The residents and team at Brook House Care Home were joined by a local family farm who brought some animals along for a visit to mark World Mental Health Day.
The wellbeing team at the home organised for Lucia Family Farm to come along with a collection of fluffy and not so fluffly animals to come into the home so that the residents could meet, handle, feed and generally make a fuss of them. The animals included guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, tortoises and a lizard.
It was lovely to see how the residents enjoyed handling, feeding and talking to the animals while learning some interesting facts about them as well.
Alison Southwell, Deputy Manager at the home said “We are always thinking of ways to improve and maintain positive mental health for all of our residents as this is so important for general well-being and quality of life.”
“The power of being with animals (furry and not so furry!) to hold and fuss was a lovely way to brighten the day for our residents, who talked about the animals for days to come. We welcome Lucia Family farm back to Brook House any time.â€
Animal-assisted therapy is a growing area that uses dogs and other animals to help people recover or cope better with health problems.
They also provide comfort, distraction and stimulation. It has been proven that interaction with animals can help lower blood pressure, releases endorphins that have a calming effect and even diminishes overall physical pain.
Held every year on 10th October, World Mental Health Day is a chance for us all to raise awareness so that more support and understanding can be provided to anyone affected by a mental illness.
Brook House Care Home provides residential, nursing and dementia care on a permanent and short stay basis.
To find out more about about our home call our friendly team on freephone 0808 169 8662.
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