Paying special attention to the elderly  

Faithful to the legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul passed on by the Daughters of Charity, the The Monsieur Vincent association cares for destitute people suffering from loss of autonomy and social isolation. 

In Athée-sur-Cher, in a rural area between Tours and Amboise, the ‘La Chesnaye’ residence is an Ehpad for 70 elderly people with physical disabilities or cognitive problems.

The establishment is committed to supporting its residents and making every effort to break their solitude and stimulate their sensory and intellectual capacities.

« The elderly people we care for suffer from social isolation, exacerbated by their disabilities (visually impaired or blind people), disorders such as Alzheimer's disease
or anxiety-depressive syndromes. » Sr Denise 

For these people, contact with animals proved to be a real source of soothing, relaxation, laughter and openness to others and their environment.  

Project: Equitherapy activities to awaken emotions and promote memory and mobility in the elderly 

An initial experience of ‘discovery in a riding school’ revealed great benefits for the participants.

« Their sensory abilities and reminiscence are stimulated. A soothing bond is created between them and the animal through touch and sight. What emotions! It's so satisfying to hear them laughing, talking to each other and feeling their fulfilment. » Sr Denise

The multi-disciplinary team (activity leaders, care staff, volunteers) came up with the idea of horse-riding activities, with one session a month for people who can travel to the riding school, and one session a quarter at the residence itself.  

« Many of our residents suffer from cognitive impairment, loss of balance and mood swings. Through this non-medicinal approach, we hope to improve the well-being of our residents, relieve their pain and reduce their anxiety levels. » Sr Denise

Beneficiaries: The residents are aged between 59 and 101. 20 of them will be able to visit the equestrian centre. All of them will of course be able to go and see the horses that will be visiting the residence.

« La Chesnaye is very beautiful, but very isolated from the life of the community. I'm delighted that this project has been chosen for the benefit of the residents, who are blind, suffer from Alzheimer's, are lonely and worried. But what a joy it is to see them looking at the horses, stroking them, talking to them and giving them a few treats. 
Thank you for the great attention you pay to the little ones. » Sr Denise