‘Therapony’ proves big hit with care home residents

Residents of a care home for blind and partially sighted older people were paid a visit by a special four-legged friend.

Residents of Braeside House in Liberton Brae, Edinburgh, were delighted to meet Wilson, a miniature Shetland pony from Therapy Ponies Scotland, as part of the home’s innovative activities programme.

Braeside House is run by Scotland’s largest vision impairment charity, Royal Blind.

The specially trained ponies offer therapeutic benefits to people including those with co-ordination and mobility challenges, learning difficulties, depression, anxiety and dementia.

Wilson was a hit with residents and staff alike, bringing huge smiles as he was taken around the home visiting residents in their rooms and in living areas.

Braeside House Activities Team Leader, Barrie Simcock, said the residents were ‘over the moon’ with the visit.

He said: “It was a fantastic experience for both the residents and the staff. The residents were absolutely delighted to meet Wilson. He was very calm and well natured and there were happy smiling faces all around.”

Royal Blind is Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation. We create life-changing opportunities for visually impaired children and adults from across Scotland and the rest of the UK with the following services: The Royal Blind School and Learning Hub, Adult Services, Care for Older People, the Scottish Braille Press, Kidscene After School and Holiday Club and the Learning Hub. www.royalblind.org

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