Pet care support
Attentive pet care from trusted Care Professionals, allowing older people to focus on quality time with their beloved pets without the stress and physical demands of their care.
What is pet care for older people?
Many older people develop health conditions as they age, such as arthritis, dementia or Parkinson’s disease, and this can make caring for furry, feathered or scaly friends more challenging. In some cases, it may become impossible.
Pets bring great joy and companionship to the lives of older people, and are often considered part of the family, so our Care Professionals are on hand to help look after them, taking on tasks like:
- Remembering to feed pets and top up water bowls
- Changing litter trays
- Walking dogs or letting them outside for toilet breaks
- Cleaning out cages, fish tanks or other environments
- Transporting pets to veterinary appointments (if needed)
- Facilitating quality time with pets if handling them becomes more difficult
Why is pet care helpful for older adults?
Research has shown that owning a pet can lead to better health outcomes for older people, which could be due to their stress relieving effects and the companionship they provide. Pets of all types can also give older adults structure in their day, and are generally enjoyable to be around.
As abilities change over time, an older person may find they are no longer able to provide a pet with the attentive care they deserve, but this does not mean they must live without them. Older adults can continue to benefit from having their pet around thanks to regular home care visits. Our Care Professionals can help to maintain their care routines, ensure pets are well looked after, and keep cherished animal friends in the home.
Do I need pet care?
If you are beginning to experience fatigue due to the strenuous physical activity involved in taking care of your pet, or you are becoming anxious about forgetting their needs, then it could be helpful to include pet care in your home care package. This can give you peace of mind that the pet you love is being properly nurtured.
Our Care Professionals can take on pet care in a variety of circumstances, for example if mobility issues make walking a dog more difficult and tiring, if arthritis impacts the ability to handle small pets, or if dementia causes worries about forgetting to feed a pet or attend a veterinary appointment. Whatever your needs are, we can provide support.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
Knowing that mum has caring and genuine people to help take care of her gives me peace of mind and mum looks forward to seeing the Care Professionals. Thank you for making such a big difference to both of our lives.Rebecca, Client's Family
As I got older, I realised that this service had made me happy in my own home.Elisie, Client
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How to get started arranging pet care
It can be difficult to hand over the care of your beloved pet to a stranger, but our trusted Care Professionals will keep you as involved in the process as you would like to be. From helping you to enjoy safe walks with your pet, to facilitating activities that allow you to spend quality time with them – we ensure your best friend continues to be shown the love and attention you have given them for so many years.
We take great care in matching older adults with a caregiver who shares their interests and values, so if your pet means the world to you, you can rest assured your Care Professional will treat them as they would their own.
Why Home Instead?
Our compassionate Care Professionals understand how important pets are as companions to older adults, which is why we offer pet care as part of our tailored home care packages.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and we strive to offer the exact combination of services that will benefit you, from specialist care to support any medical needs you have, to trusted pet care when their daily routine becomes too demanding.
We understand there’s no place like home, so our Care Professionals are dedicated to helping the pets who make yours so enjoyable, welcoming and homely.
FAQs
What is pet care support for the elderly at home?
Pet care support for the elderly at home involves assistance with looking after pets, helping older adults maintain the special bond they share with their animals. This support may include help with feeding, grooming, walking, and vet visits, ensuring pets remain healthy and cared for even when their owners face physical challenges.
What kind of services are included in pet care support?
Pet care support services are tailored to meet the needs of both the elderly individual and their pet. These services can include:
- Daily feeding and fresh water provision
- Walking and exercise for dogs
- Litter box cleaning or waste removal for pets
- Grooming such as bathing, brushing, or nail trimming
- Assistance with trips to the vet or arranging veterinary home visits
- Providing companionship and interaction for the pet
Such services ensure that pet owners can continue enjoying the benefits of companionship without added strain.
How does pet care support benefit elderly pet owners?
Providing support with pet care allows elderly individuals to retain the joy and emotional support pets bring without being overwhelmed by the responsibilities. Maintaining a pet has been shown to reduce stress, combat loneliness, and offer a sense of purpose, especially for older adults. With the right support, pets and their owners can both thrive in a safe and loving environment.
How can I arrange pet care support at home?
To arrange care, get in touch with your local Home Instead office for an initial chat, and we’ll put together a package that’s fully tailored for the needs of both yourself and your pet or pets.
What should I consider when choosing a pet care provider?
When selecting a provider, look for one like Home Instead that employs trained and experienced carers who specialise in elderly care, and ask for a Care Professional with experience looking after your type of pet. Check for accreditation, insurance, and reputation by reading reviews or asking for recommendations. A good provider will work closely with you to regularly review and adapt the care plan, ensuring it continues to meet your needs effectively.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.