Pets Move In With Owners at Iowa Assisted Living Community

As you know if you’ve been following this blog for a while, pets are moving into some assisted living communities along with their owners these days. Recently, The Hawk Eye, a newspaper in Burlington, Iowa, checked in with the Bickford Cottage, an assisted living center, to see how this whole pets idea was working. They found some pleased residents.

For example, resident John Bolander owns a chihuahua named Pluto.

Members of the Bickford staff take Pluto on walks around the enclosed center courtyard, where he can get some exercise and do his business. Pluto is “very well trained,” Bolander said, and “scratches my leg when he has to go out.” A quick trip outside is only a call button push away.

Staff members also help with feeding, Bolander said.

To learn more about what it’s like to have pets in an assisted living community, click here to watch our video on the topic.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.