Choosing the Right Dementia Care Home

Posted on 18 May 2020 by Ricky

When the difficult decision of moving your loved one into a dementia care home has to be made, it can be very challenging for all involved. Family members can often feel guilty from passing on the care of loved ones to someone else. It is therefore crucial that the home you do choose is the right one.

Further challenges are brought into consideration when your loved one is living with dementia. There is often extra confusion and greater difficulty in explaining to your loved one why they will have to leave their home.

Help when choosing a Dementia care home

Our team at the Huntington and Langham Estate in Hindhead, Surrey have over 40 years of experience when it comes to this matter. We will work with you to ensure a smooth transition into our care environment.

Our home at Langham Court embraces our motto and we will do everything we can to support you, so all you have to do is “let our family look after yours’.

The Butterfly approach of care we embrace takes a very person-centric focus, putting your loved one’s emotional and physical needs at the forefront of everything we do.

Below are some of the considerations we suggest you bare in mind when choosing the right dementia care home for your loved one.

Involving all those who care is key

The move into a care home can be a very daunting prospect for all family members. From the person in question, to their primary caregiver, be it a daughter, son or other family member, to the more external members of your family who may be providing support and love from slightly further afar.

It is important to ensure that everyone feels involved in the decision making process, even if that just means communicating with them in a more in-depth manner about the steps along the way.

Easing those feelings of guilt that we have often seen families struck with can be quite challenging, however our team is here to help at every step of the way.

Third party bodies and charities can also provide support at this stage, such as Dementia UK who offer free impartial advice and support to all family members in scenarios just like this.

When is the right time to move into a care home?

Finding the right time to move into a care home is never easy. Is it too soon? Is my loved one emotionally ready to move? Will there be ramifications if you leave it too late? These are all very important questions that you need to consult your family/caregiving circle on.

The need to move into a care home could have arisen from a number of reasons; deterioration of their condition, resulting in it being harder for them to live independently, a change in circumstance meaning the primary caregiver is no longer able to commit as much time into looking after their loved one, there could be many reasons, and many combinations of reasons for seeking a dementia care home for your family member.

Regardless of the ‘whys’ and the ‘whens’, it is still a difficult decision for anyone to have to make.

From our experience, considering the move into a care home should be thought of as far in advance as possible. And often, we have found that if your loved one moves before their condition has deteriorated too greatly, it makes the move that much easier.

It could start with a day or two, visiting the home, an introduction via respite care or daycare, or just a quick chat on the phone with one of the Huntington and Langham team to find out a little more.

How to find the right care home

Once you’ve decided that moving into a care home is the next stage for your loved one living with dementia, and all family members are onboard with the transition, the next step is to begin the search for the right home.

Again, third party resources such as Age UK are fantastic for providing impartial advice. They have a plethora of guides on a range of issues and provide excellent information and insight into selecting a home, along with a handy checklist you can download and use too.

The Care Quality Commission is an independent regulator of health and social care in England. They register, monitor and regularly audit homes up and down the country to provide an easy to understand rating. We are completely transparent, and proud of our ‘GOOD’ rating. You can view the CQC report for Langham Court here.

At the Huntington and Langham Estate in Surrey, we embrace the more homely aspects at our care home. We want to create an environment where you feel as comfortable as you would in your current home. Our home was built by family, for families and we very much want to extend ours to yours for anyone joining us on the estate.

If you’d like to learn a little bit more about what we do, just drop us a line here, or learn more about our dementia care offering here

Understanding Parkinson’s – Part II

Posted on 11 April 2020 by Ricky

Recently, we released Understanding Parkinson’s Part I, the first instalment of our focus on Parkinson’s Disease and the effects it has on those suffering, as well as their friends and families. Charlie, MD here at Huntington and Langham, along with his team of expert staff, offer their advice.

Alongside Charlie, Maggie and Louise have also provided some answers. Louise, General Manager, and Maggie, Manager at Huntington House, care for people at our home who are living with Parkinson’s, and so have some personal, expert advice to offer.

Here are some of the insights that we’ve pulled together from providing daily care for those living with the condition.

What are people’s biggest misconceptions about living with Parkinson’s?

There are many misconceptions about Parkinson’s; one of the main ones being that people can no longer achieve what they used to. However, with the right support (i.e. physiotherapists, speech and language therapy), many are able to continue living their lives independently, meaningful, enriched and as safe as possible

Care and support from a family member is invaluable. They know you better than anyone else; your likes and dislikes, and parts of their personality that they may not reveal to anyone else.

