Residents at Middlesbrough Grange received a very different form of animal therapy – the creepy crawly variety.
The home was visited by Whitby Falconers, a company which brings birds of prey and reptiles which people can handle.
Residents got to look at, hold and touch (if they opted to) some weird and wonderful creatures, including a hissing cockroach, snake and giant lizard. There was also some cuteness in the form of a small owl!
Middlesbrough Grange Manager Amanda Richardson said: “Each resident was given the opportunity to look at, touch and hold the animals while Neil from Whitby Falconers spent time talking about each one
“Some could not wait to touch the animals whilst others were happy just to look. It was a great, stimulating activity for the residents.
“They were certainly more braver than many members of our staff!”
As well as bringing back happy memories of previous pets or animal-related experiences in places like zoos, animal therapy can have positive effects on unlocking memories for people with Dementia/Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimers.net, an online community which supports people affected by Alzheimer’s, said about animal therapy: “While companionship is an obvious benefit, a well-timed animal visit may also help with anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon to watch someone transition from emotionless to joyful when an animal enters the room.
