Pets play a major role in our lives and have come to be regarded as treasured family members. They are especially vital to the health and well-being of seniors, as they often fill a void in cases where family members live out of the area or a spouse has died. Fortunately, senior living communities have come to recognize the strong bond that exists between seniors and their beloved pets. Many now welcome pets to join their owners in making the transition to this next phase of life.
The acceptance of pets represents a dramatic shift from a time – as little as a decade ago – when a majority of communities were pet-free. Research has helped turn that viewpoint in the opposite direction. It deems that parting with a pet is a highly emotional experience, especially for seniors. In fact, prior to the acceptance of pets, many seniors resisted making the move to a retirement community because of their pets.
Today, that is no longer the case. Pets are perceived as playing important roles in the health, happiness and well-being of their senior-aged owners. Not only do they provide companionship, but dogs in particular can also help seniors from both a physical (exercise) and social (meeting other pet owners) perspective. Oftentimes, pets provide their owners with the will to live.
In addition to welcoming pets as residents, many communities are home to “resident” pets that dispense TLC to seniors who are unable to care for personal pets but enjoy their company. Therapy pets have even become viewed as being holistic keys to unlocking the mind, as many seniors with memory loss can interact with an animal and recall their childhood or the pets that were once part of their lives. Still other communities welcome pet-therapy organizations whose volunteers visit with residents on a regular basis.
As you will discover, senior living communities in Lancaster County are embracing the trend of welcoming pets as residents. That fact is evident in the various advertising and marketing campaigns that features pets. Many communities are home to “resident” pets that provide a connection for those who can no longer care for a pet. Volunteers with therapy-pet organizations are also regular visitors. No doubt, pet-friendly communities are one of the reasons why Lancaster County is regarded as one of the best places to retire in the United States.
Ninth Annual Explore Retirement Living
Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Eighteen Senior Living Communities will be opening their doors to the public, allowing visitors to discover the qualities and amenities that make each of the communities unique. The goal of the tour is to simply provide visitors with a day to explore their options. No RSVP is needed.
- • Wear walking shoes! You may be walking quite a bit to visit different models and features on display.
- • Bring your family and friends. The open house is a wonderful way to engage those closest to you in this important decision. It’s benefical to get their feedback and support.
- • Determine which communities you want to visit and plan to spend 1-2 hours at each site.
- • Come with questions! Your hosts will do their best to answer them. If you still want to find out more, you can make a follow-up appointment or phone call.
Please note, not all communities profiled in this special section take part in this event.
For details and participating communities, visit Exploreretirementliving.org.
DVGRR Seniors 4 Seniors Program
Steph Barbour and Pippa
Earlier this year, Rich and Steph Barbour decided it was time to add a dog to their new lifestyle at Warwick Woodlands in Lititz. “We aren’t traveling as much, so we now have the time to devote to a dog,” Bob explains. They learned of the Seniors 4 Seniors program at Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) and scheduled a visit.
DVGRR, which is headquartered in Reinholds, has placed more than 5,000 golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, goldendoodles and Labradoodles in loving homes since it was founded in 1993. Six years ago, the organization purchased an adjoining property, naming it The Lynn Glennon Sanctuary. It’s designated as a haven for relinquished senior-aged golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, goldendoodles and Labradoodles, as well as puppy mill survivors.
DVGRR developed the Seniors 4 Seniors program, which matches senior dogs (ages 8+) with senior-aged (65+) adopters. The adoption process benefits both sets of seniors: the dogs live a slower-paced lifestyle, while their adopters gain companionship and with it, a host of benefits, including exercise, a social outlet, etc. Financial incentives offered by DVGRR help the two sets of seniors form a partnership (potential adopters must meet DVGRR’s other eligibility requirements).
The Barbours welcomed Pippa into their home in February through the program. Naming the very friendly golden was a family effort. “We held a contest, and Pippa was the name that won,” Steph says.
For more information, call 717-484-4799 or visit dvgrr.org.
