Animals and pets play a crucial role in the lives of older adults and even more so in Kendal communities. They are not only a source of great joy and love, but they also offer companionship, promote mental and physical health, and bring people together. Kendal recognizes the value of animals and pets and their positive influence on residents.
Goats, horses, dogs, cats and parrots. The touch of a friendly animal can warm hearts and stimulate minds.
Five Reasons Animals and Pets Important:
1. Promoting Mental and Physical Health:
Studies show that having pets can improve mental and physical health. Pets can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels. Pet owners have lower blood pressure and are less likely to suffer from heart disease. Animals and pets in communities provide a source of comfort, joy, and companionship, which can be especially important for older adults.
Barclay Friends has been featured for the benefits that therapy animals offer in assisted living.
2. Supporting Socialization:
Pets are social animals, and they require socialization just like humans. Pet ownership can help community members connect with each other. Animals and pets bring people together and can create a sense of community. During the pandemic, when human interaction was limited, Kendal on Hudson welcomed cute mini-horse visitors.
3. Creating a Pet-Friendly Environment:
Kendal understands the importance of animals and pets in residents’ lives. That’s why communities strive to create a pet-friendly environment that promotes the well-being of both pets and their owners. All Kendal Communities, including Collington, allow pets and often have features such as dog parks, walking trails and “pick-up” stations.
4. Responsibility and Companionship:
Pets require responsibility and care, and owning one can provide a sense of purpose and companionship. Owning a pet can help individuals develop a routine and sense of structure. Pets can also provide a sense of security and safety. For older adults, owning a pet can help ease a sense of loneliness. Kendal at Oberlin is intentionally pet-friendly and often writes about the importance of pets in the community on their website.
https://blog.kao.kendal.org/pet-friendly-oberlin
And, whether it’s hosting family dinners, gardening, or taking care of pets, Kendal at Home’s one-of-a-kind aging-in-place program gives members the support they need to stay in their homes.
https://www.kendalathome.org/blog/how-pet-companionship-can-benefit-older-adults
5. Pet Therapy Programs:
Many Kendal communities offer pet therapy programs that aim to improve residents’ mental and physical health. These programs provide an opportunity for residents to interact with animals, which can be especially beneficial for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce agitation, aggression, and depression in individuals with cognitive impairment.
Kendal at Lexington benefited from the trend of “goat therapy” when residents of the Borden Health Center were delighted with a visit from baby goat visitors.
From dog-friendly communities to visits from therapy friends, Kendal communities are committed to supporting residents’ love for animals and pets. We invite you to join us in creating a community that prioritizes the health and happiness of both residents and their furry companions.