On two occasions, I have had clients who have had pets to consider when planning, coordinating, and managing their needs. In both cases, the ladies had cats. The cats had been with both of them for years. In one case, 17 years. In the other, 8 and 10 years. One lady had a fish too.
One woman was living independently when she called me in to help. The other woman was already living in a Senior community receiving assisted living services.
The first woman needed assisted living services but had put off making this move until she was too weak to continue living by herself. At this point she knew she had no choice but to find housing where she could receive help for herself, and, just as importantly to her, where she could keep her two cats. We were able to accomplish this move, and taking the cats along made it at least tolerable.
The general health condition of my second lady began to decline, and within a matter of a few months, 24 hour skilled nursing care was required. Luckily, the nursing facility allowed my client to take the cat with her when moved to the nursing unit. The move for her was much easier knowing that her 17 year old feline would be coming along.
Much is written about the benefits that pets offer us at any stage in life. Pets need people and some people need pets. Pets fill a void for many Seniors whose children live at a distance, and whose spouse may have passed away.
Pets inspire smiles in people who are depressed, talking in those who rarely speak, movement in stiff hands, and arthritic fingers, and laughter in those who are saddened.
The cases outlined above had good endings. It is important to consider planning for your pets should emergencies arise. What will you do if you have to go to the hospital? Who will take care of your pet(s)? Will you have time to arrange for this care, or not? What will happen if you need to move into a care facility and you can’t take your pet?
Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve you from this worry in times of personal crisis. If you are a Floridian, you may wish to read about establishing a trust fund for your pets.
Jane D. Ogilvie