20/11/2025
๐ด In the latest blog, discover how animal assisted therapy benefits older people and people living with dementia. And meet our favourite next door neigh-bour, Dolly the horse, who brings calm, connection, and joy to daily life.
Animal assisted therapy is just a fancy title for being around and having contact with animals of all kinds. For many of us, animals have been lifelong companions, from family pets to encounters with wildlife, they bring a sense of calm, purpose, and joy. At Offmore Farm Residential Home, this special bond is beautifully embodied in our connection with Dolly the horse. Her gentle presence and steady nature make her an integral part of life here, offering residents a unique kind of therapy that no medicine can match.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
For people living with dementia or age-related conditions, the world can sometimes feel confusing or fragmented. Contact with animals provides grounding and comfort in the here and now. Stroking a horseโs soft nose, ruffling the fur of a friendly dog, or simply watching animals interacting with others can evoke memories, stir emotions, and create a profound sense of connection.
Research into animal-assisted therapy has shown measurable benefits:
โข Reduced anxiety
โข Lower blood pressure
โข Improved mood
โข Better social engagement.
These effects come from a combination of sensory stimulation, emotional warmth, and the release of oxytocin - the โfeel-goodโ hormone that fosters trust and reduces stress.
๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ, ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ
For older people, especially those who may have lost partners or have moved away from their familiar home, the companionship of an animal offers unconditional acceptance. Animals donโt judge, interrupt, or expect explanations. They respond to tone, touch, and presence, creating a safe space for people who might struggle with words or memory.
At Offmore Farm, we believe these encounters add richness to daily life. Just as music, art, and gardening awaken different senses and emotions, time spent with animals like Dolly and our visiting pets nurtures empathy, curiosity, and joy. The ripple effects are visible: residents smile more, socialise more easily, and often show renewed interest in other activities.
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐
Our connection with Dolly goes beyond โanimal assisted therapyโ. Dolly and all the pets that visit us here remind us of belonging to a caring community. They show us that life is best lived with companionship, love, and curiosity. When life can sometimes feel restless or confusing, the presence of animals helps us slow down and reconnect with a different energy.
At Offmore Farm, we see every day how the human/animal bond enriches wellbeing, lifts spirits, and builds bridges between generations. Animals, Dolly in particular, are a beloved part of our community, and their gentle influence reminds us that sometimes, care comes with four legs and a fur coat.
