By popular demand, staff from Bottom Leys Farm in Derbyshire, delighted residents by bringing two spring lambs to Bernadette House. The lambs arrived wearing little nappies and bottles of milk for lunch. Residents took it turns to hold the lambs, who are hand reared and love to be cuddled.
“I was excited when I knew the lambs were visiting,” explained Joyce Garner, 102. “I had such a lovely cuddle with one last year.” The very presence of animals can help reduce the effects of dementia such as anxiety, agitation and irritability. Their friendliness and non-threatening manner means animals can help those living with dementia be more interactive, when sometimes they find social settings disconcerting.
Staff were just as delighted to see the lambs as our residents. “I do love the lambs,” said housekeeper Nicola. “It was so wonderful to hold them and feed them last year that I haven’t eaten lamb since.”