Donkeys rekindle animal lover’s memories
A CARE-HOME resident was granted a wish to spend time with her favourite animals because she had not seen them for donkey’s years.
Animal lover Brenda Pearce, 71, who suffers from dementia, had kept donkeys for more than a decade.
She used to rescue them and had raised thousands of pounds for her local sanctuary.
But after moving in to Mill View care home in East Grinstead, West Sussex, Brenda missed the animals.
She made a wish to be with donkeys again and the home arranged a trip to nearby East Clayton Farm.
Brenda, who moved in last year, struggles with day-to-day memory but when she started interacting with the animals she was able to recall specific details about the ones she used to keep, indicating that they can be highly therapeutic.
Miriam Markham, the care home’s lifestyle co-ordinator, said: “We always like to go the extra mile for residents and like to make their wishes come true, no matter how big or small.
“It was incredible to see Brenda’s face light up when she walked into the farm and spotted the donkeys.
“It really showed how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially those living with dementia, by encouraging reminiscence.
“Brenda was thrilled to spend the afternoon around her favourite animals.
“Not only did she recall more details about her donkeys, she even started to remember more details about her younger years, which really put a big smile on her face. It was a fantastic day for everyone involved.”