Cats, dogs and other small animals have provided hundreds of residents with comfort as they transition into a senior living community.

Bailey spends his days napping, sunbathing by the window and socializing with the residents and staff of Belmont Village Oak Park—he’s become a favorite among many of his neighbors. Like many residents’ pets, the friendly 30-pound cat lives with his owner as a valued companion.

Cats, dogs and other small animals have provided hundreds of Belmont Village residents with comfort as they transition into a senior living community for the first time, often improving the lives of their owners and neighbors. When Bailey’s owner, Jacqy Carnahan, and her daughter were searching for an assisted living community, bringing Bailey was nonnegotiable.

“Having a companion is wonderful – he gives me someone to talk to,” Jacqy said. The two have a daily routine together, starting with Bailey’s wake-up call each morning. “He gently touches my shoulder several times to wake me up in the morning.”

Belmont Village residents don’t have to own a pet to experience the benefits of their companionship. Staff member pets and therapy animals are regular visitors to the communities. Caily O’Donovan, executive director at Belmont Village Oak Park, brings her own dog to Belmont once a week.

“Most residents light up when animals are around.  Residents who would normally be quiet become enamored when dogs are in the building.  Most people have had pets at some point and their memories come alive when an animal visits,” Caily said.

In many cases, staff members treat residents’ pets as their own, building long lasting relationships and providing comfort for residents and their family members. “I was very close to one of our residents and his cat at our Hunters Creek community. When our resident passed on, his family came to me and asked me to continue caring for Venus,” said Christy Christine, Belmont Village community relations associate. “I was honored that they would allow me to take responsibility for her. She’s now joined me at Belmont Village Lakeway, where I hope she will bring smiles to our new residents.”

Therapy animals can have both physical and mental health benefits, ranging from lowering blood pressure to reducing anxiety. Memory Care residents at Belmont Village Westlake Hills spend time with therapy animals from Tiny Tails to You! once a month. The therapy, which includes rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and even chinchillas, is about more than just petting cute animals, according to Activity Programs Coordinator Lucinda Farrah. The animals often trigger memories of their own experiences with past pets.

“The residents enjoy holding and petting the animals, and it usually generates conversations about their childhood or their children’s pets,” Lucinda said. “The more exotic pets really interest the residents and almost always lead to a teaching and learning experience, as they ask the handlers for details about the animals.”

Each Belmont Village community accepts pets at the discretion of their executive directors, welcoming friendly cats and dogs who improve the lives of their owners. For more information on the pet therapy programs or pet policy at your local Belmont Village, contact the community nearest you.

Benefits of Pet Therapy*

For Physical Health

• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Has a calming effect, releasing oxytocin
• Diminishes physical pain

For Mental Health

• Lifts spirits and lessens depression
• Decreases feelings of isolation and alienation
• Encourages communication
• Increases socialization and sense of community
• Decreases anxiety
• Reduces loneliness

*According to Paws for People.