RESIDENTS of a Redditch care home have been going wild during Dementia Awareness week, with a some rather unusual visitors in their midst.
An array of creatures, including snakes, guinea pigs and lizards, visited the residents at Brambles Residential Care Home in Birchfield Close, and they enjoyed a spot of animal therapy during Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May).
Getting up close, residents and the team held and stroked the fascinating creatures from WILD Science – who provide live animal-handling workshops.
A trained ranger was also on hand throughout the interactive session to answer any of the residents’ questions and share interesting facts.
The Sanctuary Care home’s activities leader Fiona Morsy said: “The animal session was a really comforting activity as it brought back many cherish memories of when some of our residents had pets in their younger years. One resident in particular who can no longer see really enjoyed stroking the guinea pig on her lap. “Animal sessions are always popular within the home as our residents find handling animals – even snakes and bearded dragons – very enjoyable. Their faces lit up as soon as the creatures arrived and they couldn’t wait to touch them – it all made for a lovely morning.”
Animal-assisted therapy is proven to promote wellbeing, increase social participation and particularly benefit those who live with dementia.
85 year-old resident Harvey Rae said: “I loved all the animals. The bearded dragon was my favourite and it was great fun to have a snake around my neck as well.”
Harvey and Zeus, the beaded dragon enjoyed each-others company and the lizard was quite at home sat up on his shoulder.
“I just hope you can’t see the family resemblance…” he added.
Dementia Awareness Week, an awareness drive from the Alzheimer’s Society, is a week where people all over the country are encouraged to unite with their communities to raise awareness of dementia.
