RESIDENTS at a care home in Cornwall have enjoyed a visit from an unusual but therapeutic guest.
Sparkle, a miniature donkey from the Flicka Foundation was recently greeted by staff and residents at Poldhu Nursing Home near Mullion.
Organised by the home's activities coordinator Gillian McMullen, Sparkle was bought to the care home by Flicka Foundation staff Fiona and Mark to interact with the elderly residents.
The pensioners were said to have adored Sparkle, and for some it bought back memories of donkey rides on beaches.
Gillian told the Packet. “It was a lovely day; some residents were inside and some outside.
“Sparkle was wonderful, and the residents adored her.
“I arranged the visit with Flicka, and after Sparkle left to go back to the sanctuary, her visit generated great discussions between the residents. For some, it bought back memories of donkeys on the beach.”
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The aim of the visit was to help build enrichment for the elderly whilst helping them to feel relaxed.
According to information on Flicka’s website, donkeys can improve physical and psychological well-being as well as help them develop important, transferable life skills such as confidence building, learning empathy and managing complex emotions.
The information reads: “Donkeys are emotionally intelligent, sensitive creatures and their affection is boundless.
“They really come into their own when interacting with humans and have an amazing effect of making people feel relaxed and at ease with the world, leading to a mutually beneficial, empathetic relationship between both participants.”
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