The Role of Pets and Animal Therapy in Enhancing Resident Well-being
The Role of Pets and Animal Therapy in Enhancing Resident Well-being
At Shipston Lodge, we know that some of the greatest joys in life come from our four-legged friends.
That’s why we regularly welcome therapy animals into our home, offering residents the chance to experience the proven benefits of animal companionship.
Interacting with animals can profoundly affect emotional health, particularly in a care home environment.
Studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood. For our residents, visits from therapy dogs and other animals bring comfort, laughter, and fond memories of beloved pets.
Our regular visits from Veronica, the therapy dog, are a highlight of the month. Residents love stroking her soft fur, watching her friendly antics, and reminiscing about their own pets. These moments spark conversation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create smiles all around.
Beyond therapy animals, we also embrace animal-themed activities, such as crafting bird feeders for the garden or visits to local farms and butterfly parks.
These experiences allow our residents to stay connected to the natural world, nurturing a sense of purpose and joy.
At Shipston Lodge, the simple act of cuddling a dog or feeding the birds reminds us all that the smallest moments can bring the biggest happiness.
How Shipston Lodge Supports Couples Moving into Care Together
How Shipston Lodge Supports Couples Moving into Care Together
At Shipston Lodge, we understand how important it is for couples to stay together, especially when entering residential care.
We proudly offer a compassionate and flexible approach to supporting couples who wish to continue their shared journey under our roof.
Moving into a care home can be an emotional transition, especially for couples who have spent a lifetime together.
At Shipston Lodge, we offer options for couples to live together in spacious, beautifully appointed suites. This ensures they maintain their companionship and routines while receiving personalised support.
Sometimes one partner may require more complex care, such as dementia or nursing care, while the other remains relatively independent.
Our skilled care team tailors support to meet each person’s needs without compromising their bond. Whether through shared meal times, private sitting rooms, or simply enjoying the garden hand-in-hand, we help couples continue living life together.
Our aim is to minimise disruption and provide reassurance that both partners will receive the highest standard of care in a loving and supportive environment.
After all, we believe love should always find a way—and at Shipston Lodge, it certainly does.
The Power of Reminiscence Therapy: Keeping Memories Alive at Shipston Lodge
The Power of Reminiscence Therapy: Keeping Memories Alive at Shipston Lodge
At Shipston Lodge, we believe that memories are a treasure chest of life’s most precious moments.
Reminiscence therapy is vital in supporting our residents’ emotional well-being. It helps them connect with their past, strengthen their sense of identity, and enjoy meaningful conversations with others.
Reminiscence therapy involves using prompts such as photographs, music, treasured objects, or themed activities to encourage residents to recall and share memories.
At Shipston Lodge, our team uses specially curated memory boxes, themed days like ‘1940s Week’, and even personal life story work to stimulate these precious recollections.
The benefits are far-reaching: not only does reminiscence spark joy and nostalgia, but it can also enhance cognitive function, reduce feelings of isolation, and build stronger social connections among residents.
It can be particularly effective for those living with dementia, where familiar memories may remain clearer than recent ones.
Our activities team is passionate about tailoring reminiscence activities to our residents’ individual interests and life stories.
Whether it’s singing along to songs from their youth, sharing stories over afternoon tea, or flipping through a photo album, we celebrate the unique histories of everyone who calls Shipston Lodge home.
Reminiscence therapy is a beautiful reminder that every story deserves to be heard, honoured, and cherished.
Check out our April Social Media posts
Crafting for Mother’s Day! 
Our residents got creative at Wendy’s arts and crafts session this week, making beautiful Mother’s Day treat baskets filled with love and care.
Each basket was thoughtfully made, and the room was full of smiles, laughter, and happy memories.
A Musical Treat with Kelvin Leitch! 
We were absolutely thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Kelvin Leitch to Shipston Lodge!
Not only is he a fantastic singer, but also a gifted musician who brought so much joy to our residents with his wide-ranging repertoire and engaging stories behind each song. 
Cornhole Craze Hits Shipston Lodge! 
Our residents have been getting competitive (and having a lot of laughs!) with our bright and exciting new game—cornhole!
From cheering each other on to perfecting their throws, it’s safe to say this fun activity was a big hit. 
Keeping Busy, Staying True to You 
Meet Pauline, a wonderful lady with a love for keeping things just so! Having managed a top-class tearoom in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Pauline brings her high standards and pride in her work to our restaurant area—and we’re here for it! 
Calling All Local Stall Holders, Makers & Creators! 
We’re on the lookout for stall holders to join us at the Shipston Lodge Summer Fete on Saturday 21st June 2024!
From crafts and bakes to handmade gifts and goodies, we’d love to showcase your talents at our vibrant community event.
Spring Sunshine & Creative Fun at Shipston Lodge! 
It’s been a wonderfully busy week for our residents!
From sowing more seeds in the garden with Luke to soaking up the glorious spring sunshine, there’s been plenty of joy to go around. 
Handy Crafts & Happy Hearts! 
Wendy’s weekly arts and crafts session was full of laughter and creativity—our residents loved getting hands-on with this “very handy” activity! 
It’s always so rewarding to see our residents expressing themselves and having fun together. From the garden to the craft table, we’ve had a week bursting with colour and connection!
Spiritual Connection & Community with Reverend Sarah 
We were delighted to welcome Reverend Sarah back to Shipston Lodge for our monthly church service, centred around the meaning of Palm Sunday.
Her visits are always so special—bringing comfort, reflection, and a strong sense of togetherness for our residents.
Community Games Afternoon Fun!
Here are some fab snapshots from Thursday’s Community Games Afternoon at Shipston Lodge! Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 2:30–4:30pm, we open our doors to welcome both residents and members of the local community for an afternoon packed with laughter, connection and good old-fashioned fun.
Easter Joy at Shipston Lodge!
We had a truly egg-cellent Easter celebration! Residents enjoyed fun, laughter, and lots of chocolate eggs.
A huge Happy Easter to all from Shipston Lodge—we loved sharing the day with our wonderful community. 
📸 Meet Some Of Our Wonderful Residents! 💛
We’re so excited to share some lovely album shots of our incredible residents here at Shipston Lodge.
These moments capture the warmth, joy, and community spirit that fills our home every day.
🎶 Music, Movement & Magic with Yvette!
We had another fabulous session with the amazing Yvette from Kiddley Divey!
The music, the energy, the joy—our residents were clapping, singing, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. We always look forward to her visits! 🎤🎶💃