Broadwater Lodge saddles up to welcome new housemates

Home news

Jun 26, 2019

Broadwater Lodge has welcomed several new four-legged residents and is having a wonderful time getting to know them. 

Broadwater Lodge built Codgers Farm last year after enjoying a number of successful animal therapy visits to the home. The farm is complete with pigs, goats, a rabbit, guinea pigs and a small flock of chickens. 

Alongside the four-legged friends already on the farm, the care home has now welcomed three more animals to the family. Pigs Hannah and Ford, donated by and named after engineering company Hannaford Upright, and are already having fun getting to know the other resident pig. Also joining the new arrivals is Cookie the miniature pony who has been settling in and getting to know her neigh-bours.

Angela Bookham, home manager at Broadwater Lodge, said: “We love our new friends on the farm. The residents really enjoy tending to them and making sure Cookie, Hannah and Ford have everything they need to settle in to their new home. 

“Petting animals and being in their company has proven therapeutic benefits, particularly for those living with dementia, as it can reduce anxiety, release calming endorphins, and decrease feelings of loneliness. You can see from the residents’ reactions just how engaged they are when given the opportunity to get close to such lovely, affectionate animals.”