And why we welcome them all at Ash Lodge…
When a loved one moves into nursing care, the transition can often feel like the closing of a chapter, particularly if they miss enjoying the benefits of pets and children at home. Families sometimes worry that the ‘normal’ rhythms of life: the chaos of grandchildren playing or the familiar companionship of a family dog, must be left at the door. At Ash Lodge Nursing Home, we believe the opposite is true. We don’t just provide clinical nursing excellence, we provide a home, and a home is never complete without the laughter of children and the wagging tails of four-legged friends.
Intergenerational visits and animal companionship aren’t just nice to have additions to a resident’s week, they’re a part of what makes nursing care holistic. While our residents have diverse needs the emotional benefits of pets and children visiting are universal.
Seeing how intergenerational connection lights people up
There is something uniquely restorative about the presence of children. For our residents, seeing a young face or hearing a story about school can act as a powerful bridge to the wider world. Unlike many medical interactions that focus on what a resident can’t do, an interaction with a child focuses on the present moment.
Boosting emotional well-being Children bring a natural energy and spontaneity that can instantly lift the mood of a nursing unit. For residents managing chronic physical conditions or recovering from illness, the ‘distraction’ of a grandchild or local school visit can actually reduce perceptions of pain and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). It offers a sense of continuity and reminds residents of their roles as grandparents, parents, and mentors.
Combating loneliness and isolation While our dedicated staff and other Ash Lodge residents provide constant companionship, the specific bond of family is irreplaceable. Research consistently shows that intergenerational socialisation improves self-esteem in the elderly. It gives residents a sense of purpose, whether that’s listening to a child read or sharing a piece of wisdom from their own life. At Ash Lodge, we encourage these moments because we see how they ‘light up’ a resident long after the visit has ended.
The therapeutic influence of pets
The benefits of pet therapy are also well-documented, but at Ash Lodge, we prefer to think of it as bringing the family together. We understand that for many, a dog or a cat is just as much a part of the family as anyone else. Even when the pet is not part of their family, but has come to Ash Lodge to meet our residents, the benefits are very similar.
Physical and mental health perks Interacting with a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. The simple act of stroking a dog’s fur promotes the release of serotonin and oxytocin, the chemicals in the brain that induce relaxation and happiness. For residents who may be struggling with limited mobility, the tactile experience of a pet’s presence provides sensory stimulation that is both calming and grounding.
A bridge for communication and socialisation For residents who might be more reserved, or those who are living with the early stages of dementia alongside their nursing needs, a pet acts as a wonderful social lubricant. It provides a neutral topic of conversation and a shared focus for the resident and their visitor, or other residents, making the visit feel more relaxed and natural.
Planning your visit with children and pets at Ash Lodge
We want your visits to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. To ensure the safety and comfort of all our residents and staff, we have a few simple guidelines in place. We always recommend checking our Visitor Information page before you set off, for the latest updates.
Bringing children We love seeing youngsters at Ash Lodge! If you would like to bring your children and to make the most of the visit, these are our guidelines:
- Supervision: We ask that children are supervised by an adult at all times to ensure their safety and the peace of other residents
- Activities: Feel free to bring along a quiet game, a book, or photos to share. Our communal areas and gardens provide a lovely backdrop for these interactions
- Health: To protect our residents, we kindly ask that if a child is feeling unwell or has recently been exposed to school-based illnesses (like chickenpox or norovirus), that you postpone the visit until they are fully recovered.
Bringing pets Ash Lodge is a pet-friendly home, but we do ask for a little coordination:
- Prior agreement: Please speak with our Home Manager or the nurse in charge before bringing a pet for the first time. This allows us to ensure there are no residents nearby with allergies or phobias
- Leads and control: For the safety of everyone, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and be well-behaved
- Vaccinations: We require all visiting pets to be up to date with their vaccinations and flea/worming treatments
- Garden visits: Our outdoor spaces are often the best place for pet visits, allowing the animal to feel relaxed while you enjoy the fresh air with your loved one. However, you may also bring your pets or children into your loved one’s personal room.
The holistic benefits of pets and children to nursing care
At Ash Lodge, our primary focus is providing high-quality nursing care. However, we do know that clinical care is only one piece of the puzzle. True health-care provision is holistic and involves the mind and the heart as much as the body.
While some of our residents may have dementia, many are with us due to physical frailty, post-operative recovery, or chronic illness management. In all these cases, the normalcy of a family visit, complete with kids and pets, is a powerful medicine. It reduces the institutional feel of care and reinforces the fact that Ash Lodge is a community.
Visit Ash Lodge, and bring the benefits to your loved one
We invite you to bring the whole family when you visit. Whether it’s a toddler showing off their new shoes or a golden retriever offering a gentle nuzzle, these moments are the highlights of the week for our residents. They bring life, love, and a sense of belonging.
If you are considering private standard care for a loved one and want to learn more about our philosophy of care and our facilities, please get in touch with our friendly team today.
