5 Best Companion Pets for Seniors in a Retirement Community

Pets are great companions for anyone, and most people will own at least one in their lifetime. Many senior living communities allow, and even encourage, pet ownership and its many benefits. We love our pets at Freedom Village, and residents get their furry friends involved in community events, take them on walks, and more!

The benefits of pets for seniors

Owning a pet can provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. For those who are up for the responsibility, owning a pet can be incredibly rewarding. Here are just a few of the many reasons to get a furry (or not) friend:

• Companionship: Pets can provide seniors with unconditional love and companionship, which can help combat loneliness and depression. Seniors who live alone or who have lost a spouse may find that owning a pet can help fill the void and provide a sense of purpose.
• Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower stress levels and reduce anxiety. Pets offer a calming presence and provide a sense of comfort during stressful times.
• Increased Physical Activity: Owning a pet, particularly a dog, can encourage seniors to get up and move. Walking a dog can provide a great form of exercise, which is important for maintaining physical health and mobility.
• Improved Mental Health: In addition to reducing stress, pets can also improve overall mental health. Owning a pet can provide a sense of purpose and can help seniors feel more connected to the world around them.
• Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that owning a pet can lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. This is likely due to the fact that pets offer a calming presence and can help reduce stress levels.
• Socialization: Owning a pet can also provide opportunities for socialization. Seniors who own pets may meet other pet owners while out for walks or at the community dog park, which can help combat feelings of isolation.

The best companion pets for seniors

Ultimately, the best pet for a senior will depend on YOU! Your personal lifestyle and preferences will help guide decision-making when considering getting a pet. It’s important to choose a pet that you’re able to care for and that will provide companionship and joy. Here are a few pets that are well suited for older adults:

1. Dogs

Dogs can be great companions for seniors, particularly those who want to walk and exercise with their pet. Smaller dog breeds, such as Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas, can be easier to manage for those who may have mobility issues or a smaller home. Dogs can join in on the fun more often, making them a perfect addition to an active senior living lifestyle by dressing up for events and taking part in activities with other residents. 

2. Cats

Cats can also make great companions for older adults. They’re relatively low-maintenance and don’t require as much exercise as dogs. Some breeds, such as the Ragdoll cat or the Persian, are known for being particularly affectionate and docile. They’d love to join you for your coffee in the morning or curl up with a good book.

3. Birds

Birds can provide companionship and entertainment for seniors. They don’t require as much physical care as other pets and can be a good choice for people who live in apartments or other smaller living spaces.

4. Fish and turtles

Fish and turtles are also low-maintenance pets that can provide a calming presence for seniors. They’re relatively easy to care for and can be a good choice for seniors who may not be able to provide as much physical care for a pet – or those who enjoy setting up beautiful aquariums!

5. Small mammals

Small mammals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits, can be good choices for seniors who are looking for a pet that’s a little more interactive than a fish or bird but are nearly as easy to care for.

How to choose the right pet for you 

Choosing the right pet is an important decision that should be made carefully. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting a pet:

• Lifestyle: Seniors should consider their lifestyle and choose a pet that fits well with their daily routine. For example, a high-energy dog may not be the best fit for someone who has limited mobility or who lives in a small apartment.
• Financial Considerations: It’s important to consider the financial cost of owning a pet. Be prepared to cover the cost of food, veterinary care, and other expenses associated with each kind of pet ownership.
• Living Situation: Seniors should also consider their living situation when choosing a pet. For example, some senior living communities have restrictions on pets, and some pets may not be well suited for living in a small space. However, if there’s an extra bedroom, it could be the perfect spot for a rabbit playpen!
• Personal Preferences: Finally, seniors should choose a pet that they enjoy and that brings them joy. Some older adults may prefer the companionship of a dog or cat, while others may prefer the low-maintenance nature of a bird or fish.

It’s also a good idea for seniors to consider adopting an older pet, as they may be better suited for a quieter lifestyle and require less training. 

Enjoy a fulfilling retirement at Freedom Village 

When you choose a senior living community that handles all of life’s annoyances like chores, home maintenance, cooking, and cleaning, you have more time to enjoy your favorite things, like your beloved pet. Learn more about our Active Life Plan Community and how it can improve your retirement today.

What Is an Active Life Plan Community?

Are you curious about what makes a Life Plan Community not just a place to live but a vibrant, active environment for older adults?
Let’s explore the concept of a Life Plan Community and how it supports a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents.

What Is a Life Plan Community?

A Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), is a senior living option that provides a range of housing and care services tailored to the needs of older adults. These communities offer multiple levels of care, allowing residents to transition smoothly from one level to another as their needs change, all within the same community.

Key Features of Life Plan Communities

Life Plan Communities are designed to cater to the diverse needs of older adults, ensuring that residents receive the appropriate level of care at every stage of life. Here are some key features:

1. Independent Living: Residents live independently in private apartments or homes, enjoying an active lifestyle with access to various amenities and social activities.
2. Assisted Living: As residents’ needs grow, they can receive help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management, all while preserving their independence to a significant extent.
3. Skilled Nursing: For those requiring medical care and rehabilitation, skilled nursing services provide around-the-clock support from licensed healthcare professionals.
4. Long-Term Care: Comprehensive care services are available for residents who require ongoing medical and personal care.

