A Happy “Tail” about Pet-Friendly Senior Living
Residents who call The Courtyard at McHenry home come from near and far, but Nell, who hails from China, travelled the farthest to be here—and on four legs!
Nell is a golden retriever rescue dog who Diane Baldino adopted in 2018 while she was living in Oregon. When Diane relocated to Illinois to be near family, Nell came along. And when Diane moved to The Courtyard so did Nell.
“The Courtyard welcomed both of us,” said Diane. “I am grateful to find a place where we can stay together and call home.”
Being a pet-friendly community means that The Courtyard welcomes residents’ dogs, cats, and other small animals to its independent and assisted living community with memory care support, located at 3300 Charles J. Miller Road in McHenry.
“We recognize the many social, emotional, and physical benefits that pets bring to their people and know that they are like family,” said Jodi Borck, The Courtyard’s Director of Sales and Marketing. About four dogs and six cats call The Courtyard home today.
Beyond the advantages that furry friends offer their owners, pets also help create a more home-like environment at The Courtyard.
“Nell loves greeting everyone here,” Diane said. “She likes greeting other dogs, but it is the people here that she really enjoys interacting with the most.”
Nell has plenty of opportunity to be social and practice her puppy manners while on walks around paths on The Courtyard’s wooded campus and plenty of room for naps and cuddles in Diane’s spacious and comfortable private apartment home.
Pet ownership in the U.S. is skyrocketing, and many older adults won’t even consider a move to senior living without their beloved animal companion.
Opening doors and hearts to pets makes sense when considering all the tangible benefits pets ownership brings seniors, including:
- Sense of purpose
- Less loneliness
- Reduced stress
- Increased physical activity
- Decreased blood pressure
- Increased opportunities for socialization
- Improved mental health
To learn more about The Courtyard at McHenry’s pet-friendly senior community or to schedule a tour, contact Jodi at (815) 385-9840 or [email protected]. Visit TheCouratyardatMchenry.com for additional details.
