Long term care residents can sometimes suffer from depression caused by age associated life transitions, illness, stress, mental illness and loneliness. Studies have found that those who reside in long term carehomes that had a high level of voluntary contact with pets had lower bouts of loneliness than those who reported a low level of contact.  Engaging activities such as pet therapy can offer cognitive and social stimulation, which in return can help with frustration, and lessen feelings of loss and loneliness.

Being cognisant of the benefits emanating from Animal Therapy,  we have this week convened an animal farm visit for our residents at Golden Care Home.  Residents enjoyed a full morning in the company of a variety of farm animals and even had the opportunity to feed them.

To make the day even more memorable, residents were also served typically Maltese food, including ‘hobz biz-zejt’, farm cheeselets, cannoli, and ricotta/pea cakes.