The future of senior living and pets in nursing homes

The difference pets make in the lives of seniors

Around the world, research is showing that pets improve the physical and mental health of older adults. In Japan, a study found that dogs lowered mortality rates among the elderly, and nursing homes that allow pets have become commonplace in countries like the U.S. and Germany. These facilities are more than just a place to live; they're helping to improve the quality of life for seniors.

Innovative nursing homes started overseas

Japan's Sakurano Sato Yamashina is a prime example of a nursing home with pets, where people with dementia have improved after living with dogs. In Germany, only dogs that pass a socialization and friendliness test are admitted, and these dogs bond with other residents, providing a sense of psychological security.

Change has begun in South Korea

In South Korea, pet-friendly nursing homes have also emerged in recent years. Bupyeong and Jongno in Incheon have gained traction by allowing pets to move in with residents. Gyeonggi-do provides subsidies to these facilities, and some silver towns will also allow pets to move in with them starting this year. It's an innovative model that goes beyond just welfare for the elderly and also contributes to preventing abandonment.

Operational challenges and future prospects

However, running these facilities comes with its own set of challenges. Hygiene management issues, securing the consent of non-pet residents, and accountability for pets left behind after a resident's death are among the main challenges. Nevertheless, as South Korea enters an ultra-elderly society, these changes are inevitable and represent an important direction for future senior welfare.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions

Q1: Why are pets said to be good for the health of the elderly?

A1: Studies have shown that the emotional stability and activity provided by pets help improve the physical and mental health of seniors.

Q2: Why are pet-friendly nursing homes on the rise in South Korea?

A2: Because the welfare of the elderly has become a major issue as we enter an ultra-elderly society, and at the same time, the spread of pet culture is driving demand.

Q3: What are the operational challenges?

A3: Hygiene management issues, securing the consent of non-pet residents, and dealing with pets left behind after a resident's death are the main challenges.

Q4: How do international practices differ from domestic practices?

A4: While overseas models are already common in various forms, Korea is still in its early stages and is centered around subsidized and small-scale facilities.

Q5: Is there a possibility of more such facilities in Korea in the future?

A5: With the growing pet culture along with an ultra-elderly society, these facilities are expected to gradually expand.

“Pets are also welcome”...Nursing homes with pets

Pets and elderly health

Studies have shown that living with pets has a positive impact on the physical and mental health of the elderly. In Japan, dogs have been shown to reduce mortality rates among the elderly, and pet-friendly senior care facilities are common in the United States, Germany, Japan, and elsewhere.

International examples: Japan and Germany

Sakurano Sato Yamashina in Japan is a prime example of a pet-friendly nursing home, where dogs and cats live with the elderly and have been shown to improve dementia symptoms. It is so popular that there is a waiting list of over 100 people for admission.

In Germany, only dogs that pass a socialization and companionship test are allowed in, and dogs bond with other residents to provide a sense of security.

South Korea: Getting started

In Korea, Bellagio Rehabilitation Center in Bupyeong, Incheon, and KB Pyeongchang County in Jongno are two of the most prominent facilities that allow pets. Gyeonggi Province is providing subsidies to the two facilities, and some silver towns are also planning to allow pets.

This is significant in terms of preventing abandonment, and could solve the problem of seniors being put off by their pets.

Operational Challenges and Prospects

There are many challenges in operating a nursing home with pets, including hygiene management, consent from non-pet residents, and responsibility for pets after a resident's death. However, these changes are inevitable in Korea, which has entered an ultra-elderly society, and they represent an important direction for future elderly welfare.

#ultra-elderly society #elderly welfare #pet nursing homes #silver town #social bonding

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