Sway care home residents enjoy mare-vellous afternoon of animal therapy

A care home in Sway has welcomed a Shetland pony to boost residents’ wellbeing.

Mr Kellogg’s lived up to his ‘mane’ event billing when he trotted into Care UK’s Sway Place on Church Lane.

The pony and owners, Sharon and Megan Gledhill from Linking Hearts Therapy toured the care home, making sure to pop into residents’ individual rooms so everyone could have one-on-one time with the furry friend. 

Resident Joan said: “Mr Kellogg’s filled me with joy. He brought a smile to everyone’s faces, it was a truly lovely visit.”

Since the visit from Mr Kellogg’s, the care home has asked for more regular visits after seeing the joy it brought and residents reminiscing about their past pets. 

Another resident added: “The pony brought back beautiful memories of my own horses. It was a joy to be close and personal to feel the special connection horses can create.”

Francis Bosompim, Home Manager at Sway Place, said: “We loved welcoming Mr Kellogg’s, Sharon and Megan into our home. Animal visits are always such a special time! 

“Animal therapy is an essential part of care here. Being near animals has so many benefits, both for residents who owned pets previously and those living with dementia. This visit has taken us right down memory lane. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Sharon and Megan for introducing Mr Kellogg’s to the home; we can’t wait for the next visit!”

Sway Place provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, with the layout of the building configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. There are also 14 independent-living cottages to suit individuals or couples.