At Foresters Lodge Care Home in Bridlington, we pride ourselves on offering unique and meaningful activities that enhance the well-being of our residents. One such activity is Dementia Therapy, featuring our very own therapy cat, Whiskers.
Whiskers is an interactive therapeutic tool designed to provide comfort, companionship, and healing to residents, especially those living with dementia. It’s a lifelike cat that purrs, rolls over, meows, and moves its eyes, offering an experience similar to interacting with a real pet.
The Benefits of Therapy with Whiskers
Pet therapy is a powerful way to address the emotional, mental, and social needs of individuals, and this week’s session with Whiskers was no exception. Residents engaged in the session reported feeling calmer and more at ease, and we observed improvements in mood, behaviour, and social interaction.
This therapeutic activity is especially effective for managing:
- Anxiety and stress
- Feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Confusion and restlessness
By providing a sense of companionship, Whiskers helps residents feel more connected and supported, even on challenging days.
How Whiskers Supports Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being
Whiskers doesn’t just bring comfort—it also encourages cognitive and physical engagement. Activities like stroking the cat, watching it respond with lifelike movements, and sharing stories about pets or past experiences sparked by the session create valuable opportunities for reminiscence and connection. These interactions help improve:
- Social interaction
- Cognitive functions
- Physical activity, such as gentle hand movements
Therapy sessions like this touch residents on multiple levels—mentally, emotionally, and physically—making them a key component of our holistic care approach.
A Heartwarming Experience
Residents including Janet, Mary, Margaret D, Margaret H, Margaret A, Enid, Keith, Les, Vivienne, Jocelyn, Delia, Rosemary, and Dorothy participated in this calming and enjoyable session, led by Angie, our dedicated Activities Lead. Watching the residents smile, engage, and share positive moments with Whiskers is always a rewarding experience for our care team.
Whiskers has become a much-loved part of life at Foresters Lodge, providing comfort and companionship to residents and offering real benefits to their emotional and mental well-being. At the end of a busy day, Whiskers retires to a cosy basket in our Activities Hub, ready for the next session.
Why Activities Like These Matter
At Foresters Lodge, we understand the importance of offering activities that foster connection and purpose for our residents. Pet therapy is just one example of how we aim to make every day as enriching as possible.
If you’re considering residential, respite, or dementia care in Bridlington, Foresters Lodge Care Home provides a warm, welcoming environment where your loved one can thrive.
Contact us to learn more about our care services and the unique activities we offer to support well-being and enhance quality of life. 📞 01262 602522 | 🔗 Foresters Lodge Care Home