Pet-Friendly Assisted Living in Orland Park, IL: What to Expect
Pew Research Center reports that 62% of Americans own a pet, while 35% have more than one. Many pet owners consider their animals friends, and the bond doesn't diminish with age.
Orland Park, located just 25 miles southwest of Chicago, is a perfect option if you're looking for a caring, pet-friendly environment for your aging loved one.
The welcoming village offers suburban comfort with access to big-city perks. It also features numerous parks, trails, restaurants, and a wide range of amenities suitable for seniors.
Here, we cover why pet-friendly assisted living in Orland Park, IL, is a great choice. We'll also explore different ways senior living communities can support your loved one and their animal companion.
The Benefits of Assisted Living With Pets in Orland Park
Choosing a community that welcomes animals will support your loved one in many ways. For example, if they have a dog, they can maintain an active lifestyle when walking along local trails, such as the Lake Sedgewick paths.
They will also stay connected to the community when exploring nearby pet-friendly spaces such as Centennial Park.
Many seniors experience loneliness after moving into assisted living communities, especially during the first few days. While engaging in exclusive programs and activities will help them connect with other residents over time, they may benefit from familiar companionship right away.
Dog-friendly senior communities make the transition into assisted living easier. Your loved one will get an instant connection during the early days. They'll also have a sense of routine, which is great for their mental health.
Other benefits of choosing a pet-friendly community include:
- It presents more opportunities for social interaction and outdoor activity
- Pets offer emotional support when dealing with grief or illness
- Staying active with pets improves heart health
Your loved one will likely move away from family or step back from their roles in the community as they age.
These changes give them more freedom and leisure time, but they may also cause them to feel unsure about their place in the world. Caring for a pet restores a sense of daily purpose and can help your loved one feel in control of their life.
What Kind of Pets Are Allowed in Orland Park Senior Living?
Each senior living community has unique rules regarding aging with animal companionship. However, most locations welcome cats, small to medium-sized dogs, and birds. Some communities may also permit keeping fish and reptiles.
At Discovery Commons Orland Park, we provide a supportive and vibrant senior living environment. Our staff will explain our policies about pets and help your loved one's companion settle in.
Local Services to Support Seniors and Their Pets
Orland Park offers the perfect environment for your loved one to live with their pet. It has various veterinary clinics and grooming shops to ensure animals stay healthy and tidy.
The village also has pet supply stores, dog parks, and other convenient services, which will make it easy for your loved one to care for their pet. Some pet resources available near Discovery Commons Orland Park include:
- Animal Medical Center of Orland Park
- Petco Orland Park
- Orland Grassland
These local resources ensure that seniors and their pets enjoy a better lifestyle while in an assisted living community. Further, they give you peace of mind since you'll know your loved one has convenient access to pet amenities.
How Discovery Commons Orland Park Supports Seniors With Pets
At Discovery Commons Orland Park, we value pets and the benefits they offer seniors. Our community embraces them by offering pet-friendly apartments with outdoor access and slip-resistant floors.
Additionally, we offer walking groups, where our staff will accompany your loved one and other residents as they stroll with their companions.
During these walks, your loved one will connect with other pet owners while ensuring their furry friend stays active and healthy. Here are other ways we support seniors with pets:
- Offering safety checks
- Suggesting nearby pets' resources
- Helping seniors manage their pets' medication
- Helping them arrange vet visits and grooming services
Apart from supporting seniors who move into our community with pets, we also help those without furry companions enjoy their benefits. Our team often plans special visits with therapy animals, which can help reduce stress and boost happiness.
Factors to Consider When Thinking About Pet-Friendly Assisted Living
Pets offer comfort, joy, and routine, but they also require attention and responsibility. Before bringing one into a senior living community in Orland Park, IL, consider a few crucial factors. These are:
- The animal's behavior and health condition
- The pet's ability to adjust to the new environment
- Your loved one's ability to safely care for the pet
- The community's policy about pets in memory care
Working with a supportive senior living community like Discovery Commons Orland Park will allow you to have an open conversation with your loved one regarding pet care. It also helps you know what to expect if your loved one's health changes and they need to move into memory care.
Tips for Transitioning Seniors and Their Pets
Moving into assisted living in Orland Park is a significant change for your loved one and their pet. However, with the proper preparation, you can make the process easier and more comfortable. Here are some tips to support the transition:
- Visit the community with your loved one and their pet
- Encourage your loved one to bring familiar items
- Work with senior living staff to create a cozy pet corner
At Discovery Commons Orland Park, we have employees trained to help with pet care during the adjustment period. They can provide extra walks, help with feeding, and check in on your loved one and their pet.
Get Pet-Friendly Assisted Living at Discovery Commons Orland Park
Your loved one doesn't have to choose between quality senior care and their companion animal. Pick a pet-friendly assisted living community to simplify the transition and ensure they have familiar company.
Consult the staff to understand the policies about pets and emotional support animals for elderly. Moreover, discuss your loved one's needs so they can get the necessary help with pet care.
Discovery Commons Orland Park offers upscale senior living in a scenic neighborhood. We have exceptional and supportive caregivers who ensure residents have a high-quality life as they age. Contact us to check out our community.