© DynamicFrameworks - Elite ThemeForest Author.
Bringing Joy to Your Door: The Mobile Petting Farm Experience
10 August 2023
The Educational Benefits of Petting Farms Visiting Child Care and Kindergartens
07 September 2023

The Remarkable Benefits
of Farm Animals
Visiting Aged Homes

with Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms

Bringing joy, comfort & connection.

Bringing farm animals to aged homes isn't a new concept. Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms have been bringing our mobile farms to retirement home since the beginning. It's one of our favourite activities.

That’s because we get to see the positive effects our babies have firsthand! Farm animals, ranging from gentle goats and friendly chickens to cuddly rabbits, offer unique benefits to the elderly residents in these homes. Their presence brings joy, comfort, and a connection to nature that can have a profound impact on the well-being and happiness of aging individuals. In this blog post, we will delve into the incredible advantages of farm animals visiting aged homes and explore how they contribute to the overall quality of life for the residents.

We recently had the immense pleasure of hosting Old Macdonald’s Travelling Farms and their delightful array of farm animals for a visit that left an indelible mark on our residents’ hearts. It is with utmost gratitude that we extend our sincere thanks to the team at Old Macdonald’s Travelling Farms for the incredible experience they brought to our home.

Therapeutic and Sensory Experiences:
Farm animals provide therapeutic and sensory experiences that can greatly enhance the lives of elderly residents. The opportunity to touch, stroke, and interact with animals like goats, sheep, or rabbits can be immensely calming and soothing. The soft touch of an animal’s fur or feathers, the gentle sound of their movements, and even their unique smells can engage residents’ senses and evoke positive memories. These experiences can help reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and provide a comforting environment for residents.
Social & Emotional Well-being
Farm animals visiting aged homes can foster social interaction and emotional well-being among residents. The presence of farm animals creates opportunities for shared experiences and conversations among individuals. Residents can engage in discussions about farming, animals they may have owned in the past, or simply share their admiration for the animals’ unique characteristics. These interactions promote a sense of community, reduce feelings of loneliness, and encourage social connections among the elderly, staff members, and volunteers.
Meaningful Activities & Therapeutic Benefits
Engaging with farm animals can have therapeutic benefits for elderly residents. Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Activities such as feeding, grooming, or even just sitting and cuddling can provide physical and psychological benefits, helping residents relax and feel a sense of comfort. Farm animals also offer a change of pace from the daily routines in aged homes, adding novelty and excitement to residents’ lives.

The introduction of farm animals into aged homes has opened up a world of incredible benefits for the residents. The therapeutic and sensory experiences, connection with nature, social and emotional well-being, therapeutic benefits, and opportunities for meaningful activities all contribute to the overall enhancement of residents’ quality of life. Farm animals bring a sense of joy, tranquility, and connection to the natural world, reminding aging individuals of the beauty that surrounds them. As we continue to explore innovative ways to promote well-being in aged care, the presence of farm animals stands out as a truly impactful and uplifting intervention.

Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module
Image module

Loneliness is a chronic problem amongst older Australians and isolation is a major driver of depression. Can an afternoon with a cuddly goat or piglet fix this wider issue? Unfortunately no. But our farmers have seen first hand the way a resident’s eyes light up, their shoulders soften and their mood lift in just a short time, connecting with our babies. The stories they share of when they had animals themselves, leading to stimulating conversations and moments of nostalgia. The benefits really are remarkable.

Get in touch with us to book in your local petting farm visit, we bring the farm to you!

ENQUIRE NOWENQUIRE NOW
Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms

Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms are mobile petting zoos with local farmers Australia-wide. We bring the farm to you! Birthday parties, country shows, aged care, schools, kindies & outside school hours care, whatever your event, we've got you covered!