LNP Always Lancaster from Lancaster, Pennsylvania • 46

frg i WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 2017 SENIOR LIVING LNP I LANCASTER PA HOW TO SAFELY CARE FOR YOUR PET i--- Caring for pets is both a joy and commitment and it can become more challenging as you age The on-staff restorative care experts at Country Meadows a pet-friendly retirement community in Lancaster note that pet ownership can be safe and pleasurable well into the senior years They offer these tips: 4' I J' 4 VINNY TENKtS I STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Carol Flora walks CJ a Shih Tzu mix along Walnut Lane In New Holland Pets: Choosing a companion Protecting your back When lifting a pet place it at your feet and close to your body bend with your knees (not your back) and lift using your leg and abdominal muscles Your pet may become excited as you pick it up but avoid twisting as you lift rather pivot with your hips and shoulders in line and shift your weight If your pet becomes restless in your arms find a counter or furniture for it to jump onto Otherwise a pet may use you as a spring board if it feels it may land awkwardly or dangerously and cause you to fall backward or trip Keep cages and tanks on sturdy rolling carts to roll to the sink or trash can to clean Place bags or large boxes of pet food on a shelf about waist high Scoop the appropriate portions into the bowl with a cup rather than pouring the food directly from the bulky bag or box into the bowl When picking up pet waste consider using a long-handled scoop to lift up to chest height and then collect the debris for an easier reach and less strain on your back Keep pet toys collected and stored when not in use Even small toys can be a trip hazard if left out in walkways (especially in the dark) Guarding your joints Consider an electric can opener to open canned food Use a carrier with wheels when transporting your pet Even empty carriers can weigh 5 to 8 pounds Add an animated pet and a bouncing carrier will tug sharply at your joints and may cause you to fall When walking your pet choose a route on a fairly even surface and consider a comfort grip leash with a contoured rubber handle Most have a heavy-duty D-ring placed above a snap to loop the leash back to itself forming a shape to give you better control and a more secure grip If brushing your pet is painful use a pet grooming mitt or long-handled brush to ease your grip or reach When cleaning a litter box place a chair and trash can next to it and clean it seated Similarly when washing a pet coax it into a tub slide a chair next to the edge and bathe your pet seated Avoid sitting on the edge kneeling or bending over as all are unstable positions if your pet should jump out Or if your pet is a challenge to bathe consider a local groomer or one who makes house calls If using a walker or cane hold the leash in your hand rather than simply attaching it to your assistive device This will give you more control and not place you at risk should your pet become restless or excited Continued from 1 expenses to be included in the adoption fees Another consideration for an older person who wants to adopt a pet is whether or not they can handle care and expense With a dog they need to be able to walk the dog on a leash or have a fenced in yard where they can let the dog out They need to be able to feed and give the dog water and afford vet costs With a cat there is cat litter changing and daily feeding and providing fresh water plus vet costs Usually its a little easier to have a cat That is unless the person is a dog person and prefers a dog Cats tend to be more independent and dogs are usually a little more adoring But every animal is different as Quire stresses At Pet Pantry matching up an older person with the perfect pet is a lot like match-making The staff gets to know the animals and their temperaments They know which cats are sweet and cuddly and which are more aloof One of the best things is seeing a senior cat find a forever home with a senior person They really need each other and it is beautiful" Sanders says There are times when an older cat is brought to the shelter after its owner dies or goes into a retirement home The animal is confused and sad Having a new lease on life with an older quieter owner can be a blessing for them both Many older cats have been declawed which is not done as much these days A declawed cat Marilyn and Barry Reynolds sit In the shade with Lillie a Westiepoo at Ephrata Manor where Barry is a resident Says their daughter Lynne Hackman Lillie is like a celebrity there and everyone loves her member Sanders notes that the person can take comfort in knowing that they provided a wonderful happy life for their pet We have people who come to us after they lose a pet and they want to open up their home to another animal that desperately needs a new home Sanders says It can be a healing process for the person can be an excellent pet for an older person When we adopt out animals to an older person we do ask them and their family to consider what will happen if something happens to the owner Sanders says Sometimes family members will agree to care for the animal if the dog or cat outlives the owner Pet Pantry will even take the animal back if no arrangements can be made Its not easy when an older person adopts an older animal and the pet dies first The grieving process can be much like that of losing a family Helpful aids can be found at local pet stores or through online resources for arthritic individuals such as arthritissupplies com WJomwHsiira Centeri ADULT DAY 't Gful appfZiefr our model cottage at LANCASHIRE TERRACE Retirement Viliage 9 rr Caring cfaifyfor fovccf on- Town iUCING tfUMMuiHI ikiu'ikteSt VwAiSfo NnW uaWMwtwiiiaBMiiakwMBriMMaaatti rtjrtm iriaiiaBOl rr At Lancashire Terrace Retirement Village we offer the area's best value and would be delighted to share the details with you! HAPPY HOUR THURSDAY SEPT 28 Drop in between: 4-6pm at our 1 bedroom model cottage located at 27 Terrace Drive Lancaster PA 17601 in our charming cottage community Social Recreational Activities Medication Management Therapeutic Programming Personal Care Dementia Or' DONT WAIT THERES STILL TIME TO RESERVE A COTTAGE and MOVE-IN TO YOUR NEW HOME before the mow flits! i VK if if If 77 if cfUcflhi! and rrUfttJ Independent Retirement Living Cottage Neighborhood Transportation Housekeeping Lawn Care Snow Removal Provided Complimentary Meals Pets Welcome! Entry Fees begin at $38919 Inquire about our LEASE PROGRAM 1 and 2 Bedroom Cottages Available tx UnJ 1 1 1 (1 1 RfcTIRfcMfcNT VILLA Gb Simply the B( wwwknca5bircterracec0m MO 3' 5 i in Vk.