'TWIGGY' the horse was a huge hit at Avonlea, where residents continually put her on a fuss. Here 'Twiggy' cuddles with her friend Roslyn Priestly.
THE New Zealand Aged Care Association has recognised Avonlea Rest Home, Taumarunui, for introducing a much-loved miniature horse to residents. In August the association received an Excellence in Aged Care award, one highlighting the contribution of individuals who made outstanding contributions to the lives of people they work with and care for. Avonlea’s Small Operator Industry Award was for integrating an orphaned horse named ‘Twiggy’ into the daily lives of residents. After being found abandoned by her mother on a nearby lifestyle block, a staff member brought the weeks-old foal to work in a box, and Avonlea became Twiggy’s home away from home. Introducing her to the residents there brought joy during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Twiggy’s daily visits and pats proved to be therapeutic for both residents and staff alike,” manager Anna Looby recalled. “She would be brought in by her owner and confidently made her way to the activities room to see her friends there, many of whom offered cuddles as if they were meeting a beloved dog or cat.” It was sad for everyone when ‘Twiggy’ mysteriously died, aged less than a year-old, at her lifestyle block earlier in the year. But the integration of animals, such as dogs and cats, into the care of the aged would continue, Anna said. “Animals are really popular with our residents, many of whom come from rural backgrounds and so have spent a lifetime around them. Some visitors bring their dogs [to see loved ones]; one visitor arrives with a cat on a lead.” It was just one of many initiatives deployed at the facility, where Anna says the staff are always open to new ideas on ways of improving standards of care. Anna takes staff development seriously, with five of her team currently enrolled in a workplace training programme through work-based learning provider, Careerforce. “I currently have two staff completing the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) (Advanced Care and Support) using the apprenticeship model. They are enjoying this and appreciate the direct involvement and feedback from their Careerforce apprenticeship advisors,” Anna says. “Avonlea uses Careerforce because the study options are flexible. We all know staff have busy lives so the choice of online, or paper-based, options appeal to them.”
