Nursing homes can be challenging to manage at the best of times. Ensuring quality care for residents, navigating external and internal crises, keeping a competent staff — these and other concerns take time and work.
While all nursing homes must navigate certain risks and common issues, there are particular concerns in nursing homes that allow pets. If you have a residence that allows pets — or is considering allowing pets — it is important to understand the risks involved, and be properly covered for any pet-related concerns.
What Risks Exist for Nursing Homes That Allow Pets?
Companionship from pets is, naturally, a major draw for residents in many nursing homes. Pets can have a therapeutic value that makes allowing them in a given home a potential benefit. However, it is important to consider potential hazards, including:
- Risk of disease spreading by pets
- Risk of pets biting or injuring residents, staff, or other pets
- Risk of pets escaping
- Potential necessity of additional assistance oriented around taking care of pets
In short, there are certain pet-related hazards that are vital to take into account. If your nursing home does choose to allow pets, it is important to speak to your insurer to be certain you are prepared to manage and effectively cover any pet-related risks that might arise.