At Helping Hands, we hear many compelling reasons why people want Live-in Care. They wish to stay in their own home and keep their independence; they want the flexibility of their own routine; they want to stay together in the marital home.
Those are all very good reasons, but often people want Live-in Care for one very simple reason – if they were to move into a Care Home, they would very likely have to give up their pet.
Unconditional Love
The emotional pull of a loving pet is undeniable; the thought of having to give up our dog, cat or any treasured animal because we have to leave our home is devastating. Before enforcing that decision, we really need to understand the benefits that staying at home with a pet can bring to the elderly or those with a life altering condition.
It’s not just the avoidance of separation that is a positive. The stress and upset of leaving a loved one, human or animal, is undoubtedly best avoided whether we are young, old or somewhere in between. It’s the positive benefit of having the pet in the first place that we don’t want to lose.
Did you know that stroking your cat or dog leads to the release of endorphins that help you feel calm and relaxed? Pets are very accepting; if you’re kind to them, they love you no matter what your physical or mental condition. They have an unconditional love that is great for self-esteem and they can make you want to get up in the morning.
Longer, Happier Lives
It’s true! People with pets do live healthier, happier lives than those who don’t. Research has proven many benefits to pet ownership; indeed a loyal companion can make the golden years happier and healthier.
Pets help their owners recover from surgeries and illnesses faster; we’re not sure exactly why. Maybe it’s the nurturing instinct they bring out in us, the desire to want to take care of them means we have get ourselves back to health quicker. No matter what the reason, research has proven that pet owners are less stressed and visit their doctors less often than those who don’t have a pet for a companion.
Not just a main’s best friend
Samantha Grabham, who heads the Helping Hands Live-in Care Department, knows just how important a pet can be to clients. As she explains, it’s not overstating the fact to say that sometimes it can be the difference between life and death.
“Pets really can make a huge difference to our clients’ mental well-being. Especially with the elderly; for some their pet is not only something to love and be loved by, it can be the last connection to a late husband or wife. A case I particularly remember was that of an older lady who was desperately unhappy in a Nursing Home.”
“She missed her dog terribly and her mental condition was deteriorating as a consequence; her depression was really affecting her quality of life. I was determined to get her back home. With the support of the right Live-in Carer, we were able to get her home and reunited with her beloved dog. Her condition improved and home is where she stayed!”
Reasons to be cheerful
The secret is simple, and so not really a secret at all! We all want to love and be loved. And for some clients, their pet is all they have, especially if there is no family close by.
A pet makes them want to get up in the morning. Even if our Live-in Carers are ultimately responsible for taking the dog for a walk or the cat to the vets, pets give many of our clients a purpose in life. Some insist on feeding them even though it can take a lot of effort; and that’s good. It gets them up and about, puts a smile on their face and gives them someone to love and a reason to live.