Residents from Encore Senior Living’s Sage Meadow of Fond du Lac assisted living community know it’s OK to act like a “kid” sometimes! Several opted to have a snuggly, fun time at LaClare Creamery’s “Goat Snuggling for Seniors” event.
They enthusiastically report, “Don’t ‘buck’ it ‘til you try it!”
The Malone, Wisconsin creamery (laclarefamilycreamery.com) produces award-winning artisan goat cheeses and milk and offers this cuddly agritourism opportunity for elders. Sage Meadow residents happily “hoofed” it on over!
“Animals can be therapeutic for humans, and especially for older adults,” says Administrator Hailee Frey who helped plan the trip. “A few Sage Meadow residents have their own pets, and many enjoy regular visits from dogs and their humans, so we knew they’d enjoy this opportunity to visit the farm and interact with the animals.”
“If you’ve ever snuggled with a baby goat, you know what a delightful experience it is,” says Trisha Bosetti, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Much like puppies, goats love being loved on. It’s a true bonding experience!” One of the goats got so comfortable on a resident’s lap, that he took a little nap, complete with baby goat snores!
Bosetti points out that, in addition to the unconditional love the animals offer, many Sage Meadow residents come from agricultural backgrounds, so it is particularly meaningful for them to reminisce about the animals they grew up with on the farm.
For example, Sage Meadow resident, Melody, enjoyed her goat snuggling experience saying, “It brought back memories from our family farm and all the love we shared with the animals.”
When not busy snuggling baby goats, Sage Meadow residents enjoy a robust activity program.
“We’ve truly built a community of friendships here at Sage Meadow, and a part of making that happen comes from our engaging activity department,” says Bosetti.
Weekly group exercise classes, outings to ball games and shopping trips, craft days, gardening, card, reading clubs and our weekly bible study are a few fan favorites.
Take it from a baby goat – ya can’t “bleat” that socially engaged lifestyle!
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