Making hiss-tory – Sutton care home welcomes animal friends

A local care home has found a novel way to support older people with the help of some unusual guests.

The team at Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road, has launched regular animal therapy sessions as part of the residents’ care plans, with regular visits already taking place.

Residents have been visited by a host of interesting creatures, including snakes, bearded dragons, a hairless guinea pig, meerkats and chinchillas, for several ‘show and tell’ workshops, led by Our Amazing Animal World. 

 

As part of the sessions, residents were provided with interesting facts about each of the animals and were able to handle and stroke the friendly animals.

The initiative is already having a positive effect on residents – especially those living with dementia – and the team is looking to arrange more visits in the coming months. 

Commenting on the afternoon, resident Rita said: “The bearded dragon was an unusual looking chap but I very much enjoyed spending time with him as he sat on my knee.”

Brighton Nyagomo, General Manager at Tennyson Grange, said: “We are always planning interesting and exciting activities here at Tennyson Grange – and as so many residents have a keen interest in nature and wildlife, we invited Our Amazing Animal World to provide fun animal therapy sessions.  

“Being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood, stimulate social interaction, and ease agitation. You could see from the residents’ reactions just how engaged and fascinated they were by the chance to get so close to a variety of such wonderful creatures.

“Every visit brings its share of surprises, and we never know which animal will come through the door – we’re all looking forward to welcoming the Our Amazing Animal World team again very soon.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Tennyson Grange, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Tennyson Grange, please contact Home Admissions Advisor, Francois Erwee on 02037 972375, or email francois.erwee@careuk.com, or visit: careuk.com/tennyson-grange