Are Rabbits Good Pets for Seniors?

Hooray! International Rabbit Day is coming up! You might be wondering just what that could possibly have to do with being a family caregiver to an older adult. Well, if you’ve been considering whether a pet might make your aging relative happier, you just might want to think about getting them a rabbit. Studies have shown that having a pet can improve health by lowering blood pressure, reducing loneliness, and increasing physical activity. Rabbits have the benefits and many more.

Homecare in Pacifica CA: International Rabbit Day

Below are some good reasons for choosing a rabbit as a pet for your aging relative.

-Rabbits Are Good Therapy

Just like dogs and cats, rabbits are also used for animal therapy. They have been successfully used to calm people with Alzheimer’s disease. Their twitchy noses and soft fur put a smile on the faces of older adults who might be otherwise unresponsive to things going on around them.

-Rabbits are Small

Though rabbits come in many sizes, you can get some that are quite tiny, making them perfect for lap-pets. Small rabbits are light, so they won’t place too much pressure on frail legs and fragile skin. They also don’t take up much room, so they make good pets for older adults who have downsized to smaller homes.

-Rabbits are Quiet

If your aging relative doesn’t like a lot of noise or lives in a community where a barking dog might be a nuisance, a rabbit makes a good choice because they don’t make any noise. And, since they are quiet, they won’t interrupt the sleep of older adults who are light sleepers.

-Rabbits Bond with People Just Like Other Pets

Rabbits form relationships with humans just as other pets do. This means that rabbits react to their owners, come when called, follow them around the house, and even follow commands.

-Rabbits Can Be Litter Trained

Just like a cat, a rabbit can be trained to use a litterbox. Therefore, your aging relative won’t need to take the rabbit outside like they would a dog, making them a good choice for a senior with limited mobility.

-Rabbits Aren’t Difficult to Care For

Rabbits are a fairly easy pet to care for, which is good news for family caregivers. Having a rabbit in the home won’t create a lot of extra work for caregivers. They simply need daily feeding and fresh water, someone to clean their litter occasionally, an occasional brushing, and plenty of love.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Pacifica, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203

Sources
Oregonlive.com
Vetstreet.com
Petfinder.com
Cdc.gov

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Evan Loevner, CEO

CEO at Aviva In-home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate San Francisco resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver. This starts by including the family throughout the care planning process, a key component of the concept of “family-centered care,” which has been adopted by top medical centers. A strong communication loop between family, the caregiver, Aviva management, and community healthcare practitioners is essential for ensuring that all the needs of the client are met. While this may not sound like a novel concept, it is not commonly practiced within the home care community.

At Aviva, we also use the latest in health technology to maximize opportunities for communication between all members of our client’s care circles. We utilize nursing oversight to ensure that we are in compliance with physician orders, and that our careplans are being properly administered. Lastly, Aviva is a proud member of The Senior’s Choice, a national network of leading home care agencies that share best practices and focus on continual improvement.

As owner of the business, I also promise to you my direct involvement in your loved ones care, and will always make myself available for feedback and improvements in our service. I look forward to working with you and your loved one on creating a care plan that is perfectly suited to the family's needs. Thank you for considering Aviva as your care partner.

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