We recently had a lovely visit from a pony which brought a lot of happiness and smiles to our residents at West Farm! Nothing beats a bit of animal therapy and it was wonderful to see the pony weave through the home, receiving lots of pats and cuddles
The benefits of animal therapy are well-documented, from lowering blood pressure to reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, the presence of animals genuinely can have an extremely positive effect on wellbeing. For the elderly, especially, these interactions can rekindle memories, encourage communication and provide a calming influence.
Zahra Karimi, our manager at West Farm said: “The joy and light the pony brought to our residents was incredible. These moments of connection not only brighten their day but also invoke a sense of calm and reminiscence that is truly priceless. We hope to see the pony again soon!”
The initiative shows how therapeutic interactions with animals can play a key role in elderly care, which leave a lasting impact of residents who are more relaxed, brighter and happier following interactions with animals.