Over at Heath Lodge they have a variety of animals that support worker Dean has kindly put together some information on and how they have positively impacted on the people we support. 🌟
Therapy animals are used all over the world to benefit wellbeing such as dogs, cats, birds and lots of other furry critters.
At Heath Lodge we currently have a cat, 2 chickens, 2 rabbits and one of our residents even has 2 large fish tanks full of fish! 🐰
Heath Lodge Chickens:
In our spacious garden there is plenty of room for our 2 chickens to run around! They have become a very important part of our residents and staff’s lives, providing us with fresh eggs every day and giving everybody something to care for and look after. 🐔
The chickens are quite friendly and even try to come into the house! As a team we keep them fed, clean and happy. We’ve noticed everybody’s caring side come out since we’ve had them, and on bad days they put smiles on our faces with their antics. They give everyone a reason to spend some time outside in the fresh air.
Heath Lodge Rabbits:
Tom has always wanted pets of his own to look after, and recently we were able to grant his wish when we turned his old shed into a home for 2 rabbits! Since Tom has had his rabbits, we have noticed his nurturing side coming out more, and he is always calm and happy when he has interacted with them. Every day he checks on them, feeds them, and has even been handling them! 🐇
Tom’s Cat:
Pebbles is Tom’s cat and has been his companion for many years now. The two of them are inseparable and anybody can see how fond they are of each other! Tom is absolutely fantastic at caring for Pebbles, and he understands her needs exceptionally well. In return, she provides comfort, reassurance and relief for Tom on bad days.
Pebbles is Tom’s number one priority and the way he is with her shows just what a kind, caring man he is. Staff are very fond of her too, and her strong and fierce personality. 🐈
Leo’s Fish:
We can’t talk about the pets here at Heath Lodge without mentioning Leo’s fish! In his annex he has 2 large tanks full of a variety of colourful sea creatures. Leo looks after them very well, feeding them and cleaning them out with staff support. 🐡
He loves to visit the garden centre with staff every few weeks to look around the aquatics shop and choose some new fish. 🐟
Baby Chicks:
Last but by no means least, we are incredibly fortunate to have an egg incubator currently set up in the home! We are eagerly awaiting the hatching of some very cute chicks in time for Spring. 🐣
Having these animals at Heath Lodge has allowed the people we support to be responsible for the pet’s welfare with the support of the staff team. They have helped boost the moods and wellbeing of the people we support and have brought joy into everyone’s lives at Heath Lodge including staff. 👏
We can’t wait to see some pictures of the chicks when they hatch and what animals you get next…
