Maine Assisted Living

Maine Assisted Living

Maine is a far northeastern state. Those that live in the great state of Maine experience tight knit communities that often involve pets. How have senior living centers adjusted to a growing number of pets in households?

Pet Friendly Assisted Living in Maine - General Amenities

Pets add a lot of value to a home for people of all ages. They make best friends and are especially important to older people that experience loneliness. Elderly people who have lost their spouses or whose kids have moved out may appreciate the company of a four-legged companion that helps them to combat loneliness and depression that often accompanies older age. 

Thankfully assisted living complexes, and other forms of elderly care, are starting to adjust their practices to allow pets. While residents at nursing homes are not usually considered able enough to care for pets, members of an assisted living community who are in reasonably good health are generally capable of caring for a dog or a cat.

Assisted living providers have loosen their standards as many now allow cats to live in private rooms, and even dogs in certain facilities. 

Aside from the allowance of animals, pet friendly assisted living facilities in Maine are just like regular senior homes. The complexes still provide meals, housekeeping, health checkups, assistance with daily activities, and other coordinated activities.

Pet Friendly Amenities in Maine Assisted Living Facilities

Every assisted living facility has its own definition as to what makes it pet friendly. For some providers it is as simple as allowing residents to live with a cat or dog. For other assisted living facilities that grant Baby Boomers with the opportunity to bring their pets outside in a designated recreational area, on a walking trail, or other type of facility.

Pet amenities may get even more sophisticated than that. Some dog friendly or cat friendly facilities may feature their own in-house pet sitting and walking service. It is a really nice luxury for seniors that may not always have the energy and physical ability to walk their dogs every single day.

Pet spas can even help groom a pet and provide an escape for an hour or two if seniors really want to treat them. A veterinarian may also make an appearance once or twice a month to offer checkups, and even be able to visit your room personally.

If the facility lacks these amenities internally you should request information about pet services that are located nearby, such as veterinary clinics and kennels.

Assisted Living with Pets in Maine - Different Types of Pet Policies

Maine pet friendly assisted living communities and other types of elderly care homes have their own policy regarding pets, if allowed.

If you, or a loved one has a pet that they definitely would like to bring with them to their next home - then you first need to make sure the complex will allow your specific type of pet. Cat friendly assisted living homes are far more common than dog friendly assisted living homes just because cats are quieter and require less hands-on attention.

Dogs can be noisy and bark a lot, so if the facility does allow them it is important to make sure the pet will be mindful enough in a busy senior living complex. Pet friendly assisted living centers usually separate residences from pet owners vs. non-pet owners but you may want to check on this policy as well.