Animal encounters spread happiness

Care home residents in Crowhurst rejoice as they receive a visit from some furry friends during a hands-on meet and greet with some very friendly animals from Ark Animal Encounters.

Animal lovers at Edendale Lodge were treated to one to one encounters with various tame animals and birds, from soft and fluffy ducklings to a very sociable pony, residents had the opportunity to stroke and cuddle as well as hold many of them.  

Theresa Toal, Edendale Lodge manager says: “We can’t underestimate the benefit of brining animals into our care homes. For many residents this is an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with animals they may not have had contact with for decades provide the opportunity to conjure a fond memory. Overall though the visit was a hugely positive and happy event and one we will regularly repeat.”

Ark Animal Encounters regularly visit the individual homes within the Belmont Healthcare Group as part of a wider strategy to help with reducing anxiety and agitation levels for those residents with dementia in the hope it will encourage social interaction and trigger a happy memory to focus on.  

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