For Dementia Action Week, 18–24 May 2026, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people and organisations to come together to raise awareness and support those affected by dementia. At Stow Healthcare, we see every day how meaningful connection, familiar routines and moments of comfort can make a real difference to those living with dementia.
One beautiful example of this is the special bond many of our residents share with animals.
Across our homes, animals play a supportive role in daily life. At Brandon Park, residents are often joined by Olive, the home’s resident dog, who has become a familiar and comforting presence. Whether she is sitting quietly beside someone, enjoying a gentle stroke, or simply wandering through the home, Olive brings warmth, reassurance and many smiles.
At Horkesley Manor, the resident chickens have become a constant part of daily life, with residents involved from the very beginning. The journey started before the chicks had even hatched, with residents helping to tend to the eggs in an incubator, watching with excitement as they hatched, and later getting involved in naming them. Since then, the chickens have continued to capture residents’ attention and interest, with many now enjoying a daily routine of visiting them, watching their little habits, helping to care for them and even assisting with building their house. For residents living with dementia, this ongoing routine offers familiarity, purpose and a meaningful connection to nature, while often sparking memories of keeping animals, gardening or caring for pets in earlier life.
Halstead Hall also enjoys regular visits from Bunty, a much-loved therapy dog who has become instantly recognisable to many of the residents. For those living with dementia, familiar faces, routines and experiences can be incredibly comforting. Seeing Bunty return time and time again helps create a sense of recognition, safety and happiness.
As well as dogs and chickens, our homes are often visited by local groups and companies who bring in a variety of animals, including birds, reptiles and other more unusual creatures. These visits offer residents the chance to experience something different, ask questions, reminisce and enjoy the sensory benefits of seeing, touching and interacting with animals in a safe and supported way.
For many people living with dementia, animals can provide comfort without pressure. A resident may not always find it easy to join a conversation, but sitting beside a dog, watching chickens in the garden or gently holding a small animal can offer calm companionship. Animals do not ask for explanations or expect anything complicated in return. They simply offer presence, warmth and connection.
They can also unlock memories. Many of our residents remember beloved pets from their past — dogs they walked every day, cats who curled up beside them, birds they cared for, or animals they grew up around. These memories often lead to meaningful conversations with staff, relatives and other residents, helping people feel seen, heard and connected to their own life story.
At Stow Healthcare, we believe dementia care is about understanding the whole person: their history, their preferences, their routines and the things that bring them joy. Animals are just one of the many ways our teams create moments of comfort, purpose and connection for residents living with dementia.
This Dementia Action Week, we are proud to celebrate the small but powerful moments that make a difference — from Olive’s friendly visits at Brandon Park, to the chickens at Horkesley Manor, Bunty’s familiar face at Halstead Hall, and the many animal experiences enjoyed across our homes.
Because sometimes, a wagging tail, a gentle cluck or a quiet moment of companionship can say more than words ever could.
To hear more about the activities in our homes, head to our Facebook page to see our resident’s daily lives. Or to see our daily activities for yourself, book a tour with our friendly admissions team on 0333 241 9707.
