Senior Care in Gainesville GA

Pets have been proven to increase physical activity, social interaction and to reduce stress and blood pressure in seniors. In fact, acquiring a new pet can encourage seniors to read up on the animal, which is extremely mentally stimulating and important for senior’s mental functioning.

However, mental stimulation is not the only benefit offered to seniors when they own a pet.   In fact, there are quite a few additional, intangible benefits, as well. Dogs, as well as other pets, live for the here and now. When a senior owns an animal with that sense of now, it will start to rub off on them. Owning a pet can also help to reduce cases of loneliness and depression. Many older pet owners have expressed how lonely they felt prior to owning a pet.

In addition, seniors are not the only ones who benefit from pet ownership. The other winner in this scenario is the animal. This is especially true when the senior adopts an older pet. This allows the pet to live in a home where they receive constant attention and companionship.

Some tips to help in-home care providers find the right pet for a senior include:

• There is not a single right pet for a senior, so assistance in making this decision may be helpful to find the right match.
• Seniors set in their ways may not be ideal candidates for pet ownership.
• Dogs can be the ideal companion for seniors suffering from disabilities.
• Find out from the senior whether they would prefer a dog or cat.  Both are beneficial to the senior’s life.
• Puppies and kittens may not be the right fit for elderly pet owners since they often require excessive care in the beginning.
• Choose a pet that has a good temperament.
• Choose a healthy pet rather than a pet with special needs.
• Be sure the senior is able to financially support the pet.
• While two pets can keep each other company, one is usually enough for a senior.

Getting the pet

While there are a number of breeders that can provide a pet for seniors, it may also be a good idea to visit a shelter. In many cases, the senior will be able to get a pet for less and have the advantage of rescuing it from the possibility of euthanasia.

There is no question that pets can be wonderful companions for seniors. It is also a mutually beneficial relationship. Senior care providers can take the senior to find the dog or cat that is right for them and likely see how young and active the senior really is. This will help the senior remain happy and healthy much longer during their aging years.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care services in Gainesville, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Source
http://www.petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=312

http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/emotional-wellness/pet-therapy.aspx

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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