Bowes House reveals the purr-fect therapy

Home news

Apr 25, 2019

Bowes House has found an innovative way to care for older people – with the help of furry friends.

The team at Bowes House invited local organisation, Petpals, to lead a ‘show and tell’ workshop with residents and a host of adorable kittens. 

The visit is part of a broader initiative to implement regular animal therapy at the care home and residents have already been visited by a variety of animals, including mini-ponies and giant snails. 

During the sessions, residents are provided with interesting facts on each of the animals, while also being able to handle and stroke the friendly creatures. The initiative is already having a very positive effect on everyone, especially those living with dementia, so the home has set up monthly visits. 

Home manager, Helena Barrow, said: “As part of our activity-based care approach, we are always looking to plan exciting activities for residents. Our birdwatch activity earlier this year proved that residents had a keen interest in nature and wildlife, so we decided to invite Petpals along to provide regular animal therapy sessions for the residents. 

“It proved to be a real success, and the results so far are beyond our expectations. Being close to kittens can help lift a person’s mood, stimulate social interaction and ease agitation. You could see from residents’ reactions just how engaged and fascinated they were by the chance to get so close to such a variety of furry friends.”