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Pet Friendly Senior
Living Benefits All Animal Lovers
By: Country Meadows
| Senior Living
The bond
between humans and animals is complex and deeply rooted. Studies have shown
time and time again that animal companions can offer numerous benefits for
people of all ages and can be a valuable tool in healthy aging. In pet friendly
senior living, furry friends enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Some
retirement communities like Country Meadows offer pet friendly senior living.
For residents who don’t have a pet of their own, each campus has house pets for
everyone to love, spoil and enjoy. And Dynamic Living teams plan visits to and
from animal rescue groups, volunteer opportunities to make pet toys and treats
and special events such as dog weddings and furry sweethearts.
Pets provide many
benefits, including:
Companionship
Pets
provide companionship and emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness
and isolation that some seniors may experience. A pet friendly senior living
community provides many opportunities to interact with animals, whether
individual pets or therapy animals.
Stress reduction
Interacting
with pets has been shown to lower stress levels and promote relaxation, which
can be especially valuable for seniors dealing with the challenges of aging.
Staff at a pet friendly senior living community can help older adults provide
care for beloved furry friends when needed.
Physical activity
Having a
pet encourages regular physical activity, such as walking dogs or playing with
cats, which can help seniors stay active and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Social interaction
Pets can
serve as conversation starters, fostering connections between residents and
encouraging social interactions within the community. At pet friendly senior
living, meeting neighbors’ animals is a great way to break the ice, start
conversations and make new friends.
Routine and structure
Taking
care of a pet can establish a daily routine and provides a sense of purpose,
providing responsibility and stability.
Improved mental health
Several
studies have shown that pets boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and
anxiety, contributing to overall mental well-being. Pet friendly senior living
provides many opportunities for residents to interact with animals, whether the
pet lives on campus, is visiting or is part of an educational presentation.
Cognitive stimulation
Interacting
with pets can stimulate cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving
skills, which are essential for maintaining mental sharpness in our later
years. Activities involving animals are effective in helping residents living
with dementia in pet friendly senior living.
Even if
a resident chooses not to own their own furry friend, various animal-related
activities are planned to provide opportunities for seniors to interact with
pets. Some of these activities include:
Pet therapy
Animals
certified in therapy, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and even reptiles,
visit pet friendly senior living communities to interact with residents.
Therapy animals are known for their gentle temperament and are specifically
trained to provide comfort and companionship. Residents can pet, cuddle or
simply spend time with animals.
Educational
presentations
Some pet
friendly senior living facilities invite animal experts to bring a variety of
animals such as exotic birds, reptiles, small mammals and others, for residents
to interact with and learn about.
Volunteer opportunities
Many
residents at pet friendly senior living communities enjoy supporting local
animal rescues. At Country Meadows, residents make dog biscuits for local
shelters as well as toys and treats. And residents look forward to visiting
shelters in their respective areas to donate items in person and meet shelter
residents.
Birdwatching
Regardless
of whether or not one lives at a pet friendly senior living community,
birdwatching is a fun opportunity to observe and enjoy local birds. At Country
Meadows, residents often enjoy birding walks during which experts point out
different birds, talk about their unique traits and educate residents about
local habitats.
Special activities
Pet
friendly senior living communities like Country Meadows are able to offer
unique interactions with various types of animals. At Country Meadows of
Wyomissing, residents enjoyed a therapeutic puppy yoga session, which was more
about cuddling than yoga. At the Forks in Easton location, residents spent
their Valentine’s Day receiving pooch smooches from local shelter dogs,
while at Country Meadows of Wyomissing, residents were invited to attend a doggie wedding.
Aquariums
Having
an aquarium in common areas or resident apartments can be therapeutic. Watching
colorful fish swim can be relaxing and help reduce anxiety and stress.
Aquariums often can be found regardless of whether or not a community offers
pet friendly senior living.
Pet friendly living at
Country Meadows
With research demonstrating that seniors benefit from regular animals, Country Meadows offers pet friendly senior living at each of its nine locations in Pennsylvania and one in Frederick, Maryland. Please contact us today to request information or to schedule a visit to meet our residents-human, canine, feline and avian! We look forward to meeting you.
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!