Mass animal adoptions at Wellington care home
Pledging to love and care for the toy animal they chose as their pet was part of the fun ‘adoption’ process created for residents at a Wellington dementia care home by the team who organise their activities.
Harriet Burraston, activities coordinator at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We held a 'Pick a pet animal adoption' day where residents could pick from a variety of cuddly toy animals, depending on their personal favourites.
“Choices included a guinea pig, giraffe, sausage dog, duck, horse, tiger, fish and many more.
“After they’d decided which pet they wanted, our ladies and gents filled out an adoption certificate stating the name they had chosen for their animal, and answering questions about things like its favourite food, its colour, and how many legs (or fins) it has.
“Finally they had to sign a pledge to love and take care of their new pet.
“They are all very pleased with their animals and proud to show them off to staff at Camelot House and Lodge and to other visitors.
“Obviously it’s all just for fun, but activities like this do help keep engaged the people we care for, who are all living with dementia.
“They also enjoy the calming effect of stroking a furry toy animal – in the same way that cat and dog owners benefit from stroking their pets – so all in all it’s proving to be a great success and is helping keep them very happy.”
The adoption day is part of a full and varied programme of activities offered to residents of Camelot House and Lodge. The home is run by award-winning dementia care provider Camelot Care, who also run homes in Bridgwater and Yeovil in Somerset, and Holsworthy and Plymouth in Devon.
