Unusual Animals Brought Into Retirement Homes to Brighten Senior's Day

[SeaBreeze]

Owls, reptiles and other animals are brought into retirement homes to brighten the resident's day full story and pictures here. http://www.boredpanda.com/animals-visit-retirement-homes-creature-teachers/

We introduce retirement home residents to our very unusual animal ambassadors, bringing the animal world to their world. The oldest person we have met was 107 years of age and she was delighted to stroke Lionel the raccoon, and tickle Vincent the tortoise under his chin.

Getting hands on and up close to invertebrates, reptiles, mammals and birds brings so much stimulation and enjoyment to the elderly people we meet, touching a snake for the first time, recalling stories of rabbit hunting with ferrets during the war days, laughing as the millipede’s legs tickle their hands, having a barn owl fly to them, or just seeing an animal they have only ever seen on television from the comfort of their beds or armchair, are priceless experiences.

We have seen tears of joy and heard excited laughter from residents, and gasps of surprise from staff and visiting family who are astounded at how well residents react to the creatures’ visits.We have visited about 90 retirement homes since we started four years ago, and the word is spreading about how much nursing and dementia home residents enjoy scaly, furry, feathery and creepy crawly visitors too!

 

[Warrigal]

Great idea.

I've told all my grand children that when I'm confined to a nursing home they are to visit me, bring some bread, then wheel me outside so that I can feed the birds. If they bring their pets I'll be even happier.

My daughter and my niece used to visit my mum with their dogs; one small poodle X and a border collie X. Mum loved the visits and the two dogs eventually attended her funeral as a tribute to her love of animals (and people).

 

[hollydolly]

I've always thought it's a fantastic idea...I adore dogs, particularity my grandfurkids because I currently don't have any of my own . if I'm ever in a nursing home I'd love a dog to come and visit me every day...Not keen on the idea of a snake though...

 

[Kadee]

There is a nursing home in our small town who has their own cat, it visits almost every room " checking " the residents .
We used to attend other nursing homes in the other small towns , and dance for them with live music,it really made their day unfortunally we no longer attend as the man who taught us to dance and organised the dance at the homes passed away this year..

 

[Bullie76]

My mom was in a nursing home once rehabbing from a broken hip. The nursing home would let you bring family pets for visits. I took my 90lb lab and he certainly brighten my mother's day. I let him visit with other dog friendly patients. Most enjoyed him but there were a couple who wanted no part of a big dog.