Should You Allow Pets in Your Care Facility?

More nursing homes and long-term care facilities are allowing pets in resident rooms. This can be a huge bonus for residents and staff. However, it also comes with risks. Understanding these can help you decide if allowing pets is a good policy for your facility.

Benefits of Allowing Pets

There is no doubt that pets can prove beneficial to residents. They offer companionship and affection that many nursing home patients sorely need. Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety among patients, which may improve health outcomes. 

Risks Pets Pose

Despite their benefits, there are also many risks of allowing pets. Risks can be minimized with certain care policies, but they cannot be completely eliminated. A few of them include:

• The possibility of bites
• Introduction of bacteria and diseases
• Slip and fall hazards

Alternatives to Allowing Pets

Residents can benefit from having pets in care homes, but the risks may be more than you are willing to take on. One way to limit risks while still enjoying the many benefits animals bring is to contract with a therapy pet team. Other nursing homes use robotic pets to provide a connection. 

Ultimately, it will be up to care home management to decide if allowing pets is a viable policy. Considering the benefits, risks, and alternatives can help you make a sound decision.