The Westview News

Press Release
Mini Barnyard Visitors
Date
October 27, 2022

      Some pals from Cherry Ledge Farm Farm stopped by today to say “Hayyy!” Karen Swanberg (owner of the Woodstock, CT stable), her mother Carol, and Danni (The Miniature Horse) brought an afternoon of tenderness and joy to our Westview campus. The precocious little mare had connections all across our facilities today: one Westview patient is a Veterinarian who has worked with Cherry Ledge Farm in the past, a member of our Westview team learned to ride and jump horses there as a little girl, one Westview Commons resident worked with Karen’s father for years, and another Westview Commons resident is good friends with Carol. Danni loved the opportunity to build new bonds today as well. In this regard she was specially giddy; up to making new friends.

      We started the day by horsing around at Westview Health Care Center; initially bringing Danni just inside the entrance of one of our hallways. This sweet little equine was gentle on the soul and gentle on the hand, allowing countless residents and patients to get close and stroke her mane. As expected, Danni was also quite popular with our Westview staff. Many of our team members from many of our departments took a moment to appreciate some of her calming energy. Karen and Danni then toured our skilled nursing facility to visit more patients and residents in their rooms—and next, made sure to pop into our Administrative Area and Fiscal Office. Danni wondered if we had change for a few bucks.

      Following this fun, Karen, her mother Carol, Danni, and Westview Therapeutic Recreation Director Louise Taylor hoofed it across the street to visit Country Living at Westview Commons. Residents of the independent and assisted living facility galloped towards the assembly at our gazebo. The adorable sound of soft clip-clopping hooves could be heard walking past our lower-level patios as more residents celebrated the equestrian excitement. Just as with Westview, we then cantered inside with Danni to spread even more warmth among residents and staff members at Westview Commons.

      Karen and Danni are well experienced in this pursuit, as emotional animal support has personal grounding in their lives. In Karen’s words: "I've started this business called 'Minis Helping Many' at Cherry Ledge Farm. It is an Emotional Pet Therapy service for children, seniors, veterans, or individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, autism, or dementia as a few examples. I find that the encounters are amazing to witness, and life changing for many people. Please visit CherryledgefarmCT.com to learn more and view some of our pictures. Be sure to check out 'A Tribute to Jack' which is about my Morgan Stallion that I lost. He was a huge part of my farm and did all of our public events from 2001-2018. Jack was my PT and emotional partner in 2008 after my release from Westview Inpatient Rehabilitation following a near fatal riding accident. This changed my life forever, and in 2019, I decided to expand 'Minis Helping Many' and bring our Miniature Horses into the lives of more people in our region. I am so happy we were able to spend time with all of the people at Westview and Westview Commons today!"

      Danni certainly seemed to be enjoying herself (and all of the attention) around our campus this afternoon. We asked Danni if she could have possibly had any more fun today. "NEIGH" the pony remarked!

Westview Health Care Center is a 103-bed inpatient skilled nursing facility, which includes a distinct and self-contained 28-bed sub-acute short term rehabilitation unit and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies including: Sports Medicine, Adolescent/Pediatric, Adult, and Aquatic Outpatient Centers, all dedicated to providing outstanding quality health care services. The Dayville, Connecticut facility is consistently ranked among the top nursing facilities in the nation, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as well as U.S. News and World Report, consecutively for the past 14 years.