Elm Grove’s senior activities co-ordinator, Kelly Motti, invited Dinky Ponies to visit the Cirencester care home. Dinky Ponies are a specialised equine therapy group who bring their ponies to visit care homes, schools and hospitals, they are a small business that prioritises the well-being and care of their ponies.
One pony named Poppy, visited the Elm Grove residents and spent time walking around the home, stopping by residents’ rooms to spend quality time with everyone. The residents loved stroking Poppy, with some pleased to have her rest her head in their lap for a quick rest.
Home Manager at Elm Grove, Alison Payne, said: “Everyone loved meeting Poppy, and were delighted to pet her. Dinky Ponies were fantastic, we’ve already booked them to come back.
Senior activity coordinator, Kelly Motti said, “Our residents love spending time with animals, so we are always looking for different groups to visit. Interaction with animals improves mood and engages our residents, often reminding them of their own animals from when they were younger, while igniting conversation.”
Elm Grove resident, Brian Page, 84, commented: “I had a fun day spending time with Poppy. I liked it when she trotted around my room. She was very sweet and made me smile.”
Animal therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression. Spending time with animals can make residents more alert, engaged and ultimately improve their well-being.
Elm Grove Bupa Care Home is situated in Cirencester and welcomes residents in need of dementia residential and dementia nursing care. For further information, please visit bupa.co.uk/care-services