The healing power of pet therapy in Care Homes

DAFFODIL Lodge Care Home in Southport shares the positive impact their therapy dogs, Winston and Paris have on the residents in the home.

Daffodil Lodge Care Home, part of the Prime Care group, is a dementia friendly Care Home in Southport, committed to the highest standards of respite, residential and dementia care.

Wilson and Paris, who are both 4 years old, are French Bulldogs owned by Mark, the home's maintenance man. Wilson and Paris earnestly desires affection from the beloved occupants of Daffodil Lodge each visit.

Residents can experience reduced feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, leading to overall happiness and contentment, with the presence of a friendly and affectionate dog. Wilson and Paris foster a sense of community and reduce social isolation by providing a common topic of conversation and encouraging residents to interact with 1 another.

Mark, owner of the dogs made a statement:- "The dogs enjoy accompanying me to work and tend to exhibit exemplary behaviour. If they are unable to join me, residents will ask about their whereabouts. The dogs sit and enjoy being stroked by residents all day, receiving attention. The residents love them just as much as they are loved by the residents."

Dogs are known for their ability to bring smiles and laughter. The playful antics and affectionate nature of these animals can boost the mood of the residents and establish a positive atmosphere in the Care Home.

Kathleen, a Resident at Daffodil Lodge Care Home, said:- "Having the dogs in the home brings me pleasure because I love animals. Every time they visit, they brighten my day, and I am always eager to see them again."

The benefits of pet therapy in the home improve the quality of life for residents. Dogs make the Care Home environment more homely and comforting by providing companionship, joy, and a sense of normalcy.

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Over a thousand pink footed geese arrive at WWT Martin Mere

EXCITEMENT in Burscough as the highly anticipated sounds of over a thousand pink footed geese fill the air during their arrival to the Lancashire wetland centre.

Each year, the geese make the 500 mile journey from Iceland to spend the next couple of months in Lancashire to avoid the harsher winters. The 1st of the geese arrived over the weekend, with thousands more expected in the next few weeks.

As they travel, they'll come in large family flocks and create a:- 'V' formation. This allows more experienced birds to fly at the front, with those newer to the long journey able to follow at the back and learn the flight paths for when they return each year.

Louise Clewley, Reserve Manager at Martin Mere, said:- "The pink footed geese will spend most of the winter period down South. However, they'll take a break in their long journey here in Lancashire, so that they can refuel for a few weeks before they continue. We make sure we're ready for their arrival by creating the perfect habitat. This is achieved mostly by our Longhorn cattle who graze our grass to the right length for the species."

Each day at dawn, the pink footed geese will leave their roost to visit nearby farmers' fields. As they set off, the sky will be filled with flocks of geese, creating an unforgettable, beautiful atmosphere. They'll then return to the roost as the sun sets, ready to do it all again the next day.

To celebrate their arrival, Martin Mere is hosting a number of events so that visitors to get a closer look at the amazing birds, alongside other migratory birds that fill the mere in the colder months.

On 14 October and 15 October 2023, the centre is hosting a wildlife filled weekend of guest speakers, exhibitors, and activities, at the annual North West Bird Watching Festival. Opening early, visitors will have the chance to see the geese fill the sky as they leave the roost.

Those unable to attend the festival can experience the out of hours:- 'Dawn Flights Event.' Starting at;- 7am, gain exclusive access of the Discovery Hide with breathtaking views of the mere, and finish off the morning with a delicious full English breakfast in the Mere Side Cafe.

Each Wednesday and Saturday, in October, visitors can also enter the centre free of charge after:- 5pm until 7pm, as part of the centres 'Late Night Opening' events.

To find out more about what's on at Martin Mere, visit:- WWT.Org.UK.