They’re likely to trust you more than anyone else they know, so take care to listen wholeheartedly. Often, people with Parkinson’s will open up to their trusted loved ones rather than anyone else.

How can advancements in technology help people living with Parkinson’s?

Technology is another tool we can use to improve the wellbeing and independence of people with Parkinson’s.

When thinking about tools in a care home, people might think of mobility aids or modified cutlery and cups for example, but it can be expanded so much further than that.

For instance, we are about to embark on a live VR (virtual reality) project with Surrey University. This will enable people with limited mobility to join family members on their favourite walk or at a family wedding in real-time, without the anxiety and discomfort of a long day in a wheelchair.

We’ve already trialled some simulation projections (think social VR experience with screens instead of a headset) with Surrey University in their ‘Bringing the Outdoors Indoors’ project. The project immersed people in walks around local landmarks such as Waggoner’s Wells, which are inaccessible by wheelchair. Not only did it give people the sense that they were walking again, but it gave them access to places (and indeed memories) they thought they’d never see again.

How does the model you follow help those with Parkinson’s?

At Huntington and Langham Estate, we’re proud to use The Butterfly Model in our approach to care. It takes a holistic viewpoint, focusing on each individual as a whole; not just their diagnosis.

When a resident with Parkinson’s said they’d always wanted to ride a Harley Davidson, we didn’t chalk it up as an old lady’s dream, we made it happen.

When you live independently, you take risks all the time. But it’s often a different story when you require care support – priorities shift, and when people are making decisions on your behalf the onus often becomes safety.

However, if the person you’re caring for enjoyed taking risks (this particular resident’s favourite story to tell was how her father once caught her climbing on the roof of her house!) then it is important to allow them to continue doing so to keep their spark alive.

At the estate, we ensure that all our residents living with Parkinson’s have a tailored care plan that enables the team to provide individualised care. We have a good relationship with a speech and language therapist who is very experienced in supporting people with Parkinson’s. We often work together to offer the best care for the people who live with us.

How do you support person-centred care with someone living with Parkinson’s disease?

If someone at the estate has Parkinson’s and struggles to eat, but would still like to sit with their friends, a carer will discretely sit with them and support them at the dining table. This helps to maintain their dignity and safety, whilst enabling them to interact and socialise with other people at mealtimes.

When we welcome new people who are living with Parkinson’s, we make sure that we can first meet their needs and keep them safe, whilst enabling them to live the life they wish.

This is the essence of the person-centred approach. We always take care to consider which bedroom would be best for them, ensuring they have adequate space to support their special requirements.

We actively try to get those with Parkinson’s involved with on-site activities – and from doing so, we see positive results.

The most beneficial activities tend to be music playing, engaging with animals that visit (like the ponies), and of course the children. We also like to encourage them to join us for off-site trips – from which, they return home with their whole well being lifted.

At the estate, providing individualised, person-centred care is at the heart of what we do, for all at the home, whatever the ailment.

Get in touch with us today to learn a little more about what we do and let our family look after yours.

Understanding Parkinson’s – Part I

Posted on 30 March 2020 by Ricky

Parkinson’s is a condition we’re familiar with at Huntington and Langham. As something we deal with on a daily basis, the effects on both the individuals and their families are not always widely understood. This is something we endeavour to change…

Providing support to those who need it is of utmost importance to us, be it in the form of nursing care within our home or helpful advice for those who need it most. And so, we sought a little help from our friends at Parkinson’s UK to delve a little deeper into how living with Parkinson’s can affect you or someone you love. The leading charity for Parkinson’s, offering support for those living with Parkinson’s, their aim – much like ours – is to help those with Parkinson’s improve quality of life.

Combining this expert insight, with our practical knowledge of managing Parkinson’s, we’ve created a series of articles to help you provide the best support you can to those who need it most.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there are around 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.

Common symptoms include slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, but there are over 40 symptoms and it affects everyone completely differently.

Some of the less well-known symptoms include:
– Stress and anxiety
– Chronic pain and fatigue
– Loss of smell
– Changes in digestion or sleep

People with Parkinson’s lack a chemical called dopamine, because specific nerve cells inside their brain have died. Dopamine allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that coordinate movement.

For those living with Parkinson’s, this means that parts of their brain are unable to work normally. They may find that movements become slower, so it takes longer to do things. This can make everyday activities, such as eating, getting dressed, and using a phone or computer difficult or frustrating.

