Comments on: A New Board & Care Resident – Is She Welcome or Not?

By: Update on Sophie, the New Board & Care Resident | Tender Loving Eldercare

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:31:52 +0000

[...] the New Board & Care Resident September 8th, 2008 Last week I listed my concerns about Sophie the cat moving in with her owner, “P,” the new resident at my mom’s board & care facility. [...]

By: Funny Fridays: Because It Is Better to Laugh than to Cry! | Tender Loving Eldercare

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:15:04 +0000

[...] Better to Laugh than to Cry! September 5th, 2008 Since I started this week with my concerns about pets as residents in board & care homes, it seems appropriate to end this week with some of my favorite pet videos from [...]

By: Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:56:29 +0000

@ Barbara — You’re right that ALL pets and people’s potential allergies to them should be considered. I’m hoping the cat works out just fine. So far, so good. Thanks for the welcome — it’s good to be back!

By: Barbara Swafford

Barbara Swafford — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:05:05 +0000

Hi Linda,

Welcome back.

I like the pet programs they have as I think it does help the elderly by petting them.

Re: the cat. I know it’s different because the cat lives there and that raises the issues of dander, etc. However, some people are allergic to dogs, too.

I think I would check to see what the rules are, and if pets are allowed, just keep an eye on things. It could actually be a blessing.

By: Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:53:22 +0000

@ Lance — Thanks for the welcome. It IS good to be visible again. If the pet was already living there, a new potential resident would have a choice (perhaps) to move in or look for another place. I don’t think I would mind if I knew beforehand that there was a pet living there, but this is the opposite.

@ SpaceAgeSage — I am for the time being in “wait & see” mode. I appreciate your insight into cat behavior since I’ve never lived with one — only dogs (so far).

@ Al at 7P — Yes, I totally endorse those visiting pet programs, too. In fact, by my bringing our dog, I’ve created something similar to what the formal programs do.

By: Al at 7P

Al at 7P — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:20:46 +0000

I’ve hear of programs where they actually bring pets to eldercare as a visit, and the people loved it. I believe they were primarily dogs, but I think cats might be included? At any rate, I think there’s more positive than negative with such an arrangement.

By: SpaceAgeSage

SpaceAgeSage — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:46:13 +0000

Each cat is unique and will respond to people differently. Some will stay away from human feet; others love to rub up against them. Some are perfect in their civil behavior; others are scoundrels. I’ve seen several cats hang out at retail book or music stores and never bother a soul who didn’t want to be bothered.
See what the cat is like and judge then. I’m a cat lover, and you would have to pry my two cats out of my cold, dead hands to separate us, but safety for the residents is another matter, and I understand your concern.

By: Lance

Lance — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:15:45 +0000

I’m all for having pets visit the elderly. I do think, just like kids visiting, pets provide a ray of sunshine. But, like you, I’m not sold on having pets live at the facility. Allergies is a great example. I guess if it were me, I’d prefer that pets not live there.

And, welcome back! Hope all went well off at the campus.