Benefits of Life Plan Communities:

Life Plan Communities offer all kinds of advantages for seniors:

• Levels of Care: Residents can move between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing as their needs evolve without leaving the community.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that future care needs will be met provides peace of mind for both residents and their families.
• Community Offering: These communities often feature amenities such as dining options, fitness centers, social activities, and transportation services, enhancing the quality of life.
• Predictable Costs: Residents typically pay a monthly fee that covers housing, meals, maintenance, and various services, offering predictability in living expenses.

Life Plan Communities are designed to allow older adults to live independently while having access to a continuum of care services. They combine the benefits of independent living with the assurance of future care without worrying about the change in market rates, making them a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive senior living solution.

Active Living at Freedom Village

There’s a reason Freedom Village is among Orange County’s top-rated senior living communities. Our Healthy Living Wellness Clinic is just one of the ways we help residents stay active and engaged so they can live their absolute best lives.

Wellness perks and amenities at Freedom Village include:

• The Wellness Clinic staffed by a nurse
• Planned social and recreational programs
• State-of-the-art fitness club with a full-time fitness trainer
• Aqua classes
• Exercise classes, such as balance, stretch, and tai chi

Freedom Village offers a way to experience the life you want, whether you’d like a poolside read, a session to focus on your health and wellness, a lesson in something new, or a class to learn the art of painting. Our Life Plan Community also has the following:

• Monthly music concerts
• Weekly socials and cultural outings
• Art studio
• Sip and Paint art classes
• Men’s and Women’s clubs
• Book club
• Daily movies, documentaries, and educational programs

Freedom Village’s Resident Council also offers volunteer opportunities, providing another way for our residents to stay sharp and engaged.

Carefree Living Filled With Convenient Services

Free up your time and spend it staying active and doing the things you love. We’ll take care of the chores, home maintenance, cooking, and cleaning – no extra charges or surprise fees.

Moving into Independent Living at Freedom Village grants you access to a full spectrum of community services and amenities, such as:

• Maintenance available every day of the week
• Complimentary scheduled transportation within a 10-mile radius
• 24/7 front desk reception
• Secure, gated parking facilities
• Free Wi-Fi in common areas
• Cable TV access
• Inclusive utilities: water, sewer, trash service, and electricity

Kick back and relax while our dedicated teams keep you and your living space clean, refreshed, and ready for each new day.

A Personalized Continuum of Care

As an Active Life Plan Community, Freedom Village acknowledges that sometimes, care needs change. To address evolving needs, we offer a range of healthcare services and cost-effective care options on-site, including round-the-clock nursing staff and EMT availability.

With unique residences or rooms in Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing, we’re able to address residents’ individual care needs. These services offer peace of mind to the seniors who live here because they know they can count on the community’s support.

Are you excited to learn more about our Active Life Plan Community? Request a tour or brochure for more information about the Independent Living lifestyle at Freedom Village today.

Tips for Talking About the Move to Senior Living

Many adult children put off discussing senior living, assuming they will address it when they are ready. However, your parents’ needs are likely to change quickly, so it’s a good idea to have the conversation sooner rather than later.

Keep an open mind when talking about senior living early in life without being overly prescriptive. Having a plan for your parents’ future living arrangements can prepare you for whatever may occur, as well as listening to their desires.

Read on to learn more about the best tips for talking about the move to senior living.

Six Tips for Having the Conversation About Senior Living

Use the following overview to start the conversation with parents, friends, or even another member of your family. Family dynamics and personalities will always shape how the conversation unfolds, but there are ways to approach that to make your loved one feel safe, heard and loved.

1. Don’t be afraid to bring up the subject.

It’s a good idea to discuss senior living with your loved one, regardless if they “need” to make the transition. In order to gain a deeper understanding of your parents’ point of view, ask more specific questions as the conversation unfolds. Both you and your loved one may feel unsure how to approach the topic. Start by asking, “How about never doing chores again?” or “Have you thought about an active senior living community?” can show your parents what they have to gain from the move.

2. Take the time to understand what your parents need.

Identifying your parents’ concerns and taking steps to alleviate them is part of selecting the right senior living community. It’s natural for seniors to worry about losing their independence, which is why conversations you have may revolve around this topic. Tell them that a maintenance-free community gives residents more freedom to do what they love, allowing them to be more independent and relaxed.

3. Understand the terms used in senior living.

Senior living refers to a wide range of options available to people over 55 years old. Life Plan Communities are the most comprehensive option and offer a permanent home and care services. The active, vibrant senior living of today is similar to a resort, not a nursing home as your parents once knew it. In addition to our full continuum of care services, Freedom Village offers a wide range of activities, services, amenities, events, and more. You can demystify senior living by offering these facts.

