PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap

PALS (Pets And Loving Seniors)
Celebrating the human-animal bond through the golden years

Senior citizens in our community often suffer from depression and isolation, compromising their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Frustration, confusion, grief, and loss of self-esteem plague elderly citizens, and unfortunately, distance and ever-busier schedules often prevent younger family members from staying as connected as they would like. Pets can provide many links in the chain of wellness for the elderly.

Pet companionship and unconditional love can provide seniors with a focus and someone to share their days. Studies have proven that people who live with pets have lower rates of heart attack and heart disease. Seniors who have pets or who interact with companion animals on a regular basis tend to be more connected with reality, and suffer less from depression and dementia. Pets also give seniors a way to stay connected with the community by interacting with others about the animal. "Keeping a pet," however, can be intimidating or impossible for a senior without support.

During 2010 PAWS worked with approximately 75 seniors, providing financial assistance to limited-income seniors to allow them to retain their pets, and working hand-in-hand with seniors who have become "permanent foster homes" for less adoptable, elderly cats. A PAWS volunteer coordinates care encoding regular nail trims, and at-home visits from mobile veterinarian and PAWS Board Member Elizabeth Greenless.

PAWS offers to seniors discounted adoption fees for adult cats, encouraging them to consider adding the companionship of a pet to their life, while counseling about some of the drawbacks of seniors living with young puppies and kittens.PAWS also offers counseling and guidance to families planning to care for their elderly members with pets, provides behavioral advice for blending families, and encourages community elder residences (Assisted Living and Nursing Care Facilities) to develop policies allowing seniors to have pets while residing at their facilities.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• seniors and pets
• elderly pet