Why Animal Visits Matter in Our Care Homes at Rosewood Healthcare Group

At Rosewood Healthcare Group, our focus is on delivering not only high-quality care but also a meaningful quality of life for every resident. One way we enhance the day-to-day experience in our care homes is through animal visits; something our residents and staff alike look forward to.

These visits aren’t just a novelty. There’s growing evidence, and plenty of firsthand experience, to show that time spent with animals can have a measurable impact on wellbeing, particularly for older people and those living with dementia.

Promoting Emotional Wellbeing

Animals have a natural ability to offer comfort and connection. For residents who may experience loneliness, especially those without regular visitors, even short interactions with animals can lift mood and reduce stress. The simple presence of an animal can help create a calming environment and offer a different kind of companionship; one that doesn’t rely on words.

Supporting Memory and Engagement

Animal visits often prompt memories and stories, particularly for those who’ve had pets or worked with animals in the past. These conversations can help residents connect with their personal histories and with others around them. For those living with cognitive decline, this kind of sensory engagement can help improve focus and awareness, even if just for a short time.

Encouraging Gentle Physical Activity

Whether it’s stroking a dog, holding a small animal, or taking part in feeding or grooming a large animal, the visits provide opportunities for gentle physical movement. These small activities support coordination, mobility, and sensory stimulation: all important aspects of overall wellbeing in later life.

Routine and Variety

Regular animal visits offer something different in the week-to-week rhythm of care home life. Having animals visit on a schedule gives residents something specific to look forward to and talk about, creating moments of enjoyment that feel separate from routine care tasks.

Strengthening Community Connections

Many of our visiting animals come with their handlers: volunteers, staff members, or local community groups which helps build relationships beyond the care home walls. These visits often lead to broader conversations, shared stories, and new connections.

A Simple Idea with a Big Impact

At Rosewood, we understand that good care is about more than just clinical needs. Animal visits are one of many ways we support the emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of our residents. The benefits are clear, and the feedback from residents and families continues to reinforce the value of these visits.

We’ll continue to welcome our four-legged, (and sometimes feathered) visitors, because we’ve seen the difference they make: not just in the moment, but in the overall atmosphere of our homes