A Delightful Duckling Visit at Dene Place

There was a flutter of excitement at Dene Place Care Home recently, as residents were treated to a heart-warming visit from a very special guest — a fluffy, friendly duckling! As part of our animal engagement programme, the visit brought smiles, laughter, and gentle joy to everyone involved.

A Feathered Friend Brings Cheer

The duckling, just a few weeks old, was brought in as part of an interactive animal therapy session aimed at promoting wellbeing, connection, and calm among our residents. With its soft down, tiny webbed feet, and curious nature, the duckling quickly waddled its way into everyone’s hearts.

Residents were able to stroke the duckling, gently hold it in their hands, and observe its playful movements up close. For many, the visit sparked memories of childhood, countryside walks, and time spent with nature — opening the door to lovely reminiscences and lively conversation.

The Benefits of Animal Interaction

At Dene Place, we understand the powerful impact animal interactions can have on older adults. Gentle encounters with animals like ducklings can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and lift low moods. They also provide a great sensory experience — the softness of the feathers, the gentle peeping sounds, and the warmth of a living creature all help stimulate the senses in a soothing way.

One resident beamed as she said, “I never thought I’d be cuddling a duckling at my age — what a treat!” The joy was truly infectious.

Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences

The duckling’s visit was not only a source of individual comfort, but also a wonderful shared experience. Residents chatted about pets they once had, farm visits they remembered, and favourite wildlife. It created a beautiful sense of community and connection, both among the residents and with our care team.

Looking Forward to More

Animal visits are a much-loved part of life at Dene Place Care Home, and we are always looking for new ways to bring the outside world in. Whether it’s through therapy animals, garden activities, or nature-themed arts and crafts, our goal is to support wellbeing in all its forms.

We’re so grateful to the animal handler who brought the duckling to visit, and to our team for creating a safe, gentle environment where moments like these can happen.

It’s not every day you get to meet a duckling — and it’s moments like this that truly make Dene Place feel like home.