happier, more active, and healthier.
We'll work closely with your family to develop a personalized care plan that provides the support your loved one needs to experience the highest quality of life. We’ll fine-tune it often and even include your loved one’s pet in the care plan. Our wellness programs and activities can be even more beneficial when a pet is included.
1. A Heart That Loves Your Pet in More Ways Than One
Having a pet you love can warm your heart, but research shows that caring for a pet can physically improve heart health too. People with dogs and cats experience:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower risk of stroke
- Lower risk of death from heart attack
- Better recovery from heart attack or stroke
Regular physical activity is an important factor in heart health, and about 60% of dog owners qualify as moderately active, compared to only 45% of non-dog owners. Between dog walks and our events and classes, an active lifestyle comes naturally at The Herrick House.
2. A Mind That Stays Sharper for Longer
A dog can motivate your loved one to stay active and socially engaged with others. Whether it's walking the dog, taking them out for potty breaks, or showing them off, a dog’s needs are consistent. Recent research found that owning a dog may reduce the risk of dementia by 63% in older adults who exercise. Older adults who own a dog and are socially active experience a 59% lower risk.
This is where the magic of dogs and memory care comes together. Your loved one won't have to look far to find social opportunities or exercise at The Herrick House. Our Spectrum Program provides both an active lifestyle and social activities that support memory and thinking skills. Dogs are part of daily life here, so you can rest assured that your loved one is getting an experience filled with love and memories that matter.
3. An Easier Time Managing Stress
Physical and mental stress activate the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Being in a stressed state can constrict blood vessels, raise blood pressure, elevate blood sugar, increase pulse rate, and cause serious health consequences. Chronic stress can keep the body stuck in a sympathetic state.
Research shows that a pet can trigger a parasympathetic state, a state of relaxation that opens the blood vessels, reduces blood sugar, and improves overall function. The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body respond better to stress. One study found that people with pets had noticeably lower resting heart rates, blood pressure, and reactivity to mental tasks. They also recovered from stressful tasks faster.
Assisted living and memory care help make life easier, less stressful, and more meaningful. Sometimes, the body needs a little more help learning how to function without stress. Access to a pet can be the factor that provides that full relaxation effect your loved one really needs.
4. A Reason To Get Up and Go Outdoors
Getting older can bring on aches and pains that make it harder to get moving in the morning. You may experience ongoing anxiety about your health and find your activities more limited. However, a pet’s needs don’t change. Your pet needs you to feed them, care for them, clean up after them, and maybe even take them outside for walks and restroom breaks.
Research shows that a sense of purpose is good for your mental and physical health. It can:
- Prevent or reduce depression
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Improve quality of life
Life at The Herrick House is full of meaningful activities that provide social engagement and fun. From our Eldergrow therapeutic gardening program to art classes to spiritual activities to movies and dinners, you’ll find plenty of meaningful activities. Having the responsibility of a pet makes it easier to stay active and attend those activities.
5. Emotional Connection That Brings About Joy and Belonging
Nothing says unconditional love like an eager wet nose or the steady purr of a contented cat. That kind of companionship can replace feelings of loneliness and isolation with happiness and life satisfaction. A full activities schedule during the day in a vibrant assisted living community, followed by an evening spent with a beloved furry friend, can give your loved one the perfect blend of human interaction and that loyal devotion only a pet can provide.
Even if your loved one doesn’t have a pet, they can experience similar love and affection through pet therapy. Studies show that pet therapy often leads the body to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with happiness, contentment, and closeness. The benefits of pet therapy also have a protective physical effect, improving balance and coordination, which reduces the risk of falls.
6. A Perfect Social Icebreaker
The love of a pet is a common bond among pet owners. Seeing another resident walking their dog while you walk yours is an automatic conversation starter. Everyone loves to talk about their pets, and that initial conversation can lead to a long-term friendship. This adds a layer of accountability to walking and multiplies your social connections.
Even if you’re a cat person, learning that another resident has a cat is an immediate conversation starter. Being able to talk and laugh about your cat’s antics with someone else adds a new dimension to the social engagement that’s always right around the corner in assisted living.
Even participating in pet therapy together creates strong connection opportunities as you and others enjoy the companionship of the same animals and look forward to their visits together.
7. A Smooth Transition to Assisted Living
The idea of leaving behind a home they’ve lived in for years and starting over somewhere new can feel scary for your loved one. Being able to bring their pet can help them feel less alone. Including the pet in the transition may be the deciding factor in whether they agree to make the move.
Moving into assisted living brings about big changes. Your loved one starts receiving care from people they don’t know. They become the new person in a new community. If they were living alone before, socializing with others may not feel natural at first. If they were living with family, they may feel alone at first. Their pet can be the one constant that provides a place of safety that feels like home.
Looking for Pet-Friendly Assisted Living In Beverly, MA? Let’s Talk!
The Herrick House offers a warm, homelike setting where residents can enjoy the companionship of a beloved pet along with the personalized support they need each day. From beautiful walking paths to pet-friendly apartments and enriching pet therapy opportunities, we’re proud to create an environment that feels comfortable, welcoming, and reassuring.
To learn more about what to look for in an assisted living community and how to find the right fit for your loved one, download our Assisted Living Guide today. It’s a helpful resource for families exploring care options with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. It's recommended to consult with a medical, legal, or financial professional for your specific circumstances.
