Pets & Home Care: Understanding the Whole Family
In home care, pets are often much more than animals in the home, they are companions, routines, emotional support systems, and beloved members of the family. For many older adults and homebound clients, a pet may be one of the most important parts of their day.
Research has shown that pets can help reduce loneliness and stress, encourage activity and routine, and may even support emotional wellbeing and cognitive health in older adults. The companionship they provide can be especially meaningful for seniors who are homebound or socially isolated.
And in home care, pets come in all shapes and sizes! Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and yes, even the occasional chicken, goat, or horse, may be in the home or a part of the home environment. Some may be small, some large; some contained, some free-range.
At Evergreen, our Clinical Care Coordinators identify pets during the Start of Care assessment and document important details including type, size, temperament, and names when available. These details are included in client notes and shared by schedulers when offering shifts.
Caregivers, from your first day at Evergreen and throughout your time with us, please be open about your comfort level and preferences around pets. Honest communication helps us create the best caregiver-client match and ensures a positive experience for everyone in the home, two-legged, four-legged, feathered, and everything in between.