If you have an elderly relative who has a pet, you may be thinking about what might happen to them if your loved one comes to need extra support. We know that living with pets can boost older people’s health and wellbeing. So, here’s how live-in care can help your loved one continue to live with their beloved pets.

When your older relative begins to struggle to take care of their pet, it will be necessary to provide them with some support both for your loved one and for the pet’s sake. Your loved one may feel guilty if they do not feel they are providing adequate care to their beloved companion. Happily, there are services available to support your loved one and their treasured pet.

Many care homes do not allow residents to bring their pets. If you choose live-in care, both your loved one and their pets will be supported in whatever ways they need. Living with pets can provide many benefits to older people so it is worth considering this option.

Why living with pets is good for older people

According to the Society for Companion Animal Studies pets can have a positive effect on older people’s health and wellbeing. A companion pet can:

• Alleviate loneliness.
• Provide a sense of purpose.
• Add some structure to daily life.
• Encourage people to pay attention to their self-care.
• Enhance wellbeing.
• Minimize GP visits for minor ailments.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Reduce verbal aggression and anxiety in people with Alzheimer’s.

Your loved one no doubt has a strong bond with their pet and the thought of being separated is heart-wrenching. Unlike other forms of care, live-in care recognises these positive benefits and ensures the best possible care standards for both your loved one and their pet.

How live-in home care can support your loved one and their pet

Live-in carers can help support your loved one in taking care of their pet. Whether your loved one’s pet has feathers, fur or scales, the carer will be able to provide the care they need. The carer will provide as much support as needed so your loved one can continue to be involved in the care of their pet as much as possible. For example, your loved one may be able to feed their dog but be unable to take them out for regular exercise on their own. Your live-in carer gives you and your loved one peace of mind that the pet is being cared for to the highest possible standard.

This means your loved one can enjoy all the benefits of spending time with their pet with none of the worries.

Tasks your live-in carer can take care of

• Buying food, toys and health care products.
• Ensuring they’re given regular food and water.
• Exercising them as appropriate.
• Taking them to vet appointments.
• Monitoring their safety and wellbeing.
• Grooming and washing them as needed.
• Cleaning up any mess they might make.
• Cleaning bedding, cages etc…

Choosing the right live-in carer

Of course, the success of live-in care for your loved one and their pets depends on finding the right carer.

At Mumby’s, all our carers are trained in-house to the highest standards to provide the practical care your loved one needs. They receive training to support people living with a range of conditions from after stroke to dementia. They also receive ongoing training to ensure they are always up to date with the best care practices. Every Mumby’s carer has undergone an enhanced DBS check and reference check. Our services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and we have received an outstanding rating from them.

Your carer will be supported by an allocated care manager who will oversee the care your loved one receives and who will always be on hand to answer any questions and concerns you may have.

We do our best to ensure a great match between the cared for and carer. We find carers with similar values and common interests to their client so that a good relationship can develop.

In addition, if your loved one has a pet, we will choose a carer with an affinity for animals who will be happy to care for a pet, too. Many of our carers are animal lovers and appreciate all the benefits that pets bring to a home.