Oak Tree Manor residents welcomeKinedale Donkeys into their home

Dunmurry-based residential home, Oak Tree Manor, which is managed by Kathryn Homes, has teamed up with an animal therapy group to provide residents with one-to-one donkey time.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Nov 2021, 11:29 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2021, 13:33 BST
Residents at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry, meet the two donkeys from Kinedale Donkey in Ballynahinch. Donkey therapy has enormous therapeutic benefits for older people, as their naturally calm and slow presence provides a feeling of security and comfortResidents at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry, meet the two donkeys from Kinedale Donkey in Ballynahinch. Donkey therapy has enormous therapeutic benefits for older people, as their naturally calm and slow presence provides a feeling of security and comfort
Residents at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry, meet the two donkeys from Kinedale Donkey in Ballynahinch. Donkey therapy has enormous therapeutic benefits for older people, as their naturally calm and slow presence provides a feeling of security and comfort

Kinedale Donkeys, located in Ballynahinch, visited the home with its two donkeys, Peanut and Tipple.

Peanut and Tipple were given a four-legged tour of the facility, where their handler Robert introduced them to some of the residents, giving them the opportunity to get to know their new equine friends.

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Carolyn Hill, Wellbeing Lead at Oak Tree Manor, said: “Animal therapy has a positive effect on the social skills of our residents while also providing them with mental stimulation, making it the perfect activity for us to enjoy.

Residents enjoy animal therapy during the visit of Peanut and Tipple from Kinedale Donkeys in BallynahinchResidents enjoy animal therapy during the visit of Peanut and Tipple from Kinedale Donkeys in Ballynahinch
Residents enjoy animal therapy during the visit of Peanut and Tipple from Kinedale Donkeys in Ballynahinch

“At Kathryn Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering person-centered care that enriches the lives of our residents in a fun and meaningful way and donkey therapy ticks all of these boxes.

“It was great to see the smiles on our residents’ faces and know that they made the most out of the visit.”

Donkey therapy has enormous therapeutic benefits for older people, as their naturally calm and slow presence provides a feeling of security and comfort.

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This effect can help reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxieties, while improving verbal communication and increasing mobility.

Agnes Creeth, resident at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry with Peanut the donkey from Kinedale Donkeys, BallynahinchAgnes Creeth, resident at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry with Peanut the donkey from Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch
Agnes Creeth, resident at Oak Tree Manor, Dunmurry with Peanut the donkey from Kinedale Donkeys, Ballynahinch

Speaking of the visit, Agnes Creeth, resident at Oak Tree Manor, commented: “I had a donkey when I was growing up, and seeing the donkeys today brought back those wonderful memories.

“It was a really enjoyable experience that the whole home was able to get involved with.”

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