Animal Therapy at Longbridge Deverill
Animal therapy is the guided interaction between a trained animal and a person, the purpose of this great form of therapy is not only to make someone smile but also to help those recover or cope with any health problems. Longbridge Deverill has organised a variety of furry visitors over the past month, which has brought some cheer during this dreary winter period.
Throughout the month, we have had visits from all kinds of animals, from the ZOOLAB interactive animal therapy workshop, “Bluebell” the pony, “Hamish” the hamster, “Mango” the Silky chicken, and two American Bulldog puppies, also visited the residents.
The ZOOLAB workshop is an interactive experience where residents can touch, hold, and ask questions about the animals’ habits and lifestyles, in the safety of the expert who can offer advice, knowledge and reassurance to residents who attended. This visit, Emily incorporated the Chinese New Year story, and brought some of the animals in the story, like the white rat and the snake!
Residents and families were very interested in this extraordinary visit. They were talking about it for a while afterwards.
Enjoying another visit from Bluebell, the Pony. Bluebell travels around the home using the lift, and is very well-behaved, offering much joy to our residents.
Whilst also receiving other delightful visits from “Mango”, the Silky chicken, as well as “Hamish” the hamster. Mango and Hamish are pets of staff members who readily offer their pets for our residents to cuddle and touch and hold, which is an added sensory experience too.
What is the importance of Animal Therapy?
Animal-assisted interventions can improve self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing in people with dementia. It can also promote quality of life and encourage independence. Some of our residents, at times, may have trouble communicating with others, so this activity helps them stay engaged and receive a level of comfort and therapy.
The residents all receive so much joy, as well as it is a sensory experience when they can touch and hold the animal. It can be a comforting experience and one that encourages conversation, which is evident for days or weeks afterwards. So, animal visits certainly prove to be beneficial to our residents’ sense of social and mental wellbeing.
In the coming month, we have a planned visit from a local falconry, which the residents at Longbridge Deverill are getting excited about. To learn how we can support your loved ones with a varied activities programme, contact our team of experts.
