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Animal magic!

West Farm had such a wonderful animal-filled experience recently. Local company Discovery Zoo arrived for the afternoon, bringing with them a number of different animals. They had them all from rabbits and guinea pigs to tortoises and lizards, what a day we had!

Zahra Karimi, our manager at West Farm, said: “Animal therapy is a key part of our care provision as the interaction and time spent with animals is like no other. There are so many benefits that residents gain from animal contact – it helps them to relax, reduces irritation and anxiety and puts residents at ease. The joy on their faces during the animal session was priceless. We’ve not had such special visits for a while so this was hugely appreciated, and we all cherished the moments residents had with the animals.”

Animal therapy in particular is hugely advantageous to those living with dementia. It’s been proven to increase self-esteem, confidence and create better mental health among those with dementia as they become visibly relaxed in the presence of animals.

Peggy McFarlane, one of the residents at West Farm, said: “My favourite was definitely the lizard. I loved holding it and it even walked up my arm! It was such a delight to see and stroke all the different animals, I had a really good time.”

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What people are saying

  • "I am very pleased with how my mother has settled in and generally how supportive and caring the staff are. This has given us peace of mind knowing that she is safe & well looked after. Thank you."

  • "Our mum has been a resident at Cramlington House for over a year and we have nothing but praise for the friendly, approachable staff and management. We always feel like part of an extended family and when we visit nothing is too much bother. We are completely happy with the standard of care, support and understanding we all receive as a family."

  • "From the first day, I knew it was the place for my mum. Clean, friendly staff, lovely environment! My mum would not get the opportunity to do the activities she is experiencing if she was not in Cramlington House. It is home from home and we can visit anytime. I can't say enough of how great Cramlington House is. "

  • "This is an absolutely superb care facility. The staff say that this is the home of the residents, in which they work - and they evidence that philosophy every day. In the last months of our mother's long life, we took comfort form the fact that she was safe and secure, being well-fed and looked after. The entire care team are brilliant. "

  • "All the staff at West Farm have provided such wonderful care, compassion and support to my auntie. We both feel incredibly lucky to have found West Farm, it’s been the perfect home for my auntie. I can honestly say, hand on heart, every aspect of the care provided by each member of staff at West Farm has been outstanding."