As you arrange for home health care and other services to improve your elderly loved one's life, you may also consider getting them a dog. A pet can provide companionship, help lower stress, relieve depression, and encourage your loved one to be more independent. To get the most out of the experience, you need to choose the right dog. Here are a few factors to consider to ensure their new pet will fit into your aging loved one’s home health care routine.

How to Pick a Pet for an Elderly Individual

1. Breed

While a dog's breed isn't their only defining trait, it can help give you a rough idea of their personality and needs. Working dogs like collies and huskies tend to be high-energy and need lots of exercise and attention, while labs and pugs are calmer.

2. Age

Older dogs tend to be calmer and less energetic than puppies. They are often better fits for your senior family member's lifestyle. Be sure to look for a dog who is well-trained, as some old dogs may have undesirable habits.

3. Cost

If your loved one is on a tight budget, make sure they have a plan for taking care of their pet. Not only does a dog need food, bedding, and toys, he also needs vet care, and some dogs may have more medical needs than others. These costs shouldn’t detract from the other aspects of your loved one’s home health care.

4. Living Situation

A larger or higher energy dog needs more space to run around in than a small breed. Make sure the dog you choose will do well in your loved one's house or apartment. Also make sure to comply with any rules set in place by their landlord about the sizes and types of dogs allowed.

5. Personality

For a dog to fit into your loved one’s home health care situation, it needs to have the right personality. Make sure your loved one gets a chance to meet the specific dog you're considering before you make a final decision. All dogs have their quirks, and you want to make sure they'll get along with their new owner. Ask breeders, previous owners, or shelter staff about the personality and needs of the dog you're considering to make sure they're a good fit.

To improve the life of your elderly loved one, arrange home health care from Lifetime Care in Rochester, NY. Serving Monroe County since 1960, they offer home aide services and hospice care to over 33,000 patients, offering attentive, cost-effective home health care. To learn more about their services, call (585) 214-1000 or reach out online.