Residents at Kiwi House Care Home in Alvaston, Derby, could be found ‘horsing-around’ on a residents-chosen day trip to Wenlo RDA (Riding for the disabled).
Among the resident was Joyce Fearn (81), who enjoyed many years as a passionate horse rider in her youth. Joyce’s family owned horses during her childhood and adolescence and now living at Kiwi House Care Home, she told the activities coordinator “my wish has always been to be around horses again.”
Joyce poses for a photo with her favourite horse at the Wenlo RDA
The visit offered not only fun, laughter and comfort but, for those with dementia, memory recall, stimulation and mood enhancement.
“The visit was wonderful, it really gave warmth, smiles and joy to our residents, especially Joyce. Seeing their reaction was priceless and so rewarding. Joyce was thrilled, she spent so much time talking and hugging with the horses and has now expressed a wish to go riding again on her next visit,” said Mark Whithorn, The Activities Lead at Kiwi House Care Home.
“People who struggle with speech will try and talk to the horses and Wenlo RDA, based in Loughborough, offers the opportunity to ride safely, care for, and groom the horses, promoting confidence and health benefits such as movement and coordination. The residents love to pet them, and the horses love all the fuss and attention. Dementia care is about finding the key that unlocks the passion in a person and we certainly found Joyce’s key, her face speaks a thousand words,” said Karen Middleton, Dementia Manager at Adept Care Homes.
The smiles, giggling and laughter were heart-warming. There were a few tears from the residents, the care team and the volunteers. Joyce has since been showing her family, friends and fellow residents all the photos of her visit and introducing them to each and every horse.
“Thank you to the amazing volunteers Sharon, Anna, Phillip, Amy, Phoebe, Penny and Jack at Wenlo and all helped make this day truly special. Our Lifestyle and Wellbeing program is designed around the residents, their passions and interests and as Joyce would agree, helps to makes Kiwi House ‘a superb place to live or work’ said Karen.
Please do give us a call on 01332 755892 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”