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Elizabeth Carrigan moved into Carroll Place after hearing the community was now pet friendly. Her 12-year old schnauzer, Greta and Carrigan enjoy each other, and especially enjoy the benefits of Carroll Place.

Can a pet improve the quality of life? If you ask Elizabeth Carrigan, the answer most certainly is “yes.” Carrigan, who lost her husband last May, fortunately had another great friend and companion, Greta, her schnauzer of 12 years. With failing health and a brief hospitalization, Carrigan needed to make a lifestyle change. After learning that Carroll Place, a Mercy Medical assistant living community, had become pet friendly, Carrigan decided to move in.

“My neighbor had her mother-in-law at Carroll Place and a woman in my church also lived here. For years, I had only heard good things about Carroll Place,” explained Carrigan.

Originally from Mobile, Carrigan had three children and throughout her married life, had attended several colleges. But it wasn’t until she turned 51 that she graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, having majored in painting and minored in drawing. She is a professional artist, enjoying pen and ink, and acrylic. She also enjoys collecting oils and other mediums that are now displayed in her new home at Carroll Place. She and Greta perfectly complement her art collection. When asked what she likes most about her new home, Carrigan immediately points out some attractive features.
“I love being cooked for. I do miss gardening and stuff like that, but I especially enjoy my table mates here,” said Carrigan. She has made many friends, one in particular she describes as really interesting and very funny. Carrigan plans to walk more with her schnauzer, since Greta must be leashed while out in the community areas.

According to studies, pet owners have significantly reduced levels of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Pets have been found to decrease loneliness in seniors, giving them something to care for, something to entertain them, and something that can provide them with a sense of security. But an even bigger advantage of pet ownership is pets help necessitate maintaining a daily routine.

“This was a perfect fit-- Carroll Place, Greta and me,” attested Carrigan.
Carroll Place, one of Mercy Medical’s assisted living communities, is located in Fairhope at 50 Spring Run Road. For more information, please call 251-928-5555 or go online at mercymedical.com/CarrollPlace.