Lonely pensioners get a Hoppy Easter thanks to bunny therapy

Pensioners feeling isolated at home this Easter can enjoy a ‘Hoppy Hour’ – as a care provider pops round with a fluffy bunny for animal-assisted therapy. Launched by London home care provider Venelle just ahead of Easter, the project involves bringing rabbits into private residences for hour-long companionship sessions in partnership with Megan’s Petting Paradise.

The initiative, titled ‘Hoppy Hour’, aims to combat the social isolation suffered by OAPs living independently at times of the year when most UK families come together – like Easter and Christmas. Venelle supports people living in their homes who are not ready to move into a care home, and Hoppy Hour followed a successful pilot at London’s Riverstone retirement living community.

Louise Blezzard, a former CQC inspector and founder of Venelle, says the initiative addresses the practical and emotional realities of ageing at home.

She said: “The trial run enabled us to see first-hand how much people benefited from the sensory and social nature of the experience.

“For many older people, the challenge isn’t just physical support, it’s the lack of variety in the daily routine. A visit from an animal provides a different kind of connection.

“It’s tactile, calming, and it often prompts memories and conversation that might not otherwise happen. Despite an

“Easter theme to the launch (we couldn’t resist, given the bunny connection!), the service is available all year round to our members.”

The visits are designed to provide a calm, sensory experience for those with limited mobility or fewer opportunities for social interaction outside the home.

Animal-assisted therapy is increasingly recognised by healthcare professionals for its physiological benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety.

Rabbits are specifically chosen for these visits due to their quiet temperament and soft tactile presence, making them an ideal therapeutic choice for people living with dementia or those experiencing long periods of solitude.

To encourage social interaction, home care staff create a relaxed, holiday atmosphere during the visits, serving seasonal refreshments (such as carrot juice spritzers or Easter cocktails) alongside light treats like hot cross buns.

And despite the Easter theme to launch the concept, the service is available all year round for Venelle members, which forms part of its newly launched – and first of its kind in London – luxury homecare concierge membership.

Amata, 92, who lives at Riverstone, said of the experience: “It was marvellous and offered something very different from my usual day-to-day routine. The bunnies were very cute, and the cocktails were delicious!”

For those living alone, these small-scale, high-impact interactions can significantly improve mood and overall outlook.

The Hoppy Hour visits are available across London and the surrounding counties for those who sign up to Venelle’s recently launched homecare concierge membership.

For more information, please visit https://www.venellelife.co.uk/journal/hoppy-hour-animal-therapy