Pets and Seniors

For more than ten years, Oscar the Cat has been teaching the staff at a Rhode Island nursing home lessons about end-of-life care and what's truly important to those who are dying.

Animals make wonderful companions for aging individuals. Use these pointers to ensure a senior is up for pet ownership in order to match them with the perfect new furry friend.

The connection between people and pets is undeniable, but seniors may not be able to safely care for an animal on their own. Here's my solution.

Pets provide much-needed companionship to people of all ages, especially seniors. But when elderly pet owners find themselves unable to take care of their animals, rehoming is often the best course of action.

Owning a pet can bring elders a tremendous amount of joy and a renewed sense of purpose. No matter the type of animal, pets can have a beneficial impact on both an older adult’s mental and physical health.

Companies are creating robots that can complete household and caregiver tasks, provide comfort in the shape of a cat, as well as call 9-1-1 in an emergency. But where do we draw the line?

Specially trained service dogs can reduce anxiety for people with dementia and help them perform day-to-day tasks with greater confidence and less fear.

Taking a trip to the zoo can be a great way for family caregivers and their elderly loved ones to get outside and experience the benefits of interacting with animals and nature.