A Morning Spent at our Local Farm

Recently, the residents of Oakdene Care Home hopped on a minibus to take a trip to a local farm in Wimborne Minster.

We arrived at the farm and residents were warmly invited to interact with a variety of animals, feeding them and providing them with lots of cuddles. Such animals included goats, donkeys, horses, and rabbits, and they brought a big smile to the faces of our residents.

Following on from time with the animals, the residents walked around, explored the farm, and ended their experience with a cup of tea and cake before heading home for lunch.

It was a fantastic opportunity that really supported the wellbeing of our residents. Not only did it boost their moods to interact with the animals, but it was also wonderful for them to enjoy some fresh air and light activity.

Activities such as trips to the farm and animal therapy are also a great sensory experience, as residents are able to take in the sounds, sights, and smells of the farm and stroke the furs of the animals.

This latest trip took place due to a new initiative we have introduced at Oakdene Care Home, which is activity review forms. We strongly believe that just because individuals make the move into a care home, they should not have to give up their independence, or doing the things they love.

Our residents overall wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we want to ensure that they have choices. Within the 'future activity' section of the review form, several residents said they would like to see more animals. We have had huge success with animal therapy previously within the home, so following this feedback, we thought this time we would take a trip out, seeing as we are in the height of summer.

The residents very much enjoyed this form of animal therapy, as well as venturing into the community and talking to the children they saw at the farm. We will continue with activity review forms and resident meetings to ensure that our residents and their loved ones feel heard and valued, and ultimately have the choice to do what they want to do.