Elderly residents delighted by furry therapy session

GIANT rabbits and guinea pigs have been hopping into the hearts of Kirklees care home residents in a fur-filled therapy session designed to combat loneliness.

Four fluffy critters from animal therapy provider Diggi’s Den bounced into Aden House Care Home, Long Lane, Clayton West, Huddersfield.

The two giant rabbits, Dorothy and Hilda, were joined by two young guinea pigs for the visit, when elderly residents had the opportunity to stroke and hold their new furry friends.

Sarah Taylor, 72, said: “They were so soft and cuddly. I can’t wait for them to visit again next year.”

Anna Lee Pickford, home manager at Aden House Care Home, said: “It was a lovely treat when Diggi’s Den came to visit the home. The bunnies were a firm favourite with Sandra and Hilary, watching our residents laugh and smile was an afternoon well spent.

“Residents were amazed at how big they were and even had a lead to walk them. Hilary said she had never seen that before.

“The residents were all up for giving them a cuddle and feeding them. It was a lovely two hours of cuteness.”

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions have proven physical and mental health boosting benefits for elderly residents, according to Anna.

He explained: “We use AAT sessions to help tackle feelings of loneliness, stress, ease anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing. When residents are happy, they tend to be more energised, chatty, and outgoing.

“You only need to watch the residents interacting with the rabbits and guinea pigs and hear them talking about it afterwards, to their loved ones and the carers, to see what an impact these sessions have.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Diggi’s Den for bringing the wonderful animals to the care home. I’m sure we’ll be running many more animal encounter sessions in future.”