Furry friends visit Bridgewater Park Care Centre

The visiting animal experience offers a service developed especially for the elderly known as animal therapy, which places the emphasis on feel and interaction with the animals. These sessions allow residents in care centres the opportunity to stroke, hold and even give the animals treats. Everyone has the chance to join in and meet the animals close up if they wish. The sessions are therefore extremely stimulating and encourage interaction and sensory engagement such as movement and touch. 

The residents at Bridgewater thoroughly enjoyed the visit.  Activities coordinator Norma said: "It really increased the interaction between the residents as they talked about the animals and reminisced about their own pets they had when they were younger."

The visiting animals proved to be a huge success with both residents and staff. "Everyone had an enjoyable afternoon and I'm sure they will be back again," said Care Centre Manager Julie Moult.