Neath House Care Home's conservatory was filled with joy when they welcomed Lucia’s Tiny Farm for a special afternoon of animal therapy.
People who live there were delighted to meet a gentle dog, tortoise, bearded dragon, garter snake, playful rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and soft rabbits. They enjoyed petting, holding, and feeding the animals treats like blueberries, carrots, and celery. Each animal’s calm nature made the experience soothing and enjoyable for everyone.
Thanks to the wonderful student volunteer from MK College, they made sure no one missed out. Animals were brought room-to-room for those who preferred to stay in their own space. Families joined in too, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere full of smiles and laughter.
Animal therapy offers many benefits for people living with dementia, from easing anxiety to sparking treasured memories. One touching moment came when Pamela, holding a rabbit, shared: “I used to have rabbits too, one of them had 19 little bunnies! I looked after them all.”
Her story lit up the room, prompting others to reminisce about their own pets. The visit didn’t just bring joy in the moment, it inspired conversations and connections that lasted all day.
It was clear from the smiles and warm chatter that this visit was exactly what Neath House needed.