Find Joy Adult Family Home in Puyallup, Washington, is committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where residents flourish. For many seniors, pets are more than companions-they are a source of daily joy, routine, and social engagement. In our care setting, purposeful pet involvement can support emotional health, physical activity, and a sense of purpose, all while enhancing connections with staff, families, and fellow residents. Below, you’ll find thoughtful ways pets contribute to wellbeing and practical guidance for safely integrating animal presence into senior care.
What makes pets good companions for seniors?
Here are some ways cherished animals can support wellbeing for residents at Find Joy in Puyallup:
- Reduced loneliness and isolation through steady, comforting presence
- Increased opportunities for social interaction with staff, visitors, and other residents
- A sense of routine and purpose provided by feeding, grooming, or simply spending time with a pet
- Gentle movement and activity, such as short walks, indoor ambulation, or supervised play
- Emotional support and a sense of security during challenging times
- Cognitive engagement through play, training, and memory-enhancing activities
- Stress relief and mood stabilization during times of anxiety or grief
Could therapy animals enhance life at Find Joy?
Therapy animals-often visiting dogs, cats, or other calm, social species-offer a flexible and beneficial addition to care without requiring long-term pet ownership. They can provide multisensory comfort, spark memories, and encourage reminiscence and conversation among residents. At Find Joy, therapy visits are coordinated with trained handlers, follow strict safety and hygiene protocols, and are scheduled to align with residents’ preferences and energy levels. Therapy animals can be especially impactful for residents who do not have the stamina or household support to care for a full-time pet, while still delivering meaningful companionship.
What makes a therapy visit successful?
- Consistent scheduling that respects resident routines
- Clear communication with families about who can participate
- Attention to allergies, phobias, and safety concerns
- Oversight by staff to monitor mood, engagement, and comfort
- Post-visit reflection to capture benefits and plan future sessions
Pet options for senior care: pros and cons
| Pet Type | Suitable Living Environment | Typical Care Needs | Social and Wellness Benefits | Safety and Allergy Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (small breed) | Ideal for intimate indoor spaces with short outdoor trips | Regular feeding, grooming, short walks, training | High interaction, motivation to move, companionship tree of social engagement | Supervision required around all residents; potential allergies; vaccination and licensing needed |
| Cat | Independent, good for quieter settings | Litter box care, feeding, brushing, enrichment | Gentle presence, quiet activity, can reduce anxiety | Litter hygiene; some residents may be allergic; ensure escape-proof spaces |
| Fish (aquarium) | Very suitable for shared spaces; calming visuals | Tank maintenance, water quality checks, feeding | Visual and relaxing focus; reduces agitation; can be a shared project | Low allergen risk; maintenance demands; ensure tanks are secure |
| Small mammals (guinea pig, hamster) | Compact enclosures fit within common areas or rooms | Cage cleaning, feeding, gentle handling, enrichment | Interactive but low-impact interaction; fosters care routines | Supervision needed for handling; potential veterinary costs |
| Birds (parakeet, canary) | Bright, engaging presence; requires a safe cage | Cage cleaning, regular interaction, noise management | Auditory and social stimulation; enhances mood and curiosity | Possible bird-related allergies; noise can be a factor; ventilation needed |
| Therapy animals (visitation program) | Flexible; visits scheduled to fit resident needs | Guided visits, handler coordination, safety checks | Short-term enrichment, memory cueing, social conversation | Must be vetted; allergies and phobias managed; infection control followed |
What steps are involved to introduce a pet into care?
- Assess resident interest, health status, and potential safety considerations
- Select an appropriate pet type and a specific animal with temperament suitable for a care environment
- Develop a comprehensive care plan outlining feeding, grooming, exercise, enrichment, and staff responsibilities
- Coordinate with families, the resident’s physician, and the facility’s policies to ensure alignment and consent
- Pilot the program with supervised visits or a trial period, observing resident responses and safety
- Evaluate ongoing feasibility, adjust care routines, and plan for long-term sustainability
Practical considerations for pet care at Find Joy
Introducing animals into a senior living setting requires thoughtful planning and ongoing collaboration among staff, families, and residents. Our policies focus on safety, health, and dignity for every person and animal involved.
- Health and vaccination standards: All animals must meet local health requirements, with up-to-date vaccinations and regular veterinary care as appropriate for the species.
- Allergies and sensitivities: We maintain allergy-aware zones and communicate clearly about residents’ sensitivities. Air quality and ventilation are considered to minimize exposure.
- Staffing and training: Care team members receive training on animal handling, recognizing stress signals in residents or pets, and safe interaction practices.
- Hygiene and infection control: We follow strict cleaning protocols for pet areas, toys, and high-touch surfaces to protect residents.
- Resident engagement and consent: Participation is voluntary for residents, and family input is respected. We respect individual preferences and cultural considerations regarding pet presence.
- Emergency planning: Clear procedures exist for health or behavioral concerns involving animals, including evacuation readiness if needed.
- Volunteer coordination: Family and community volunteers support visits in a structured way, with oversight to protect resident safety and pet welfare.
How do we manage allergies and safety?
Staff assess individual allergy profiles and implement designated "pet-free" zones as needed. We also monitor behavioral responses in residents who may react to pet presence and adjust care plans to maintain comfort and safety for everyone.
How are pet visits coordinated?
Visit scheduling is coordinated by the care team with input from families and residents. Visits are brief, purposeful, and aligned with residents’ daily rhythms to maximize positive impact while minimizing disruption.
Real stories from Find Joy: pets making a difference
Residents often describe pets as a bridge to memory and connection. One resident shared, "Basil the therapy cat sits with me and my sister holds her hand-suddenly our stories come alive again." A staff member noted, "The dog’s presence brings reluctant walkers to the hallway; suddenly there is conversation and laughter in the lobby." Among families, there is appreciation for a well-structured program that respects safety while offering genuine companionship. These narratives illustrate the power of animals to humanize daily routines, spark social ties, and enhance emotional resilience.
Find Joy’s approach to pet-enabled wellbeing combines compassionate care with practical safeguards. We believe that well-managed animal presence can soften the days, encourage activity, and nurture a sense of community for seniors in our Puyallup home. By listening to residents, collaborating with families, and upholding strong veterinary and safety standards, we create a caring environment where pets can contribute meaningfully to life-gently, respectfully, and with dignity.
If you’d like to learn more about how Find Joy integrates pets into wellbeing plans, or if you want to discuss a potential pet or therapy visit for a loved one, please reach out to our team. We’re here to listen, tailor, and support every step of the journey toward a happier, more connected life for seniors in care.