Local care home residents enjoy animal therapy session with miniature donkeys

Residents at Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home in Stowmarket recently enjoyed an animal therapy session with two miniature donkeys, Millie and Jack.

Millie and Jack were provided by Mini Donks, a company who facilitate wellbeing-orientated donkey activities, and the visit was arranged by Emma Gooderham and Stacey Burch, Activities Co-ordinators at Chilton Meadows.

The residents made the most of the idyllic activity, spending the afternoon cuddling and playing with the donkeys. Millie and Jack even visited some residents in their rooms – much to their delight.

The session was designed by the care home staff to support the wellbeing of the residents, including those residents with dementia who find the presence of animals calming and mood-boosting.

Emma Gooderham, Activities Co-ordinator at Chilton Meadows, commented: “We love having animals visit here at Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home, as we find they really bring a smile to the faces of our residents. From goats to snakes to donkeys, we really have had them all!”

Emma continues: “Whilst we love all our animal friends who visit, Millie and Jack definitely hold a special place in our hearts. They were both so lovely and the residents really warmed to them. I have a feeling we will have to have them back for more cuddles again soon.”

James Johnson, a resident at Chilton Meadows, commented: “They were so gorgeous and soft – I loved touching them and being able to feel their fur, they feel much fluffier than you’d think.”

Another resident, Christine Prime, was very surprised to see Millie and Jack wandering the halls of Chilton Meadows and commented: “Donkeys indoors – surely that’s not possible!”

The residents had a lot of fun playing games and making jokes with the donkeys too. One of the donkeys, Jack, was guided to resident Brian King as if he was whispering in his ear. Brian, aged 84, commented: “He told me a secret – I couldn’t possibly tell you what it was.”

As the visit was such a success among staff and residents, the home hope to plan more animal visits over the next few weeks. Residents hope to see Millie and Jack again soon and perhaps meet some of their other four-legged friends.