As we journey through life, we hit all sorts of challenging times. Our bodies, needs and cares change with age, but so do those of our families around us. We've put this page together to introduce you to companies, charities & organisations which can help us tackle these more challenging times - especially those of a more physical nature - so that we can get on with enjoying life to the full, whether the person involved are our own Mums & Dads, oureselves or our children. Read about the care home which started a pet farm for its residents. More...
Care Homes taking Pets
The Cinnamon Trust has a database of care homes which will take your Mum (or Dad) and her or his pet in. They have a huge number on their list throughout the UK and it's growing. So if the time has come for your parents to move into a home, and of course they don't want to be parted with their beloved pet, contact the Cinnamon Trust. The Trust also has around 12,000 volunteers who will go into private and care homes to help with pet care activities such as dog walking. It offers these services for the elderly and terminally ill only.
Giving elderly people purpose
The Eden Alternativehelps care homes alleviate the three plagues of old age (loneliness, boredom and helplessness) and helps invigorate elderly people through encouraging them to be more proactive in and around their home.A typical example is that elderly people are given responsiblity for taking care of pets, growing their own vegetables and cooking their own food. The opportunity to care for something or someone meaningful can make all the difference.
Donkeys are providing magical moments at a number of care homes around the UK. Find out more!
Pets as Therapy
Pets as Therapy are well known for their work visiting care homes, hospitals, hospices and so on. What is not so well known about Pets as Theapy is that they also work with stroke victims as part of a team with physios and medical staff. If your Mum has had a stroke, a Pets as Therapy volunteer could help the team involved in her rehabilitation. They also help children with phobias of dogs, usually going into schools. For more info, click here.
Assistance Dogs
There are a number of assistance dog charities: Canine Partners train dogs to help those with mobility problems, most usually in a wheelchair; Guide Dogs (for the blind), Hearing Dogs for the Deaf (self explanatory), Dogs for the Disabled (also for those with physical disabilities) andSupport Dogs(seizure alert & medical assistance dogs). Assistance dogs can give their partners huge confidence and self-belief, and give them a life and their independence back. Contact individual charities to find out whether you are eligible for a dog and how they can help.
Gardening is great therapy
Thrive is a small national charity which enlists gardening & horticultural activities to help change the livesof people with disabilities or to help those who have suffered from an illness or coping with a difficult time in their lives. It can also help slow down the deterioration when someone has a degenerative illness, people who arerecovering from strokes & heart disease. Thrive also works with those who are blind or partially sighted,whether they are already into the hobby or just starting off. Thrive has 2 garden projects in Berkshire & London but it also supports 900 garden projects in the UK socontact Thriveto find one close to you.
Gardening tools for those with mobility difficulties
If someone you love has mobility problems which mean they are finding it harder and harder to garden, then gardening tools from Able Gardener will help. A friendly, helpful family firm based in Scotland.
Gardening4Good,
This site has some really lovely ideas on how to bring gardens, flowers and plants to the elderly. Activity Managers in nursing or residential homes may find this site particularly invaluable
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