April is National Pet Month – a time to celebrate the joy, companionship and wellbeing benefits that animals can bring, especially for people living in care homes.
At HC-One, we know that meaningful moments often come in many forms and for some residents, interaction with animals can have a powerful impact. Whether it’s a visit from a therapy dog, time spent with a resident pet, or simply watching birds in the garden, these experiences can lift spirits, reduce stress and help people feel more at home.
Across our care homes, many of our teams work hard to create safe and positive opportunities for residents to engage with animals in ways that suit their preferences and needs.
How animal interactions support wellbeing in a care home
Spending time with animals has been shown to support wellbeing in a number of ways, including:
● Providing comfort and companionship
● Easing feelings of loneliness or anxiety
● Stimulating memory and conversation
● Encouraging routine and a sense of responsibility
● Creating shared experiences and connection with the wider community
Across our homes, we’ve seen first-hand how even a short visit from a furry, feathered or four-legged friend can bring smiles, spark memories and start conversations.
Animal encounters across HC-One care homes
At Coppice Lodge care home in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, residents, colleagues, and the local community participated in a walk through Gedling Country Park to raise funds for
Dementia UK. This outdoor event, with dogs in tow, helped residents feel connected and engaged.
In Grimsby, Clarendon Hall care home welcome the Linkage Community Trust, where residents interact with a variety of animals brought in for a visit – including guinea pigs and rabbits. The home also welcomes regular visitors from friendly cat siblings Ozzy, Iggy and Lemmy – which are highly anticipated by everyone in our home!
Market Lavington care home in Wiltshire also received a special visit from Chloe’s Mobile Farm, bringing donkeys, ponies, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs to interact with residents. This created a wonderful atmosphere, with residents able to spend time with the animals and learn more about them.
This National Pet Month, we’re celebrating the joy and comfort that animals can bring to our homes and the role they play in supporting the wellbeing of those we care for.
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