The Grange care home welcome their own pet rabbits!

At the start of the year, residents at The Grange were excited to welcome their pet rabbits, Betty and Barbara, into the home. When the pair first arrived, the team introduced them to the residents, making their way around the lounges and residents’ rooms for a hello.

The rabbits have brought so much joy to residents, who have enjoyed plenty of cuddles, watching them play and spoiling them with treats, toys and new play areas.

Pet therapy brings many benefits to residents in the care home setting. A visit from an animal brings a different kind of positive social interaction and encourages social involvement. Pet therapy is also proven to help residents living with dementia, can improve mood and calm feelings of anxiety and depression. So, having an animal living at the home sees these benefits on a consistent basis.

Betty and Barbara have welcomed new opportunities for residents, who are encouraged to make important choices and take care of the rabbits, increasing responsibility and independence. Resident Olive regularly enjoys a trip to the pet shop, to buy all the rabbit essentials and of course, some treats for them too. Everyone also enjoys bringing them out into the lounge for playtime and cuddles.

With warmer weather on its way, residents were very excited to purchase their new outdoor rabbit run, so that both rabbits and residents can enjoy the lovely garden and beautiful sunshine in the summer.

The Grange Home Manager, Marina Hudspeth, is pleased with how much the residents have enjoyed having the rabbits and commented:

“All in all, our rabbits, Betty and Barbara, have been a great hit with residents. The rabbits are spoiled with lots of cuddles and treats and everyone loves having them around. It has been great to see the joy they have brought to residents. Pets are so good for wellbeing, and we are so thrilled that we can offer this at The Grange.”