Animal visit sparks fond memories for Midhurst residents

Pendean House Bupa Care Home recently hosted an animal therapy session for its residents, featuring a unique visit from Charlie the cockatiel, Blue the rabbit and four guinea pigs.

Amanda Terry, Senior Health Care Assistant at Pendean House, organised to bring her pets to the home as part of their ongoing animal therapy activities, after hearing residents reminisce about their childhood experiences with their own family pets.

Residents at Pendean House enjoyed the therapeutic visit, each spending quality time with the animals in the garden room or their own rooms.

Amanda commented: “It was an amazing experience for our residents. I enjoyed bringing my pets in to share the love I have for them with our community here, especially Charlie the Cockatiel, who sat on plenty of shoulders and hands. Some residents preferred cuddling up with one of the guinea pigs or Blue the Rabbit.

“Animals bring a sense of calm and joy to our residents. It’s always special to hear them speak about their own fond memories of family pets. It was fantastic to see everyone laughing and smiling... It is definitely something we will organise to do again.”

Resident at Pendean House, Margery Burn, commented: “It was a very exciting day. I called my son to tell him all about it. He has a 30-year-old cockatiel called Smokey.”

Another resident, Matti Timm, added: “I loved the animal visit, especially the cockatiel. When I was younger, I had a budgie, I used to let him out during the day, and he always came back in before nightfall.”

Carers and staff at Pendean House strongly believe in the benefits of animal interactions. Animal visits provide emotional comfort, reduce stress and spark conversations and laughter among the home’s residents.

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