La Jolla Senior Care News

Pets, Seniors, and Proper Care for Both

Senior Care Pacific Beach CA

Senior Care Pacific Beach CAWhen Jane was 83 years old, she had been taking care of her husband of 50 years for more than three years at that time. Together, they had a small dog and two cats. The daily rigors of taking care of her ailing husband for all of that time had taken a toll on her. After he passed away, Jane was alone and left to care for these pets without any support.

Because of her age, diminished strength, and other challenges she was facing, it became difficult for her to get down stairs to the basement to clean up the litter box on a regular basis, to take her beloved dog for a walk, and tend to their basic needs.

She was able to take care of herself for the most part, but even that was becoming more challenging with each passing week. Over time, she began to skip cleaning up the litter box for a day or two, would rely on potty pads for a small dog instead of putting him on a leash and taking him outside, and that was the beginning of some significant problems for her and her beloved animals.

April 11th is National Pet Day and for those seniors who have small animals to take care of, it’s important to realize they require quality care, just as people do.

Many people have a tendency to simply assume that cats are highly self-sufficient. Not cleaning the litter box on a daily basis may not seem like a major problem for most people, but animals prefer to have a clean area in which to relieve themselves. Allowing the litter box to become overloaded with waste is not being beneficial or fair to the animal, plus it also increases the risk of that animal tracking around harmful bacteria throughout the house, including on top of the kitchen table and kitchen counters. Anywhere the cat has a tendency to jump up onto will be at increased risk for the elderly owner because of it.

Cats are considered self-sufficient to a significant degree, and they are, especially when they have room enough to run around and get exercise. Small and medium size dogs still require the opportunity to go for a walk, run around, and get exercise. If the senior has difficulty ambulating and feels unsafe taking their dog for a walk, they may require some other type of senior care service or even a dog walking service, if there is one available in their community.

For the senior who requires care, sit down and talk to them about the benefits of exercise for pets and relying on assistance to help their furry family members stay healthy and safe. Jane contacted a senior care agency in the area and found somebody with experience who also loved pets and who was willing and able to help with their basic care on a daily basis.

For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Pacific Beach, CA, and the surrounding communities.

Brittnei Salerno

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