A Linwood Care Home resident in Thames Ditton was given the opportunity to spend time with one of her favourite animals, when she visited the Riding for the Disabled Association school in Epsom.
Bracken Belfield, who has lived at the home for a number of years, said: “I used to have lots of pets and ponies when I was younger so I was over the moon when Linwood gave me this opportunity to RDA Riding School in Epsom.
“It was like revisiting my old friends as such, I can’t wait to go back later in the year
Care home manager Eva Trochim and her team called upon the services of the Epsom school and their ponies to assist Bracken in reminiscing about her past childhood memories.
Eva said: “Bracken absolutely adored the ponies and gained so much enjoyment from patting and talking to them.
“Studies have shown that the health of residents and those with life challenges improves when they interact with animals. Customers with dementia are particularly responsive to animals.”
Linwood Care Home, has a pets policy which encourages older people to bring pets with them when they move in.
For more information on Linwood Care Home, contact 0208 335 6800.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here