ABSTRACT
Older adults living in the community are at disproportionate risk for loneliness and isolation and associated increased health risks; this risk has been further exacerbated by the self-isolation recommended during this pandemic. Many older adults living in the community have a potential intervention for such embedded in their lives – their pets. A major risk factor, other than COVID infection for older adults living in the community during this pandemic is social isolation. Social workers are experts at mobilizing strengths and resources within the social and emotional contexts of clients, and there are numerous ways that they can help leverage and augment the benefits that older adults can experience through the presence of a pet in their homes. Helping to alleviate stressors experienced by older adults related to having pets can likewise help to preserve having the pet as an ongoing support.
