Animal therapy

We absolutely love our resident rabbits Jack and Irene at Cramlington House!

Animals are an important part of the care we provide because of the huge benefits they have on the wellbeing of residents. The warmth and happiness animals can provide just from residents talking to them, stroking them and developing a rapport with them is amazing.

Kim Stubbs, our activities manager at Cramlington House, said: “Interacting with animals is really important in elderly care, especially for those living with dementia. Research shows that animals have a profound effect on our wellbeing, and we need to remember that many of our residents had their own pets before moving into our home so it’s important for them to have this kind of continuity in their lives. They see the rabbits as their own and during this last year or so of lockdown, our pet rabbits have been a godsend.”

Pet therapy plays a vital role in elderly care as it greatly helps those living with depression, usually because of loneliness or isolation, either because friends and family members cannot visit on a regular basis, or they aren’t as active as they previously were. Contact with therapy animals can bring residents out of their shells making them happier and more communicative.

Kim added: “Jack and Irene are a total joy to have. They bring a smile to everyone’s faces. If a resident isn’t having the best day, spending some time at the rabbit hutch talking to the rabbits and petting them really does work wonders. I really don’t think you can underestimate the power of animal therapy – it’s so important.”

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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."