Gibraltar Nursing Home recently invited an exciting variety of animals to visit their residents, who they fondly call ‘family members,’ as part of their animal therapy activities. Poppy the therapy dog stole hearts during her visits, while Animal Interactive brought along a unique mix of creatures, from a tiny guinea pig to an impressive giant snake! Family members had the chance to engage with the animals up close, making it a unique and memorable experience for those involved.
Pet therapy brings countless benefits to elderly individuals living in care homes, offering emotional support and companionship. Interacting with animals can boost mood and even spark memories for those who live with a Dementia. Gentle physical activities, like petting or holding an animal, encourage movement and improve coordination, while the shared experience promotes social interaction and a sense of community.
To create this feeling of community, Gibraltar Nursing Home is made up of six individually designed houses, which are arranged along “streets,” (which are the hallways within the home) complete with their own front doors featuring knockers and signage, enhancing the feeling of community. This thoughtful design creates a visual and emotional sense of togetherness while allowing each house to reflect the different journeys the residents are on.
Alexandra Smith, CEO and Founder of Animals Interactive, commented that “It has been scientifically proven that animals can have a range of physical and mental health benefits for people. These range from lowering blood pressure, improving mood to even reducing levels of pain. Animals also increase motivation towards activities such as interacting with others. In care settings this is so important, so residents don’t feel isolated. At Animals Interactive we have a team of intervention/therapy trained animals these include A giant snake, lizards, tortoises, rabbits, rats, mice, a cuddly skunk, meerkat, owl and tarantula. These animals like our well-known therapy dogs have gone through training to join our therapy team and give the best cuddles or interaction.”
To find out more about Gibraltar Nursing Home’s activities please visit https://www.gibraltarnursinghome.com/activities-in-care/