Could this be the first care home with a farm? On-site farm unveiled at Broadwater Lodge

Home news

Oct 24, 2018

Broadwater Lodge has welcomed special new residents in the form of farm animals, unveiling the first on-site farm at a UK care home.

The decision to build the small holding was the wish of residents at Broadwater Lodge, after successful animal therapy visits to the home. 

The residents have since welcomed a number of new friends to the farm, including pigs, Art and Arnie, goats, Shakespeare and Parsley, Rolo the rabbit, two guinea pigs and a small flock of chickens. To celebrate the launch of the farm, the team at Broadwater Lodge welcomed the local community into the home to meet the friendly animals.  

Following the success of the grand launch of the farm, the home has plans to host more farm open days for the community, and is looking forward to welcoming a local mother and toddler group in to meet the animals soon.

Home manager at Broadwater Lodge, Angela Bookham, said: “Our new animal additions have brought a smile to everyone’s face, and it’s a joy to see the residents and team take pride in caring for our farm. We are always looking to plan exciting activities for residents and as so many have enjoyed previous animal visits, we wanted to find a way to make animals a permanent part of life at the care home.

“The farm animals have been so well received, and it’s lovely to see residents participating in the care of more unusual animals, such as the goats and pigs, which provides real therapeutic benefits for them. Having animals to take care of, and a farm to maintain, not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors but it also helps them find a sense of purpose and gives them responsibility later in life. We are very proud to be one of the first care homes with a farm.”