PET THERAPY AT CLIFDEN HOUSE
A Noah’s ark of creatures visited leading dementia care centre in Seaford.
As part of its ongoing pet therapy programme, Clifden House on Claremont Road welcomed a menagerie of pets, reptiles and small animals to include lizards, snakes, hedgehogs and rabbits.
Nial Joyce of Clifden House said: “Research from the International Psychogeriatric Association highlighted that interaction with pets can lower blood pressure leading to reduced anxiety. Ultimately, this can improve behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
“The well-being of our residents is something we are focussed on every day. When the animals visit us, we can tell from the smiles on everyone’s faces that this activity is having a positive effect whether that’s through petting or interaction with each other”.
Deena McCormack, activities coordinator at Clifden House said: “We all look forward to our pet therapy activity. These sessions are not only very interesting and engaging but also very therapeutic.
“Petting and stroking the animals can encourage mobility and it doesn’t matter how small or big the range of motion is, every movement is beneficial”.
Animals offer support to residents in many ways. Social support theory highlights the idea that animals can provide a form of non-judgemental support for those who come into contact with them.
Clifden House’s pet therapy sessions are varied and can include anything from ewes and guinea pigs to tortoises and hedgehogs. All residents are actively encouraged to engage with the animals. This produces some great laughs and interesting questions.
One of the main aims for Clifden House is to keep residents active in their everyday life, whether it’s a shopping trip, a visit to the local pub, playing bowls in the summer or playing table tennis of an afternoon.
For information about CQC ‘good’ rated Dementia Care Centre visit www.clifdenhouse.co.uk
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