Calvary Homes
A Community of Faith and Fellowship Overview Type of Community: Calvary Homes is an independent, not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community. Range of Services: Independent-living apartments and cottages, personal care with memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and respite care as available. Residential Options: Calvary Homes is conveniently located in a beautiful tree-filled neighborhood just outside […]
United Zion Retirement Community
Your Story Matters Here Overview Type of Community: Life Plan Community Range of Services: Residential living, personal care, and healthcare for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation Residential Options: Making the move to one of our apartments or cottages will allow you to take on an active lifestyle that gives you more time to do what […]
Pleasant View Communities
A Perspective of Purpose Overview Type of Community: Non-profit, Life Plan, Fee-for-service Range of Services: As the people who have joined Pleasant View Communities, as well as those who are on our waiting list, know – we listen. We believe that it is your retirement, your way, so we offer flexible dining and living options […]
Keystone Villa at Ephrata
A Distinctive Retirement Community Overview Type of Community: Independent living, personal care and memory care Range of Services: Under one roof, Keystone Villa is able to offer everything needed to provide an active and healthy lifestyle. We partnered our tradition of caring with an impressive package of amenities to create a community that provides a […]
Fairmount
Dedicated to Faith, Family & Community Overview Type of Community: Life Plan Community Range of Services: Residential Living, Personal Care, Health Care/Skilled Nursing, Short-term Rehabilitation, Fairmount at Home in-home services, Plain Community Rehabilitation Program Residential Options: Residential Living cottages ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom, all with at least a one-car garage; Residential Living apartments ranging […]
Moravian Manor
A Community Within a Community Overview Type of Community: Life Plan Community Range of Services: Residential living, assisted living, personal care, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care and rehabilitative services. Residential Options: We are one community with two campuses – Moravian Manor and Warwick Woodlands – and offer a variety of accommodations that range from […]
Country Meadows Retirement Communities
Life Gets Better Overview Type of Community: All-rental retirement community with no buy-in Range of Services: Independent living, personal care, memory care, plus independent living with services (minimal assistance with medication) and Progressions (short-term rehabilitative program) Residential Options: Range of apartment styles, amenities and programs within each lifestyle option Our Pet Philosophy: We strive to […]
Landis Homes – an affiliate of Landis Communities
Serving One Another Overview Type of Community: Life Plan/Continuing Care Retirement Community Residential Options: Landis Homes provides cottage homes, apartments, hybrid homes, personal care, healthcare and memory support to over 875 residents. It is one of two retirement communities in Lancaster County nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and was […]
Cornwall Manor
The New Nature of Senior Living Overview Type of Community: Continuing Care Community – We are celebrating our 70th anniversary this year. Range of Services: A not-for-profit community, Cornwall Manor offers a full range of services, including independent living, personal care, skilled nursing care and rehab therapy. In addition, we offer physicians’ office, pharmacy services, […]
SmartLife VIA Willow Valley
Enjoy the benefits of a senior-living community, without having to move. Overview Type of Community: Life Plan at Home program Range of Services: SmartLife gives you the full continuum of lifetime care at age 60 and beyond. From independent living to the highest level of skilled nursing care, your monthly fees will not increase if […]
Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community
Retire the Ordinary. Live the Extraordinary! Overview Type of Community: Continuing Care Retirement Community Range of Services: We offer a full range of services for our residents including residential living, personal care, skilled nursing, memory support and dementia care, rehabilitation care, pastoral care and home care. In addition, we offer residents a wellness center, transportation […]
Willow Valley Communities
Life Lived Forward Overview Type of Community: Willow Valley Communities is a premier 55+ community located 3 miles from downtown Lancaster City. Willow Valley Communities offers residents a broad spectrum of choices for beautiful living spaces surrounded by innovative and award-winning amenities. You’ll also find the financial security of Lifecare. Lifecare is a wise investment […]
Woodcrest Villa – A Mennonite Home Community
Simply Better Living Overview Type of Community: Continuing Care Retirement Community (Life Plan) Range of Services: Residential living, rehabilitation care, personal care, skilled nursing and respite care Residential Options: In residential living, apartments and villas. In personal care, private and semi-private rooms and suites. In skilled nursing, private, semi-private and modified private rooms. Our […]
Luthercare
Empowering People to Live Healthy, More Socially Connected Lives. Overview Type of Community: Continuing Care Retirement Community Range of Services: Luthercare’s three senior living communities – Luther Acres in Lititz, St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia and Spang Crest in Lebanon – offer a lifestyle rich in services, amenities and programs. Luthercare offers active independent […]
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