Special Visitors Make A Perfect Day For Animal-Loving Residents
Many of our residents have owned pets, lived near wildlife in the countryside or even worked on farms, and their love of animals doesn’t disappear when they move into a care home.
Furry Guests Bring Joy to Sanford Residents
At Sanford House Nursing Home in Dereham, the team recognise just how much joy animals can bring, so they organise regular animal visits to the care home. With a ‘wish’ granted each year to every resident, it was significant that two recent wishes were similar. While one resident requested, “Anything to do with animals”, Doug told us “I love horses, anything with horses – maybe a carriage ride with my wife”. Although the team couldn’t manage this, they did know a man with a small horse!
Local family business Wycomb Pastures Mobile Petting Farm have a wide range of animals that can be brought out to meet people in their own environment. For this special occasion, Sanford’s Activities team chose Thumbelina, a miniature pony, plus rabbits, guinea pigs and even a chicken with a big personality, named Nugget.
Miniature Pony, Thumbelina, The Star of the Show
There should have been a drumroll as Thumbelina was brought into the lounge as a big surprise for Doug. His face lit up as she walked through the door, then he sat and stroked and talked to her, while at the same time, telling staff all about the working horses he’d had on the family farm. He also made sure everyone knew how to safely feed her carrots – “Always use a flat hand, watch out for ya thumb” he instructed, before demonstrating the technique perfectly.
The smaller animals are trained to stay happily in their open containers which residents can then have on their laps if they wish to stroke and feed them. The animal-loving resident was in her element, regularly swapping trays to lavish affection on as many of the rabbits and guinea pigs as she could. She was so gentle and loving with them, completely in her happy place, and even got a kiss on her cheek from Thumbelina who went around saying hello to everyone.
Animals Visit Residents’ Rooms and Encourage Happy Memories
Wycomb Pastures owner, Ian, made sure the animals interacted with as many residents as possible, not only engaging with the group who had gathered in the lounge but also visiting individual residents who were unable to leave their rooms. Seeing these animals inspired many conversations about past pets and also farm life stories, as many of Sanford’s residents have a rural background.
Reminiscence is an important part of animal therapy, which is why the team loves welcoming animal visitors to Sanford House. As well as encouraging memories, interaction with animals has many other benefits including reducing stress, improving mood, giving comfort and creating distraction. Each animal visit always brings such joy and smiles to the residents – and to the staff – and this wonderful experience will definitely be repeated again!
Providing Warm and Compassionate Care
At Sanford House Nursing Home in Dereham, we understand how emotional and uncertain the journey into care can be, whether you're looking for support with daily living, dementia care, or end-of-life palliative care for a loved one.
Our welcoming, purpose-built home offers residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care in a peaceful, single-storey setting designed for comfort and ease of access. Thoughtfully arranged around a sensory courtyard garden, many rooms open directly onto this calming outdoor space, offering a sense of privacy, peace and connection with nature.
We’re here to offer reassurance, dignity and personalised care every step of the way. For more information, please contact us on 01793 684 319
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