Therapy sheep visit residents at Whitworth care home

Residents at Barley View care home in Whitworth recently enjoyed a surprise visit from a trio of therapy sheep, raising spirits and plenty of smiles.

The woolly guests form part of a small flock owned and cared for by Emma Jackson, whose Sheep Therapy business based in Stacksteads, Rossendale continues to grow in popularity.

The three tame lambs - Mocha, William, and Buttercup - were gratefully received by residents at Barley View who were all given the opportunity to stroke, hold and even feed the animals.

The visit was arranged by the homes dedicated Activities and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Gemma Howarth who originally spotted Sheep Therapy on social media.

“Our residents love animals,” said Gemma. “When they’re sat in the activity room at Barley View, the residents always look for the sheep on the hills facing us.

“I knew they would love the lambs. Seeing animals brings so much joy and happiness.”

 

 

For one Barley View resident, the experience provided a welcome reminder of his agricultural background. While feeding one of the lambs, Gordon remarked: “It feels very natural to me. I used to work on a farm when I was younger. These really are lovely sheep!”

Emma Jackson, who runs the small working farm in Stacksteads, believes that sheep therapy provides relaxation and bonding between animal and human. This close bonding can help to reduce stress and anxiety, provide comfort, companionship, boost mood, and give confidence.

For Barley View, which offers both residential and specialist dementia care, animal therapies form an important part of their activities schedule.

Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, has been shown to improve mood and increase social interaction among those living with dementia; critical given that this group is at greater risk of isolation and depression.