Pet Friendly Senior Living in Fort Smith: What to Expect
More than three out of every five people who own a dog manage to get the recommended amount of exercise they need in any given week. This statistic from UC Davis goes a long way toward proving that having a pet is not a lavish extra for those along the scenic Arkansas River, just minutes from the opulent beauty of the Ozark foothills.
Instead, it can offer real benefits to anyone beyond being a companion. For this reason, Morada Fort Smith, in Fort Smith, AR, supports animal companionship, going so far as to assist our residents in promoting their pet ownership.
Instead of the limitations other landlords might put on your loved ones, read on to learn how we aim to help by offering pet-friendly senior living, letting residents focus on companionship and all the benefits that it provides. Discover how regular interactions with pets can benefit someone in our community.
What Pet-Friendly Senior Living Looks Like
Our purpose is to help seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to keep their pets when they move into a senior community. As such, Fort Smith offers pet-friendly services that support a diverse community, with every decision made with the understanding that those with us may have their pets with them.
For example, walking paths loop around our community, offering residents the chance to enjoy a stroll in the morning or evening. Meanwhile, shaded benches throughout the grounds allow loved ones to sit down whenever they need to. A pet can:
- Join them on these walks
- offering a sense of solace
- Provide companionship
- Serve as a key topic of conversation with others
When residents return to their dog-friendly apartments, they also need not worry about the more difficult nuances of pet ownership. Our teams will keep your loved ones' homes clean as often as necessary, and a weekly housekeeping stop-off ensures the location remains in good condition. Don't worry about these chores, as our staff can ensure that those in our care don't need to worry about such stresses.
Private Dog Parks
For residents with faithful canines, we offer a private dog park to give their furry companions a chance to really stretch their legs. With space for several dogs to run around freely and engage with one another, it's not only the humans in our community who have a good chance to socialize.
In this space, we provide benches for our residents to sit on, allowing your loved ones to spend as much time as they wish socializing with their dog off-leash, giving their pet the freedom of movement it needs.
Caring Staff and Neighbor Support for Pet Owners
We understand that it can be very challenging for some residents to manage issues like package deliveries and veterinary appointments without assistance, especially in later years. For this reason, our full-time, staffed concierge desk can handle many of the time-sensitive issues that your loved ones can face.
Residents can discuss their needs with us, letting us know when their pet requires assistance or care, and we can work with them to ensure that the companion receives the necessary attention.
Similarly, talking to our community staff about pet supplies will allow them to order in things like:
- Pet food
- Cat litter
- Pet medication
- Replacement pet toys
If something needs construction, such as a carrier or scratch post, and a resident is unable to do it, they can contact our team. Then, the next time there is a free moment, our staff will ensure that your loved one's needs are met.
Healthy Living Through Pet-Driven Activity
With 80% of pet owners saying that their pet reduces loneliness, we understand how it can be all the little touches that make a resident's day that much better. As such, we take every opportunity to remove impediments to seniors' lives with their pets.
We will encourage residents to engage in activities like daily strolls to ensure people get the exercise they need. Alongside other physical and emotional wellness classes and yoga activities, it can have a profoundly positive impact on a resident's health.
Aging with pets by their side offers significant benefits to residents. Dogs, for example, are often noted for reducing cortisol levels, easing issues such as chronic stress, and providing a generally relaxing effect on our bodies when we pet them.
Similarly, cats' purring, or sounds similar to it, can be effective in ensuring the well-being of an individual. Behavioral health therapists note the vibrations from a cat's purr to:
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Regenerate bone cells
- Increase bone density
- Regulate the nervous system
- Lower stress
- Promote happiness
- Alleviate pain
Indirectly, the act of shared grooming rituals also provides an opportunity for tactile contact with a companion, thereby strengthening the bond between pet and owner. At the same time, the playful behavior of pets can elevate a person's mood through a simple game. When shared with another resident, it can lead to social engagement and lasting emotional benefits.
Preparing to Join a Pet-Friendly Community
Before a resident joins Fort Smith senior living community, they must ensure that their pet will be a suitable fit for life there. Steps such as vaccinations, having the proper equipment to leash or transport the pet, and knowing how to clean up a pet's waste are essential to provide a resident with everything they need to care for their companion.
As such, ask about the pet policies of Fort Smith before moving in to avoid any surprises, and be prepared to take steps to prepare the pet for moving in. Please note that a resident may need to demonstrate that their pet is friendly before it can reside in Fort Smith.
Pet Ownership for Seniors in Morada Fort Smith
We do everything we can to ensure that both our residents and their companions are well cared for and that the entire experience of living in our pet-friendly senior living community is as enjoyable as possible.
If you'd like to learn more, schedule a personal tour with us and discover how we ensure pets fit seamlessly into our community. Then, watch both your loved one and their pet settle in faster than you may have expected.