What are the Benefits of Pet-Friendly Assisted Living?

We love our pets. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet owners spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022 alone. The benefits of pet ownership are numerous and varied. 

You’re probably familiar with some of the emotional benefits, like your dog running to greet you at the door every day with a sniff and tail wag or reading a book with a warm, purring cat on your lap, but there are additional physical and mental bonuses that might surprise you. These positive additions to our lives are especially important as we get older.  

Unfortunately, not every assisted living community allows pets, but for seniors in assisted living, having their pets living with them can significantly add to their quality of life. That’s why BridgeWater Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ, offers pet-friendly apartments for our residents. We believe everyone should be empowered to live well, and pet ownership is part of a full life for many people.

The following is a great resource about how owning a pet in an assisted living community can be beneficial and what BridgeWater Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ, has to offer. 

Physical and Health Benefits

Research into the interactions and connection between humans and animals is sometimes known as anthrozoology. Over the last three decades, this area of study has grown significantly. Studies now have ample evidence that owning a pet provides fairly significant physical and health benefits, including: 

• Stress reduction
• Lowered blood pressure and heart rates
• Disease prevention
• Improved cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels
• Reduced risk of heart disease

In addition to the above health benefits, owning a pet also gives us opportunities to exercise and stay physically active. We all know keeping our bodies moving is vital for our overall health. For seniors, exercise helps to maintain muscle mass, lubricate joints, control and ease inflammation by increasing blood flow, and improve balance. Walking a dog or playing with a pet is an easy and fun way to get much-needed, low-impact exercise on a regular basis.

For BridgeWater Assisted Living Phoenix, AZ residents, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with their furry friends. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, humans and their animal companions can take full advantage of the many parks, trails, and outdoor attractions and our lovely private courtyards and grounds in beautiful desert surroundings year-round.

Mental and Emotional Wellness

Have you ever wondered why petting a dog makes you happy? You’re not imagining it. According to a study published in Frontiers of Psychology, petting dogs increases oxytocin, more commonly known as the feel-good hormone. It also increases endorphins while reducing cortisol, a stress hormone. Reduced cortisol and higher levels of oxytocin and endorphins help alleviate stress and anxiety and improve overall emotional wellness. 

It’s important not to overlook the importance of the companionship and unconditional love your pet gives you daily to your emotional well-being. Being around animals can elevate your mood and increase your joy while alleviating boredom and helping you feel productive. Most humans thrive when someone needs them, and caring for a pet can be fulfilling.

Social Connections

Emotional wellness also involves establishing a social network and community of support. Owning a pet often facilitates relationships with other pet owners. You can take walks together or set up doggy playdates. Sharing common interests is a great way to build new friendships and relationships; pets often help spark conversations and interactions. If you are shy and find it difficult to talk to people you don’t know, you’ll be amazed at how quickly a pet can set everyone at ease and break the ice.

Cognitive Stimulation

When caring for a pet, you will establish a routine and schedule, which is especially helpful for anyone experiencing memory loss. Studies show that long-term pet ownership might even delay memory loss and help maintain cognitive health, including overall cognition and verbal memory. 

Remembering to feed and play with your pet and giving them appropriate exercise are all tasks that can help maintain higher levels of cognitive function. Taking a daily walk can help you and your pet!

Find a New Home For You and Your Pet at BridgeWater Assisted Living!

If you have been thinking about all the advantages an assisted living community offers you or a loved one but have been reluctant to give up your furry best friend, you don’t have to worry. We would love for you to consider BridgeWater Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ. At BridgeWater, you will find everything you need to live well. We focus on a holistic approach to health, addressing the needs of your body, mind, and spirit, and that extends to fostering your relationship with your four-legged friend.

Our outstanding amenities and services mean you can finally have that maintenance-free and stress-free lifestyle you’ve been craving. They include:

• Housekeeping and linen service
• On-site beauty salon and barber shop
• Chauffeured transportation to appointments and recreational outings
• Licensed nurse
• On-site wellness and therapy center
• Exercise classes tailored for every ability and mobility level
• Revolutionary health management system
• 24-hour emergency response
• Dining services
• Art classes, game nights, scheduled social activities
• Game and media rooms
• Shared common areas for conversation, games, and meals
• Assistance with activities of daily living and personal care like medication management, showering and bathing, grooming and dressing, incontinence care, and transferring.

We could spend hours discussing our amenities, but don’t just take our word for it! Call or email us today to schedule a tour and see for yourself. You can explore the wonderful city of Phoenix, and then we invite you to join us for a meal or activity to get a sense of our vibrant community. We can’t wait to meet you and discuss how BridgeWater Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ, can meet your needs.