At Hayes Park, we believe in creating joyful and enriching experiences that make our home feel like a vibrant community – and our recent visit from the Phoenix Lambs was truly unforgettable!

Thanks to the kind generosity of one of our resident’s sons, who volunteers with The Phoenix Children’s Foundation, we were delighted to welcome two adorable baby lambs to our home. Their visit brought smiles and laughter as residents and their families enjoyed a rare opportunity to interact with the gentle animals.

The Joy of Animal Therapy

The benefits of bringing animals into a nursing home setting are well-documented — and we saw them firsthand during the visit. Some of the positive effects included:

• Emotional Uplift: Residents lit up as they held and stroked the lambs, with many recalling fond memories of farms, pets, or countryside life. These moments often spark meaningful conversations and emotional connections.
• Sensory Stimulation: The soft feel of the lambs’ wool, their gentle bleats, and the simple act of touch helped stimulate the senses and encourage interaction — especially for residents living with dementia, where sensory-based activities can promote calmness, focus, and even awaken memories.
• Cognitive Benefits for Dementia: For those with dementia, animal interactions can be particularly powerful. Research shows that visits from animals can reduce feelings of confusion and agitation, while encouraging engagement, social interaction, and even short-term memory recall. Simply being in the presence of gentle animals can help ground residents in the moment and offer a comforting sense of connection.
• Social Engagement: Family members joined in the visit, creating a lively, shared experience that strengthened bonds and fostered community spirit.
• Calming Presence: Animals naturally provide a sense of calm. The lambs’ quiet, gentle nature helped ease anxiety and brought a peaceful energy into the home.

A Moment to Remember

Events like this are part of what makes Hayes Park a truly special place. We’re always open to community partnerships that bring joy to our residents and we’re incredibly grateful to the The Phoenix Children’s Foundation for their kindness and thoughtfulness.

Whether it’s crafts, cultural celebrations, or cuddles with baby lambs, we’ll continue to fill our calendar with activities that touch the heart.