Creatures great and small visit Larkland House

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Aug 19, 2019

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

The team at Care UK’s Larkland House, on London Road, invited mobile farm, Basil and Crew, to lead a show and tell workshop with residents and a host of animals, including goats and ducklings. 

The visit is part of a broader initiative to implement regular animal therapy sessions at the care home and residents have already been visited by a variety of animals, including guinea pigs and dogs. 

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, Maggie Candy, 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 Basil and Crewalong to provide 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 animals 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.”