Most families find pet-friendly assisted living but face a crisis later when health needs change. The right campus can offer greater flexibility.
Here is the question families ask when touring assisted living communities. Can Mom bring her cat? Can Dad keep his dog? Many pet-friendly assisted living communities in Houston accept dogs, cats, or both. Policies vary. Deposits differ. Monthly fees range widely. Getting a yes feels like clearing a major hurdle. But that question misses the bigger picture. The harder question is this. What happens to that pet if a parent's health changes down the road? Picture this scenario. A senior moves into a pet-friendly assisted living community with a cat. Everything works beautifully for a couple of years. Then health changes. The level of care needed exceeds what assisted living can provide. A move to long-term care becomes necessary. Here is the problem. Most nursing homes do not allow pets. So now the family is handling a health crisis while also figuring out what to do with the cat. It is a difficult situation, and it happens more often than families expect. This is why the real question is not do they allow pets. The real question is what happens when care needs change. For many seniors, especially those who have lost a spouse or whose family lives far away, a pet provides daily companionship and routine. Research shows seniors with pets tend to have lower blood pressure, less depression, and more reasons to stay active. The pet gives them structure and a reason to go outside. So what should families ask during tours? Start with the basics. What pets does the community actually allow? Dogs, cats, both? Size limits? Breed restrictions? What does the full cost include? Then ask the big one. What happens if care needs increase? If the community only offers assisted living, a parent might have to start over somewhere new and leave the pet behind. The Medallion is part of the Seven Acres campus. That means assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care, all in one place. If a resident starts in assisted living and eventually needs nursing home care, the move is next door, not across town. The care team already knows the resident. A continuum of care makes that possible. Communities with assisted living and skilled nursing on the same campus, such as Seven Acres, can offer greater flexibility as health needs change. The Medallion offers fifty-two assisted living apartments. Studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. Pets are welcome for an additional fee. The campus includes extensive courtyards, a park, and walkable spaces throughout the grounds. For residents with dogs, this means real room to walk, not just a small patch of grass by a parking lot. Located in the Greater Meyerland Area, the campus is near the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, and Braes Heights. For families not sure if assisted living is the right move yet, The Medallion offers a Respite Stay Program. A short-term stay, two weeks minimum. Bring the pet. See how it feels. The pet does not have to be a dealbreaker. Not if families choose the right community. For more information, visit seven acres dot org. Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services City: Houston Address: 6200 North Braeswood Boulevard Website: https://www.sevenacres.org