Attendees of A Senior Retreat interact with horses as part of an equine therapy opportunity in mid-July. A Senior Retreat is an adult day care center committed to providing care and enriching experiences for seniors and their family caregivers.
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Participants at A Senior Retreat in Franklin had a special visit last week from some equine friends and their owners, bringing joy, comfort and numerous therapeutic benefits along with them.
A Senior Retreat is an adult day care center committed to providing care and enriching experiences for seniors and their family caregivers. Through a variety of programs and services, A Senior Retreat aims to promote independence, socialization, and overall well-being for all participants regardless of their medical diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias, vision or physical impairments.
Situated next to the Johnson County Fairgrounds, center staff members were delighted to welcome the majestic animals outside — and even inside — the facility.
The event highlighted the profound positive effects of animal therapy, particularly for seniors living with dementia. The presence of the horses brought smiles, laughter and a sense of calm to participants, which are known as Friends at A Senior Retreat. The activities showcased the unique bond between humans and animals.
Animal therapy, especially with horses, has been shown to improve emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and stimulate social interaction among seniors. For those with dementia, these interactions can be particularly beneficial by sparking joyful memories.
“I was initially shocked to receive a photo of our Community Relations Coordinator Kimberly Freitag, standing next to a horse inside our little 1951 house However, I do suggest to my team to think creatively in bringing joy to our Friends. I’d say she knocked it out of the park today. I am thrilled to see the immediate positive impact the horses had on our Friends,” said Susan Lowe, owner of A Senior Retreat. “The connection between our Friends and these gentle animals was heartwarming and underscored the importance of incorporating animal therapy into our programs.”
A Senior Retreat staff expressed gratitude to the equine friends and their owners for their generosity and kindness. They look forward to more visits in the future, enriching the lives of our Friends and continuing to explore the many benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
For more information about our programs and services, please visit www.aseniorretreat.com or contact 317-999-8145.
