Nursing home residents experienced rejuvenation, rediscovered joy, and remembered past traditions at Dream Riders of Kentucky horse farm on Wednesday, May 2. It’s was all part of Signature HealthCARE’s staycation initiative, where nursing home residents are treated to local adventures and create new memories in the backyard of their community. The event was dreamed up by staff because several of the residents had ridden and owned horses in the past.
“We plan staycations for our residents because adventure is possible around every corner with a little imagination, luck and planning. We believe there’s more life to live for our nursing home residents, and Dream Riders of Kentucky empowers our residents to dream again, “ said Logan Midkiff, CEO of Hermitage Care and Rehabilitation Center in Owensboro.
The adventure at Dream Riders also provided physical benefits including enhancing balance and gait, improving confidence, boosting trust and sparking memory recall. “Seeing the joy in our residents is overwhelmingly heartwarming. The special bond and trust with horses that we have is therapeutic and comforting. It supersedes traditional physical therapy,” said Joe Gamble, CEO of Signature HealthCARE of Newburgh.
Traveling to Dream Riders of Kentucky on Wednesday, May 2 included nursing home residents from these locations:
- Signature HealthCARE at Hillcrest in Owensboro
- Hermitage Care and Rehabilitation Center in Owensboro
- Signature HealthCARE of Newburgh in Newburgh, In.
