When you’re in the process of looking for a pet-friendly assisted living in Bernalillo, NM, for a loved one, it can be hard to find one that is pet-friendly. After all, most assisted living communities are built with human residents in mind and aren’t built with pets in mind. But don’t worry! There are many pet-friendly assisted living centers that your loved one can enjoy with their furry friends by their side. Here’s what you need to know about finding this type of senior-friendly independent living community:
Start Looking Immediately
You should begin your search for a pet-friendly assisted living community immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute, as there may not be any options available. Finding the right place for your loved one and their pet takes time, but you should start looking now to give yourself enough time to find the best option possible. When searching for a senior-friendly independent living community for your loved one and their pet, consider these things:
- Where are they located? Is this location convenient for you? This is important because you don’t want to drive too far away from home if possible. Consider how much time it will take them each day just getting there and back again—and add that on top of everything else they have going on in their life!
- Ask about the pet policy. What kind of pets are allowed? How many pets are allowed per resident or family member? Are there restrictions on your pet’s size, age, or breed? Are there additional fees for each pet? What about a deposit for their stay at the assisted living?
- Ask about the pet activities. Is there an area where residents can walk their dogs together and socialize with other people who have pets in residence as well? Can residents bring in treats for their animals so they can share with others during meals at mealtimes, or maybe even take them out on special outings around town while they go shopping together (or separately)?
- Ask about the care team’s expertise in handling animals. Do they have experience working with elderly individuals or those who have dementia/Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of mental impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s Disease; do they work well with children under 18 years old; do they have first aid training including CPR certification.
Visit the Local Vet
Whether you are adopting a new pet or bringing your current pet to visit the assisted living community for the first time, you should be sure that they have taken all their shots and are up-to-date on their medical treatments. Your vet will be able to tell you what vaccinations they need and if any other special medical conditions require monitoring.
It’s also essential to ensure your vet checks out the retirement community before moving in your loved one. They can recommend good places for service animals or pets who may require more specialized care (like diabetic animals). They’ll let you know if there’s anything specific about the community that might pose a problem for your animal companion. If nothing comes up during this visit, schedule an evaluation with them after moving so they can check in with the new place’s team and provide any additional information on caring for pets in assisted living specifically.
