Planning for Your Care and Your Pets
When considering aged care options, it’s crucial to remember that your pet’s well-being is just as important as your own. Without proper planning, unforeseen circumstances can leave your beloved animal without a safe and loving home.
Planning for The Unexpected
Imagine a scenario where your elderly parent experiences a sudden health crisis, requiring immediate placement in an aged care facility. What happens to their cherished companion, their dog?
- The Legal Dilemma: If you lack the legal authority to rehome the pet, shelters like Lort Smith Animal Hospital may be unable to accept the animal due to insufficient proof of ownership. This can lead to significant stress and uncertainty during an already challenging time.
Humane organisations such as the RSPCA don’t have the room or funds to care for your pet if you suddenly have to go to hospital or into Aged Care, so it’s really important you have made other arrangements just in case.
Preventing Pet-Related Stress During Transition
1. Identify Emergency Caregivers:
Select two responsible friends or family members who are willing to serve as emergency caregivers for your pet.
2. Create a Care Plan:
- Develop a detailed care plan outlining feeding schedules, dietary needs, exercise requirements, preferred veterinarian, and any specific behavioral considerations.
- Share a copy of this plan with your chosen caregivers and keep a copy readily accessible at home.
3. Create an “Alert Card”:
Carry an “alert card” in your wallet or purse containing:
- Pet’s name, breed, and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact information for designated caregivers.
- Emergency contact information for your veterinarian.
4. Legal Preparedness:
- Power of Attorney: Appoint a trusted individual as your Power of Attorney for your pet’s care. This legally empowers them to make decisions regarding your pet’s well-being.
- Will and Testament: Include provisions in your will regarding your pet’s care, ensuring your wishes are legally respected.
5. Explore Pet Legacy Programs:
Consider programs like Lort Smith Animal Hospital’s “Pet Legacy Program.” These programs provide financial support for your pet’s ongoing care, ensuring their needs are met even after you are no longer able to provide for them, Find out more here.
Proper planning can help minimize stress and anxiety for both you and your pet during a challenging transition. This will guarantee that your pet receives the love, care and attention it deserves and provides a peace of mind for yourself knowing your pet is secure allowing you to focus on your own health and well-being.
Important Considerations:
- Humane Societies: Organizations like the RSPCA often lack the resources to provide long-term care for all surrendered animals.
- Shelter Limitations: Shelters prioritize adoptable animals and may not always be able to accommodate pets with specific needs.
At Homestyle Aged Care, we understand the importance of addressing the holistic needs of our residents, including their emotional well-being. We strive to create a supportive and compassionate environment for both residents and their beloved pets.
If you would like to contact us with regards to short-term or long-term accommodation in one of our homes in Melbourne & Geelong, you can phone us on 1300 104 663 or contact us here.