What’s the link between age and diagnosis?

Parkinson’s can affect anyone at any age. There are around 1,750 people under the age of 50 who have young onset Parkinson’s, but the majority of people will be diagnosed over the age of 60.

How can someone living with Parkinson’s manage and cope better?
The three main treatments to help someone manage their Parkinson’s are:
– Medication
– Exercise
– Therapies

Everyone’s Parkinson’s is unique. So different combinations of medication, exercise and therapies will suit different people. We recommend people talk to their GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse to see what works for them. There are lots of ways to connect with people who understand what it means to be living with Parkinson’s.

To find out more, call Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303. You can also join the online community on the forum, and hear other people’s tips, stories and experiences in the online magazine.

Is Parkinson’s hereditary?

It’s very rare for Parkinson’s to run in families. The vast majority of people have what is called ‘idiopathic Parkinson’s’, meaning that there’s no known cause. However, for a small minority of people with Parkinson’s, there is a genetic link.

How does living in a care environment benefit someone with Parkinson’s?

In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s, it’s likely that an individual will need extra support to carry out day-to-day tasks. This may affect their choice of home. They may decide that they could benefit from a care home or from care in their own home to help manage their condition.

A care home will offer more personal care than sheltered housing. As Parkinson’s symptoms progress and your needs increase, a move to a care home may be a necessary consideration.

How do you think activities such as fitness and activity can be of benefit?

Exercise is good for people with Parkinson’s. It can be as important as medication to help people take control of their symptoms and doing just 2.5 hours of exercise a week can even slow the progression of symptoms. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and the best exercise to do will depend on the way Parkinson’s affects you.

How does a Parkinson’s diagnosis affect relationships and family life?

Parkinson’s may affect your self-image, mood and how you communicate with others. This may happen if you’re in a casual or committed relationship, or if you’re single. Some people have relationship issues in the early days, when they’re adjusting to diagnosis, while others may run into problems after many years of living with Parkinson’s.

Each person with Parkinson’s has their own experience of the condition. The symptoms you have may be different from other people. It’s important to remember that many people go through sexual and relationship issues at some stage in their life, so any problems you have may have nothing to do with Parkinson’s at all.

How has Parkinson’s research developed? Is a cure looking likely?

In the past 50 years, vital discoveries have been made that have revolutionised our understanding of Parkinson’s and the brain.

Now, thanks to this progress, breakthrough new treatments are being tested in clinical trials that have the potential to slow, stop or even reverse Parkinson’s.

What about family and friends?

Family and friends are often the information seekers and may focus on the person living with Parkinson’s needs rather than their own. It is important that family and friends recognise the impact of Parkinson’s on their lives and prioritise and maintain their own health & wellbeing too. It can be really valuable for family and friends to access support for themselves and connect with others in similar situations to share their experience.

How can Parkinson’s affect day-to-day life?

There is no ‘typical day’ with Parkinson’s. It is a fluctuating condition, so it can change day-to-day or for some people, hour to hour. Because of the range of symptoms involved in Parkinson’s, it also impacts on everyone with the condition differently.

With medication and small adjustments, some people are able to maintain the same standard of life they had before diagnosis for a long time. However, for some people the effects on their daily life will be considerable, for example including pain, not being able to sleep, anxiety and even being unable to move at all for short periods (freezing).

As Parkinson’s is a degenerative condition, people will see their symptoms become worse over time and respond less to medication. This means the impact on daily life will be more noticeable, and ultimately many people will eventually need regular support from health and care professionals.

A huge thank you to Parkinson’s UK for providing the answers to these questions for us. You can read Part II of our series on Understanding Parkinson’s here.

Top 6 therapeutic activities that nurture your mental health

Posted on 12 December 2019 by Ricky

Around 1-in-4 adults experience a mental health issue in any given year, according to mental health charity, Mind. Whether or not modern day habits and behaviours can be responsible for this, it’s still a very real issue.

For many of us, it’s more complicated than attempting to prevent the onset of mental health conditions – but, there are behaviours and activities we can try, to improve our ability to deal with unexpected life curveballs.

Mental Health and the elderly

Unfortunately, older people can be more vulnerable to mental health issues, according to the Mental Health Foundation. This is something we take seriously at the Huntington and Langham Estate, and is also something we try to combat by encouraging our residents to partake in therapeutic activities.

