There is nothing better than a pet to help a person feel connected and cared about. Your elderly loved one might have a pet that his world revolves around. Whether it’s a huge dog, a shy cat, or even a bowl full of fish, your loved one enjoys the companionship his pet brings him. Pet owners receive physical connection by petting and holding a pet. It improves mental and emotional health and reminds them that they’re needed.
Because of the emotional needs met by a pet, it can be challenging as a caregiver when you start to see that your loved one can no longer take care of the physical needs of his pet. You may worry that the pet will get sick or be injured due to the lack of physical care your loved one can no longer provide. You might be able to help somewhat on your own or have a family member occasionally come over and assist with pet care but if you don’t live nearby, that may not be enough.
Home Care Providers Can Help with Pet Care
Each type of pet has different needs to stay healthy and happy. Here are five ways a home care provider can help your elderly loved one care for his pet.
Exercise
The pets that need the most structured exercise are dogs. If your loved one has a dog but struggles with taking it for long walks, a home care provider can help by taking the pet out or coming alongside your loved one so they can step in and help with the leash if needed.
Eating Right
All pets need to be fed, but does your loved one remember to feed them? If your senior is in the beginning stages of dementia, you might notice that he’s forgetting to feed his fish or overfeeding his dog. A home care provider can help him stay on track with feeding and cleaning up afterward.
Healthcare
Many pets have healthcare needs. They may need routine checkups, medications, or shots. A home care provider can help your loved one stay on top of his pet’s routine healthcare needs so important appointments aren’t missed.
Grooming
Another important aspect of many pets’ care is grooming. Whether it’s brushing out the fur of a cat or dog or scheduling regular grooming for others, making a pet look good isn’t just about them looking pretty. Regular grooming is important for their overall health as well. For pets that need to be brushed, your home care provider can help with physical tasks or simply assist by reminding your loved one and then helping him find the brush and clippers.
Cleaning Up
All pets make some kind of mess. It might be that your loved one needs help cleaning up the yard from his dog’s outdoor trips, emptying the litterbox, or replacing the water in the fish tank. Home care providers can step in when your loved one is unable to perform these important pet care tasks.
Don’t take away that pet from your loved one yet if it seems he can’t take care of it anymore. You might find that getting him a little help with his pet from home care services is all he needs.
Providing exceptional Home Care in Arlington for seniors and families in the Northern Virginia area, including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Reston, Burke, Ashburn, Centreville, Springfield, Manassas, and Oakton. Call today to speak with our caring staff: (703) 272-8838.
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