Your dad wants a pet for companionship, and that’s understandable as he ages. But, make sure that he doesn’t have a pet that is too hard for him to manage. Here are some pets that are easier to care for when your dad requires a wheelchair.
Birds Are Easy to Care For
A bird is an active pet that is easy for wheelchair users. The cage is already elevated, making it easier for him to access the door to clean the cage and feed his bird.
His room does need to be warm enough and free of drafts to protect its health. If your dad goes for a larger bird, such as a macaw, he can even teach it to talk and have someone to talk to each day.
Consider a Lizard or Frog
Reptiles and amphibians stay in a tank, which contains clean-up to a specific area. As the tank sits on a table, he’ll be able to easily reach the food containers and feed his pet.
You could also look at fish, which are soothing to watch. If this is his choice, you’ll want to position it near a sink to make cleaning easier for your dad.
A Cat Is Relatively Low-Maintenance
Cats can be independent and not require a lot of maintenance, especially if you spend the money on a robotic cat litter system that cleans up after the cat automatically. Cats need a daily meal, which could be set up on a bench to make it easier for your dad to reach.
The biggest benefit to a cat is that it will come to him for comfort and attention, which can be very soothing for him. The cat will jump into his lap and curl up. You can help your dad with the cat’s other care needs like annual vet visits. Or, arrange a vet that comes to your dad’s home, they are available in many communities.
Don’t Discount a Dog
You might think a dog is too much for your dad, but some dogs are fantastic companions for wheelchair users. If possible, see if your dad qualifies for a support animal. It’s not cheap, but a support dog can be an amazing companion for him.
He does need to have a place in his yard where he can take his dog out for bathroom breaks. A fenced backyard that is wheelchair-friendly is ideal.
Have you looked at hiring a senior home care aide to help your dad around the home? With a caregiver helping out, he has someone to assist him with pet care. His caregiver can hand him items that are out of reach, help him schedule vet appointments, and assist your dad if he’s out walking his dog. Talk to a senior home care specialist about companion care services.
Home Care Matters Provides Award-Winning, Trusted Home Care in Bibb, Butts, Crawford, Henry, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Spalding, and Upson Counties. Call today: (478)-994-9535.
We serve the towns of Forsyth, Macon, McDonough, Griffin, Jonesboro, Roberta, Barnesville, Gray, Thomaston, and Jackson.
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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