Pet-Friendly Care Homes in Dorset, Bournemouth, and Poole
Pets play a large part in our lives. Whether you have a cat, dog or something smaller like a hamster, they become part of the family. So, when moving into a care home, you don’t want to leave them behind. Pet-friendly care homes allow you to keep your pet in your life.
These homes will allow the pet to move in with your loved one, often helping them transition into their new home and providing many emotional, physical and mental benefits throughout their care.
At LuxuryCare, each of our homes in Poole and Bournemouth are pet-friendly, and we encourage friends and families to bring in their pets and the pets of their loved ones when they visit. We have seen how a tail-wagging dog can light up the face of one of our residents and how a cuddle with a cat on their knees can calm them down.
Why Pets Are Important in Care Homes
The benefits of enjoying the companionship of pets are numerous, and visits from pets can make a big difference in the lives of our residents.
Whether they are receiving residential care, nursing care, respite care, or dementia care, a bit of time with their furry friend always has a positive impact on their emotional, physical and social well-being.
Emotional Benefits
Pets are more than an animal to their owners. They are their friends, companions and someone to share life with.
The unconditional love and support shown by animals provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and improve the mental well-being of elderly individuals.
Pets can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, which means their presence will often calm your loved one down, reducing any anxiety and stress they might be feeling.
These benefits continue even in a care home as they are a familiar face to see and a familiar character to cuddle.
Physical Health Benefits
Dogs and cats can often encourage movement and physical activity, such as walking or playing, which can help to increase mobility and flexibility.
This movement can also help improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
Interacting with pets has also been known to reduce blood pressure, so allowing them to visit can reduce the risk of heart-related issues and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Social Interaction
Pets visiting can often foster a connection between other residents and the staff.
When moving in, they can break the ice, acting as a conversation starter as most people want to say hello to the pet and interact with it. In doing this, they will often start a conversation, and a relationship can build from there.
A visit from a pet often breaks social barriers, encouraging even the most reserved resident to engage in conversation. This reduces the isolation and loneliness felt, not just by your loved one but by others who get to enjoy the company and interaction.
LuxuryCare's Pet-Friendly Policy
Each of our pet-friendly care homes has a flexible policy for our residents’ pets.
In situations where the pets can’t stay in the care home with your loved one at all times, we always welcome them for a visit.
We don’t have any pet-specific areas, although we might encourage them to stay out of the dining room during lunch and dinner, and they will not be allowed into the kitchen.
Each of our pet-friendly care homes has a garden, so dogs and cats can be taken out to the open space to enjoy games and sunlight.
It is advised that you inform us when you are planning on visiting with your or your loved one’s pet so we can let other residents know who can make plans or we can make adjustments should they need us to, as not everyone is an animal lover and some might be allergic to fur.
Have A Question? Here Are Some FAQs
Yes, LuxuryCare are pet-friendly care homes, so your pet can visit you in the care home as and when you would like them to.
We are happy to welcome most pets into our care home. Dogs and cats are the most common animal visitors we have, but we are open to welcoming other animals. We ask that you let us know when and what type of animal you are planning to bring in so that we can prepare for it.
Have Further Questions? Contact Us
If you still have further questions about our pet-friendly care homes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
We believe that animals enhance the lifestyle of our residents, and don’t want to hinder that when they transition into our care home. Each day, we see how the love, devotion and joy pets bring can help our residents.
Call us on 01202 037373 or complete our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you.
