October 13th, 2017.


A Noah’s Ark of creatures visited leading dementia care centre Clifden House in Seaford recently. As part of its ongoing pet therapy programme, Clifden House on Claremont Road welcomed a menagerie of pets, reptiles and small animals to include lizards, snakes, hedgehogs and rabbits.

Nial Joyce of Clifden House explained: “Research from the International Psychogeriatric Association highlighted that interaction with pets can lower blood pressure, leading to reduced anxiety. Ultimately, this can improve behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.”

Deena McCormack, activities coordinator at Clifden House added: “Everybody looks forward to our pet therapy sessions. These sessions are not only very interesting and engaging but also very therapeutic.

"Clifden House’s pet therapy sessions are varied and can include anything from ewes and guinea pigs to tortoises and hedgehogs. All residents are actively encouraged to engage with the animals. This produces some great laughs and interesting questions.”


For information about CQC ‘good’ rated Dementia Care Centre visit www.clifdenhouse.co.uk