Walking in nature

Venturing back to our roots is often a very effective way to combat negative feelings. As humans, we’re biologically wired to thrive amongst nature, and exposing ourselves to the outdoors can help to rekindle our innate ‘zest for life’. Unhealthy habits, such as exposing ourselves to screens for long periods of time, can lead to feelings of apathy and agitation.

we encourage everyone to try taking breaks during the day, and use the time to explore the outdoors – whether that’s going for a woodland stroll, or engaging in gardening. You’ll be rewarded with a refreshing boost of energy and welcome mood boost – and you’ll likely experience a better night’s sleep.

Chat with a friend over a cup of tea

It seems so simple, but allowing yourself time each day to interact with a friend can have significant positive impacts to your mental health. Friendships are so important, and are particularly effective in preventing feelings of loneliness.

Surrounding yourself with friends for a short time each day can make you feel much happier in general – and it’s something we really cherish here at the Huntington and Langham Estate.

Pet therapy

Pets can have significant positive impacts on our lives – not only acting as loyal companions, but also reducing feelings of loneliness for their owners. Pets can bring immense joy – and the positive emotions they instil can, in fact, support long-term happiness and health.

As a result of the deep connections we’re able to have with domestic animals, interacting with pets has shown to reduce instances of depression, support lower blood pressure and offer a boost in serotonin (our happy hormone).

Just as we have an innate need to feel joy and satisfaction, as humans, we need the experience of touch. Pets fulfil this need, with the actions of stroking and tactile interaction instilling feelings of calm and peace.

At the estate, we love watching our residents interact with our on-site pets; with puppies, cats and horses making regular visits!

This feline is a much-loved resident at the estate!

Listen to calming music & nature sounds

The human body has the amazing ability to react to the most intricate of sounds. When we listen to calming music, we can expect to experience feelings of peace and serenity, with the wide variety of notes working to create pleasurable emotions within the brain.

Low tempo music tends to help reduce the heart rate, aiding the body to succumb to a peaceful, sleepy state.

Similarly, nature sounds work to boost positive emotions, offering a sensory experience that taps into our innate desire to be surrounded by nature. You could try listening to a variety of animal or weather-based sounds – or a combination of both.

Try mindfulness and/or gratitude journaling

The art of mindfulness has become increasingly popular in recent years, largely due to the positive effects it has on the body.

Modern day habits and behaviours have made it increasingly more difficult for us to focus on the present moment – but it’s highly important that we try to do so. Not only does being present reduce feelings of stress, but it helps us to appreciate the little things – something that many of us forget to do.

For beginners, it can often help to meditate with audible guidance. Headspace is a popular app, helping people of all abilities to let go of their stresses and focus on the present moment.

Particularly as we get older, it becomes even more important to appreciate things that we might otherwise overlook. Try mentally noting three things you’re grateful for each day – whether that’s being thankful for the food you’re eating, or appreciating your close friends/family members.

Try to live more mindfully, too; this can take the form of switching off the TV whilst you’re eating, and being sure to pay attention to all of your senses whilst you head for an outdoor stroll.

Practise gentle yoga & deep breathing

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be particularly flexible to try your hand at yoga. As a practice, yoga can be adapted to suit all abilities – from beginners to advanced yogis. You can even try yoga from the comfort of your arm chair; as long as you’re stretching and breathing deeply, you’ll feel the benefits – which range from improved respiration and circulatory health, to an instant mood boost.

If simply engaging in deep breathing would make you feel more comfortable, then you can do so with the knowledge that you’ll still gain physiological benefits. Breathing mindfully can instil feelings of relaxation and improve bodily functions – from aiding our digestion, to improving our blood flow. Whilst you’re breathing, try holding your hand on your stomach, feeling it rise and fall – this is great for encouraging your mind to focus on the present moment.

There are so many ways you can instil feelings of peace and serenity – and they don’t have to require intense physical or mental exertion.

At the Huntington and Langham Estate, we love encouraging our residents to engage in activities that boost their mental health. To find out more about our care, please click here.

Meet the team: Bente

Posted on 25 October 2019 by Ricky

This week, we spoke to Bente, one of our team leaders at the estate, all about her day-to-day role.

What’s your name and role at Huntington and Langham Estate?

I’m Bente Dover, one of the team leaders here at the estate.

How long have you been working here?

I’ve been working with the Huntington team for 6 and a half years now, which also spans the time before Langham Court opened. I was initially employed to work at Langham, but started at Huntington House for three months.