4. Know that senior living is a lifestyle.

People are often perceived as transitioning to a community because they have had an incident or accident or they have declined in health. Most of the time, this isn’t true. The possibility of moving into a community is available to older adults regardless of their age. The reason for moving may be to remain close to family and friends, for increased socialization, or for maintenance-free living.

5. Keep an open and collaborative mindset.

Let everyone who is important to your parents know that you are planning to have the conversation with them. When you receive input and support from others who care for your loved ones, you can make sure their needs, wishes, and best interests are always taken into account. Ensure that everyone important in your parents’ lives is aware this issue is now on the table and ready to be discussed.

6. Show empathy and kindness.

Taking the time to listen more than you speak will help you identify what your parents are concerned about and what their questions are about the transition to senior living.This entire topic can bring up feelings of frustration and fear for many seniors. Some might even prefer hearing about moving to senior living first from a doctor, priest, or close friend instead of their child. It’s even possible that someone else in your family is better suited to have this conversation with your parents.

If you think your parents or loved ones might be ready for senior living in an active community, explore how to get started with independent living below. We’re here as a resource for families and to answer any questions you may have.

A Personalized Continuum of Care

As an Active Life Plan Community, Freedom Village acknowledges that sometimes care needs change. To meet those changing needs, there are a variety of supportive healthcare services and affordable options for care provided on site, including nursing staff and EMTs on duty 24/7.

With unique residences or rooms in Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, we’re able to address residents’ individual care needs. These services offer peace of mind to the seniors who live here because they know they can count on the community’s support.

Contact us today to learn more about how you/your loved one can benefit from the move to senior living.

Making the Most of Every Day: Independent Living at Freedom Village

What have you got to gain from the move to Independent Living? Everything.

Moving to Freedom Village means being part of a thriving, welcoming senior living community where every day is filled with the company of friends, delicious chef-crafted meals, engaging programs, and the responsive attention of associates who care about your happiness and well-being.

We’re an Active Life Plan Community offering just that: a plan for your life. And with one- and two-bedroom residences, you’re sure to find the right fit for your independent lifestyle.

Read on to learn more about Independent Living at Freedom Village.

Stay Active and Engaged

Freedom Village is one of Orange County’s top-rated senior living communities for a reason. Our Healthy Living Wellness Clinic is just one of the ways we help residents live their best lives. Wellness perks and amenities at Freedom Village include:

• Wellness Clinic staffed by a nurse
• Health screenings
• Planned social and recreational programs
• State-of-the-art fitness club with a full-time fitness trainer
• Fitness and wellness classes
• Swimming and aqua classes
• Exercise classes such as balance, stretch and tai chi

In this vibrant and social community, you can engage in all the activities that interest you while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle. Freedom Village offers a way to experience the life you want, whether you like to be poolside and immersed in a new book, focus on your health and wellness, learn something new, or are interested in exploring your artistic side. Some of the fun things to do at Freedom Village include:

• Monthly music concerts
• Weekly socials and cultural outings
• Art studio featuring monthly art shows
• Sip and paint art classes
• Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs
• Book club
• Daily movies, documentaries, and educational programs

Freedom Village’s Resident Council also offers volunteer opportunities in the local community.

Carefree Independent Living Filled with Convenient Services

Free up your time and spend it doing the things you love. We’ll take care of the chores, home maintenance, cooking and cleaning. All these services are included. No extra charges or surprise fees.

When you move into Independent Living at Freedom Village, you gain access to all the services and amenities our community has to offer. These include:

• Maintenance available seven days a week
• Free, scheduled transportation within a 10-mile radius
• 24-hour front desk reception
• 24-hour front desk reception
• Secure and gated parking
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas
• Cable TV
• Water, sewer, trash service, and electricity

Kick back and relax while our dedicated teams keep you and your living space clean, refreshed, and ready for each new day.

Fine Dining Options

Freedom Village offers a variety of dining options for casual and classic dining lovers alike. Our four unique dining venues offer a dynamic culinary experience that will keep you coming back for more. We stay busy in the kitchen so you don’t have to (if you don’t want to).

In addition to home-cooked favorites and classics, our chef and his skilled culinary team prepare fine dining options from scratch. This includes many resident-suggested dishes that became fast favorites and are now part of our rotating seasonal menus.

Our meals are always made to order, and we offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium options every day. Our chef’s garden is filled with fresh organic herbs grown right outside the kitchen, so you enjoy delicious meals prepared with the freshest ingredients possible. Our menus change every week and include up to 10 entrées to choose from. Plus, with a variety of baked goods straight from our kitchen, there’s always something delicious to eat.

A Personalized Continuum of Care

As an Active Life Plan Community, Freedom Village acknowledges that sometimes, care needs change. To meet those changing needs, there are a variety of supportive healthcare services and affordable options for care provided on site, including nursing staff and EMTs on duty 24/7.

With unique residences or rooms in Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing, we’re able to address residents’ individual care needs. These services offer peace of mind to the seniors who live here because they know they can count on the community’s support.

Request a tour or brochure to learn more about the Independent Living lifestyle at Freedom Village today.