How a Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Community Protects Residents With Allergies

As a pet parent, you know that the last thing you’ll ever do is give up those four-legged furry friends you love so much for whatever reason. However, that is the one thing you worry about if you’re planning on moving into an assisted living community. With most assisted living communities, you don’t have to worry about this at all. When looking for a place, you want to find one that is pet-friendly so you can keep your pets with you rather than deal with the stress and emotional struggle of rehoming them.

The concern of pet allergies in assisted living communities exists even to this day. However, you can still be a pet parent and live in such spaces while respecting the health and safety of others. It takes thoughtful planning, implementing specific measures, and making sure you live the independent life that you deserve despite the need for assistance, even with your beloved pets as your “roommates”. 

Advanced Air Filtration and Ventilation Systems

In modern assisted living retirement communities, there are HVAC systems that are designed to minimize allergens including in your own living space. These include high-efficiency particulate air filters designed to capture numerous allergens such as dust, pet dander, and other allergens. In addition, these ventilation systems also prevent allergens from settling in thanks to the ventilation systems that allow positive air pressure while keeping the hallways and common spaces comfortable.

With this in mind, maintenance schedules that are followed by the staff ensures that these HVAC systems are operational at the highest efficiency every time. Filters are regularly changed and repairs are made promptly should the need arise. As someone who wishes to live in assisted living, this is something that gives you peace of mind if you have allergies yourself. You’ll have a staff that is attentive to your needs along with the needs of other residents, especially when it comes to their health and safety (and the environment that supports it).

Pet-Free Zones and Safe Spaces

While pets can be allowed in your own living space, senior assisted living communities set clear boundaries on where they are allowed and not allowed to go. For example, dining rooms are often considered pet-free environments so you can enjoy a meal without worrying about being exposed to environmental allergens such as pet dander. Staff members can make a decision on where pets are allowed or not. If you are touring a community, you may need to learn more about where you can go with your pets.

Other areas where pet access may be restricted include fitness centers, wellness spaces, or other activity rooms. Sometimes, there may be spaces where pets are allowed during certain time periods and other times they may not be (depending on the activity that might be going on). Nevertheless, there are safe spaces such as your own living space if you deal with regular pet allergies. If you are touring a community before making a decision, you may need to learn more about where you can go with your pets.

Cleaning Protocols For A Safer Living Environment

Many assisted living communities have their own professional housekeeping services. In such communities that are pet friendly, there are cleaning protocols that are followed to remove allergens. This includes specialized practices that involve removing pet dander from places like surfaces, fabrics, even ventilation ducts. Common areas are often cleaned daily using these allergen-specific practices such as addressing high-touch surfaces, upholstered furniture, carpeted areas, and frequently used spaces and items.

Education and Communication Is Key

Assisted living communities that are pet-friendly can rely on regular education and communication to ensure that you and the staff are on the same page when it comes to handling pets. If you tour the community or move in on the first day, the staff communicates with you regarding any health needs you have. This includes allergies or sensitivities that are addressed with certain accommodations.

If you own a pet, you’ll receive guidance on pet grooming, where pets can go on the community grounds, and which areas are off limits to pets. The key here is to establish a space of coexistence and respect with other residents, especially those with pet allergies. Assisted living community staff will work with pet parents like you to help make sure you can still enjoy retirement with your pets without disrupting other residents who may have allergies. 

See How Ansel Park Assisted Living & Memory Care Makes Pet Ownership Comfortable for Everyone

If you are considering the idea of moving into an assisted living community with pets, Ansel Park Assisted Living & Memory Care might be the place for you. We will gladly assist you in what you can do as a resident while living with the most important pets in your life. Our staff will provide you with the best guidance to help you live with your pets and coexist with residents who may deal with pet allergies. Contact us today for more information!