Animals are well-known for their calming affects, and as you might imagine, those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia—just like the rest of us—can benefit immensely from having a dog, cat, or other animal as a companion. Some nursing homes and assisted living facilities have even incorporated pets into their environments for their known benefits to residents. In such cases, the pets are usually trained specifically for therapeutic purposes, so as to reduce the likelihood of an unpleasant interaction.
That said, however, not all individuals feel similarly about pets, and while one person may want a pet around him or her nearly all the time, other people may feel strongly, for instance, that pets belong outside only or are only appropriate in very specific circumstances. Still others, may have some major issues with certain types of animals that make the presence of a cat or dog, for instance, very unpleasant. To explain, some individuals may have allergies to common animals, such as cats, and while an individual may have fond feelings about most dogs, he or she may have an extreme aversion to very large dogs, which evoke feelings of stress and anxiety. That said, a cat or dog may not be the best option; however, a loved one may benefit from the presence of other animals, such as fish or birds.
If you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of a pet—especially if you and your loved one have other family members who feel very differently—then you may want to speak with an Ohio elder law attorney. An Ohio elder law attorney can help you sort through any particular concerns you might have by taking time to explain the legal ramifications as well as the potential consequences of any of your decisions.
