A Place For Mom Releases List of Pet-Friendly Senior Living Facilities in Los Angeles in Honor of National Pet Day

SEATTLE, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A Place for Mom, Inc. (APFM), the nation's largest senior living referral information service, today has launched a campaign to recognize pet-friendly senior living communities nationwide. In honor of National Pet Day, A Place for Mom is highlighting senior housing options for pet owners, while raising awareness about the benefits seniors experience from owning and caring for their animal companions.

APFM is initiating the campaign in the Los Angeles area due to its high concentration of pet-friendly senior housing options, and plans to continue with additional markets in California and Texas in the coming weeks.

According to Tami Cumings, SVP for A Place for Mom, pets can result in increased physical activity, interest and purpose for those in their later years. "For seniors, pets can be life-changing. Walking a dog is great cardiovascular exercise, but just the simple act of caring for a pet not only involves mild activity it provides companionship and makes the elderly feel needed. This all translates into a greater sense of purpose and self-worth," Cumings said. 

In addition to enriching the lives of seniors, there is a benefit for animals. Many senior living communities have a Pet Care Coordinator on-site to ensure pets are well cared for and up-to-date on vaccines and veterinary care.

"We recognize the great joy and peace that animals bring our residents, and have seen that caring for and loving a pet also helps residents alleviate stress and anxiety," said Leah Hynes, Marketing Associate, Regency Grand at West Covina. "In addition to encouraging pet ownership, our memory care community also offers a Pet Therapy program where residents help care for in-house pets. People with dementia or Alzheimer's often find it difficult to socialize and communicate with others, yet they are able to build and maintain fulfilling bonds with our pets."

In honor of National Pet Day, the A Place for Mom Senior Living blog features a full list of pet-friendly senior living communities in the Los Angeles area.  Following are the ten largest, according to the number of units:

1.      Merrill Gardens At Chateau Whittier
2.      Regency Grand at West Covina
3.      Ocean House
4.      Belmont Village Communities (Hollywood, Westwood, Rancho Palos Verdes)
5.      Vista Cove at Arcadia
6.      Sunny Hills Assisted Living
7.      Beverly Hills Loving Care
8.      Villa Sorrento
9.      Arcadia Retirement Village
10.    Sunrise of Santa Monica

About A Place for Mom
A Place for Mom, Inc. is the nation's largest senior living referral information service providing resources and personalized assistance in finding senior care and housing. Using its nationwide network of more than 18,000 providers of senior living services, A Place for Mom helps families find options based on a loved one's stated needs and preferences. This may include independent living, home care, residential care homes, assisted living communities, skilled nursing and specialized Alzheimer's memory care. The service is offered at no charge to families as participating communities and providers pay a fee to A Place for Mom. For more information, visit www.aplaceformom.com or call 1-877-666-3239.

SOURCE A Place for Mom