DIJON: Residents of the “Notre-Dame de la Visitation” nursing home spent the afternoon with a pony
The horse is recognized as a vector of care, inclusion and indisputable well-being.
Équi’Harmonie is a concept of animal mediation, created by Elsa Huet (riding instructor trained in animal mediation with equines). Elsa Huet intervenes with her two ponies at the request of the institutions.
The objectives of this method are:
-Preserving the autonomy of the elderly person
– Stimulator of his cognitive faculties
– Enrich your sensory abilities
-Thrive while having fun
– Open up to the outside world
The horse is recognized as a vector of care, inclusion and indisputable well-being.
The EHPAD Notre Dame de la Visitation, located 6 rue Crébillon in Dijon, has chosen to put animal mediation at the heart of its actions. Thus, this mediator and her animals intervene three afternoons (May 2, 9 and 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), adapting to her audience.
Residents have the opportunity to pet the animals, brush them, walk them in the park with the responsibility of holding the lead.
This activity is also open to people with reduced mobility.
The animals are very attentive and adapt to the walking pace of the residents. A bond is then woven between the person and the animal.
Elsa Huet
Equi Harmony
“I offer riding lessons and I go to retirement homes to provide pleasure to the elderly.
During events in retirement homes, I first offer a presentation of the pony. Once the pony has met all the residents present during the animation, I suggest that the residents even come to the pony by them to brush or stroke her. I work in 8 retirement homes and each session lasts an average of 2 hours. »
Mr Claudius
75 years old
“I like to come and see the animals. I had a calliopsis and a dog but they both died. I have always had animals. When I’m out here I see cats coming to see me. They bring animals from time to time and it’s very pleasant. We all have a great time together! »
Aline Ferriere
Director of “Our Lady of the Visitation”
“Our establishment has 79 residents, lay and religious (in the 17th century it was a convent). We started with a visiting dog who comes twice a month, we also have our own cats. We realized that the residents really appreciated these activities. Many of our residents had animals, these moments of sharing with the animals help to revive their memories. They really like being able to feed them or brush them. This appeals to their fine motor skills while having a friendly time. With animals there is no barrier of disease.
The visiting dogs come twice a month, “aninomade” is 3 to 4 times a year. We will be working with the heart owls in June. An association is going to fly birds of prey in the grounds of our retirement home. For the ponies we signed for 3 sessions. »