Tell us more about your day-to-day role.

On an average day at the estate, I spend a lot of time speaking to the relatives of our residents, answering their questions and having reassuring conversations. My role also involves ensuring residents are as happy as possible and well looked after, with an eye kept on them at all times.

I’ll spend my time attending and preparing for funding meetings, organising ‘Resident of the Day’ and updating care plans as regularly as possible. My day will also involve taking phone calls from relatives or medical staff, and to call the doctor if necessary. It’s also my responsibility to give medication during the day.

I’ll always ensure staff are organised, have completed their care plans and filled in the relevant paperwork.

At the end of the day, it’s my job to make sure everything is done, and that the most calm and special experience possible is provided. Ultimately, it’s my aim to make sure residents are happy and well looked after!

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love talking and spending time with the residents, knowing that I’m helping to improve their lives in so many ways.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had with our people?

The most memorable experience I’ve had was at a party one summer, when the residents were dancing with the staff and singing together – everyone was so happy, it was a truly magical experience!

What makes Huntington and Langham Estate unique?

Most definitely the fact that it’s so personal, and relatively relaxed. The people also make the estate unique, as everyone cares for each other.

What’s the most interesting/funny experience you’ve had in your role?

I would say the funniest experience I’ve had is when one of our residents was watching Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, and she started talking about her three husbands and relaying naughty jokes… it was so funny!

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The way the residents smile and acknowledge you when they see you and hear your voice is priceless.

Describe Huntington and Langham Estate in three words.

I would describe the estate as unique, special and individual.

What is holistic nursing care? | Huntington & Langham Estate

Posted on 10 September 2019 by Ricky

Our approach to Holistic nursing care

At Huntington and Langham Estate, it’s amongst our values to take a holistic approach to the care we offer our residents.

We place equal importance on treating our residents with respect as we do on creating a happy, friendly environment. Just as in holistic psychology, an approach which emphasises the ‘whole’ rather than the sum of its parts, holistic nursing care takes a ‘mind, body & soul’ approach, rather than focusing on an illness alone.

Holistic nurses see the body, mind, soul and the environment as interconnected, instilling overall values of unity and humanism into the care they provide.

Carer and resident relationships

Holistic nursing care very much focuses on the relationship between the carer and the resident. The holistic nurse’s aim is to heal the whole person, rather than focusing solely on a problem area. This means ensuring the individual’s mental health is sound, in addition to ensuring they’re experiencing adequate social interaction, gentle physical exercise, nutrient-dense meals and time in the outdoors.

Holistic nurses are also encouraged to practice self-care so that they can provide high-quality care themselves, whilst taking time to understand their residents in-depth so that they can provide individualised care.

The mind, body, spirit and environment

An individual’s environment has an overall effect on their health. In order to experience maximum health and happiness, individuals need sufficient access to nature, as well as healthy foods and likeminded individuals with which to spend time.

Encouraging residents to take up new hobbies instils a new sense of purpose, as does spirituality; all of which can be experienced through activities to develop fine motor skills, such as knitting, gentle yoga and meditation.

Perceiving the mind, body, spirit and environment as interconnected is key to ensuring that each of these aspects is met through everyday care and activities.

Many of which can be achieved by establishing a strong, trusting relationship with residents, allowing their voices to be heard to create an effective, tailored wellness programme.

Individualised care

Taking a holistic approach allows carers to provide more in-depth individualised care, tailoring the care plan to the individual’s personal needs, whilst paying close attention to their quality of life.

Holistic carers can help promote healing through helping individuals make the right lifestyle choices for them, whilst involving their personal beliefs in the treatment process.

An individualised care approach emphasises the importance of a holistic carer and resident forming a strong relationship, in order for them to gain maximum health benefits and feelings of wellness.

We take pride in our holistic care approach at the Huntington and Langham Estate, always striving to meet the most intricate of individual needs. To find out more about the care we offer, please click here.

A home away from home at Huntington and Langham Estate

Posted on 15 August 2019 by Ricky

At Huntington and Langham Estate, we’re always delighted to welcome anyone who needs our support, as well as their families, offering a hand to hold and a friendly face. From offering day to full-time residential care, our carers are dedicated to tailoring their care to each and every individual need.

Finding a home away from home

We’ve been lucky enough to provide our care to a former anaesthetist, Bruce, who has been living at Huntington House since undergoing some major surgery at The Royal Surrey hospital.

