Haughgate House residents enjoy having tea with ponies

A monthly tea with ponies Fizz, Lucy and Jacko is the latest regular activity to be introduced for residents at Haughgate House care home in Woodbridge.

The residents enjoyed the trip out to the Riding for the Disabled Association in Clopton, Woodbridge, making the most of getting to know the ponies and all the benefits that brings.

Activity co-ordinator Lesley Paternoster, who organised the visit, said, “Animals are the best therapy and we hope to have the tea with ponies trip every month.

“It was wonderful to see our residents – Rita, Georgina and Laurel – interacting with the ponies. One resident had been kicked by a horse when she was younger and overcame her fear on this first visit – another started to share stories about how she used to ride when she was younger. Georgina used to have horses as she lived on a farm.”

Spending time with animals has well documented benefits for everyone, not just elderly people who may be living in a care home. These include –

• Petting an animal can release feel-good hormones leading to improved mood
• Animals can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety
• Activity encourages physical activity and improves mobility
• Promotes shared memories and reminiscing
• Improves cognitive function and motor skills through grooming and feeding the animals

Haughgate House is a warm and friendly home providing residential, nursing and specialist care in 42 rooms. It’s a beautiful home with a passionate team of carers where the residents are always the top priority and is rated Good by the CQC.

The home is part of the Healthcare Homes family of 48 care homes. The company is celebrating its eighth year as one of the UK’s leading care home providers as it has received a Top 20 Award from independent review site carehome.co.uk Haughgate House has a 9.2 out of 10 score with carehome.co.uk

For more about Haughgate House see our website www.healthvcarehomes.co.uk/haughgate-house

Pip Rich