Newbury care home residents enjoy animal therapy

Residents at Argyles Bupa Care Home were delighted with a visit from a friendly donkey and other farm animals.

Activities co-ordinator, Emma Povey-West, organised for Somerset-based company, ‘Kelly’s Donkeys’ to visit the residents. Kelly’s Donkeys has been to Argyles before, and the residents enjoyed petting and spending time with the donkeys.

The health and wellbeing of the animals is Kelly’s Donkeys’ number one priority. They are 100% committed to ensuring the animals have the very best of care 365 days a year and treat them as family.

This time the company brought a donkey, two rabbits, a lamb and pony to visit as a special treat for the residents.

One resident, Pauline Carter, commented: “It was so lovely being able to see the donkey and other animals. I love donkeys, my daughters adopted one for me for my birthday!”

Activities co-ordinator, Emma Povey-West, commented: “Kelly’s Donkeys were wonderful, they brought the animals into the garden for the residents and took the donkey to residents’ rooms if they weren’t able to come outside. Some residents’ families were visiting and got to spend time with the animals too, everyone was smiling, it was a fantastic day!”

The heartwarming experience created new memories for residents, as they enjoyed spending time with each animal.

Pet therapy offers significant health benefits for care home residents, as stroking the animals triggers the release of endorphins that provide a calming effect.

Argyles Bupa Care Home is situated in Newbury 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