Care home residents enjoy animal therapy session with lambs and ponies

Residents at Dean Wood Bupa Care Home have recently enjoyed an afternoon animal therapy session with a visit from an array of animals including a Shetland pony, ducks, a sheep, guinea pigs and lambs.

The afternoon animal therapy session was organised by Julie Mullen, Resident Experience Manager and Becks from Pet Pals.

A favourite amongst the residents were the lambs, who the residents fed with bottles of milk, and the guinea pigs that were notably cuddly. Pet Pals are a small farm that specialise in providing animal therapy sessions for older generations.

When asked about the afternoon, one resident Colin Harman aged 84 commented: “I had a lovely afternoon with the different animals. My favourite was the sheep, it was very fluffy and warm. I also really enjoyed feeding the lamb, and I’m looking forward to seeing the animals again soon.”

Another resident, Shirley Gooding, aged 81 commented: “It was great to meet all the animals from Pet Pals, my family used to live near sheep so it brought back lots of wonderful memories of my childhood. I really enjoyed watching the ducks splashing about in the water bath, they were very cute.”

Neil Jenkins, Home Manager at Dean Wood Bupa Care Home, commented: “It was a wonderful afternoon welcoming our guests from Pet Pals. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and were in awe of the different animals. A firm favourite were the guinea pigs who were held by many residents.”

Jack Redhead, Activity Co-ordinator concluded: “Animal therapy sessions are well known for bringing a sense of calm and reducing stress in older generations, and it is clear to see the benefits by the joy on our residents’ faces. We are looking forward to welcoming Pet Pals back soon for more sessions.”

Dean Wood are planning more animal therapy sessions over the coming weeks and months as part of their activity sessions for residents.

Dean Wood Bupa Care Home is situated in Brighton and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with dementia and Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services