Oh, what a morning we had at Briar House Care Home in Kings Lynn! Our residents were in for a real treat and a walk down memory lane as we had some very special visitors trot into our day.
Enter Maizy and Chocky, the delightfully cute miniature donkeys. The magic began the moment they set hoof in the premises. Everyone, from the residents to the staff, and family and friends who were present, simply couldn’t resist their charm.
The whole home was buzzing with excitement, laughter, and lots of petting. Maizy and Chocky quickly became the centre of attention, getting lots of pats, strokes, and of course, treats. Speaking of treats, it took some ginger nut biscuits, a sprinkle of mints, and a few cheese cheddars to coax Chocky into a bit of adventure. Chocky not only roamed around the common areas but even took a trip (lift ride included) to greet residents in their own rooms. The sight of him entering the lift was a hoot and had all of us in splits!
Now, this wasn’t just about fun and games. Engaging with animals, like these adorable donkeys, has a therapeutic touch. Such interactions have a profound positive effect, promoting relaxation, brightening moods, reducing stress, and giving everyone an avenue for social connection.
Maxine Fearnhough, the home manager beautifully summed up the day: “The day was a delight for everyone and I am so grateful to Miniature Donkeys for Therapy and Fun for making the day possible, and a special thank you to Kate for organising it. It was a great day as so many of the resident’s family and friends were in attendance”.
Reflecting on the day, one of the residents said: “The morning with donkeys was fantastic. It brought back so many memories of growing up with animals, and it was a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.”
Briar House care home is rated as ‘Good’ across the board by the Care Quality Commission.