It was Bruce’s wish to stay living in Grayshott, having lived there all his life – so finding somewhere that was both familiar and offered the support he needed was highly important. Although Bruce’s mental health had remained positive following the surgery, his physical health required some extra support.

We’ve since been speaking to Bruce’s daughter, Sarah, who told us of Bruce’s initial resistance to the idea of moving into a care home. We were thrilled to hear that, after searching the area for a suitable option, Bruce has never looked back since his move into Huntington House.

During Bruce’s journey as an anaesthetist, he had watched many of the local GPs continue their careers at Huntington House, a place that he knew of throughout his career – but one he had not initially envisioned as somewhere to reside in his own golden years.

Our history of care at Huntington House

We have also been home for a former GP, a gentleman whom it was a pleasure to care for and a former district nurse stayed with us – a lady who worked at a local GP surgery just a few years back.

We’d also like to share a particularly special story, featuring a paediatric anaesthetist who was living with Dementia, with us at Langham Court a few years ago.

After several attempts to leave the building, presumably to try and go to work, the on-site carers provided him with a doll, stethoscope and crib, which he placed next to his bed. He was then able to re-enact the fundamentals of his job, putting his caring nature into action and satisfying his need to look after others. He proceeded to drape the curtain over the doll as a blanket, and used the stethoscope to check the ‘baby’. His bedroom was thereon transformed into a consultancy room, and after this, he didn’t try to leave the building again.

It’s stories like these that really make daily life at Huntington and Langham Estate special. Our mission is to make our people as happy and comfortable as possible, taking the fear away from the complications that come with age.

If you’d like to find out more about our care at the estate, please click here.

Pet therapy opening minds and hearts

Posted on 17 August 2018 by Ricky

The Estate Ponies are inspiring our residents

You’ll probably know already if you’ve visited us, but we’re big on animals here at the Huntington & Langham Estate. In fact, the estate used to be home to a feisty and independent pony named Braveheart.

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust

Braveheart came to us from the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, and when he was here on the Estate in Surrey, he clearly missed his home in Dartmoor. But, Braveheart didn’t settle very well, and he tried to escape a few times, eventually managing to break through fencing.

The difficult decision was finally made to take Braveheart back to the DPHT, where initially his future was unknown – a rather grumpy pony doesn’t tend to make many friends! However, Dru from DPHT and her team never gave up on Braveheart, and he is now the leader of the pack when it comes to working with young people at the organisation.

The DPHT has built a strong reputation for courses for young people with challenging behaviour and disabilities, with Dartmoor ponies the stars of the show.

Their aim is to create opportunities for young people to meet their full potential by providing them with a set of social and emotional skills that will allow them to participate more effectively in everyday life – this could potentially help them to move into long-term employment.

At the DPHT, they offer a flexible range of proven courses for students facing challenges such as anger management, lack of self-esteem and confidence, attention and behaviour deficits, disaffection and personal development.

Animal Therapy

It may seem like an unusual approach but forming a relationship with a pony actually helps young people to build trust ad also develop a bond of mutual empathy, as well as learning to face their fears and develop respect and compassion.

Additionally, communication skills, self-confidence, coping techniques and self-esteem improve at the same time, which are vital for dealing with many aspects of everyday life.

Testimonial: “The work by Dru and DPHT is most likened to ‘Equine Facilitated Learning’ (EFL), an intervention that utilises horses to teach people about themselves in the hope of bringing about positive change via the learning of skills, although the inclusion of wild Dartmoor ponies offers a variation to the normal protocol. Participants seem to form a bond with both Dru and the ponies, which allows them to receive constructive feedback in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way so that the participants can come to know themselves better and witness how their actions can have consequences. Skills learnt are said to include teamwork and social skills, trust and motivation, which in turn contribute to the building of self-esteem whilst improving empathy, effective ways of managing feelings and developing greater self-awareness, all important social and emotional skills.” Dawn Chaplin and Katy Hurworth – Final Year BSc (Hons) Psychology Undergraduates, Plymouth University

The Ponies of the Huntington and Langham Estate

Whilst Braveheart may have headed home to Dartmoor, our remaining ponies can be seen by the residents in the fields outside of Huntington House and Langham Court and are a great source of discussion and amusement on walks around the estate.

Little Charlotte loves to bring her pony on walks with Grandma mal to meet the residents at a weekend.

We are always delighted to welcome visitors to the Estate for a tour around the grounds and our homes. Just get in touch and let us know you are coming and we’ll get the kettle on!