Special Visitors Come to St Margrets

There was plenty of excitement recently at St Margrets, when some very special visitors arrived at our care home.

An adorable group of Shetland ponies from Happy Boofbeats came to meet our residents, and their arrival brought plenty of smiles, laughter and wonderful reactions. For many, it was a new and unique experience, but for some it was a lovely opportunity to remember previous hobbies and reconnect with past interests.

At St Margrets, animal visits can be particularly meaningful for residents. Spending time with animals can provide comfort and companionship, while creating opportunities for conversation and shared experiences. Residents enjoyed watching the ponies, interacting with them and talking about their visit for hours after!

There was also plenty of memory and sensory stimulation, from seeing, talking about, and gently interacting with the ponies. Experiences like this can help brighten residents' days and provide a welcome change of scenery. We also ensured that everyone had the chance to greet our visitors, meaning the ponies toured our home and visited residents all over the house. This meant that residents who were unable to join the main session could still experience the excitement of the Shetland ponies.

Visits like this can also offer much more than a fun afternoon. They can encourage social interaction, stimulate memories, lift moods, and create new experiences residents can share with their loved ones. For residents living with dementia, animal visits can provide a different way to engage, and residents might feel more comfortable taking part in a new activity.

A big thank you to Happy Hoofbeats for bringing your wonderful Shetland ponies to St Margaret's and giving our residents a truly memorable experience. We look forward to your next visit!