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Therapy horses make appearance at Beaumont senior living facility to offer emotional support to residents

"Some even raised horses when they were kids, and they just went right up to the horse and you could see 'home' in their eyes."

BEAUMONT, Texas — Senior living facilities remain on lockdown, leaving loved ones unable to offer a healing hand or hug to grandma, grandpa, or even mom and dad.    

It's painful for everyone, but Pelican Bay in Beaumon found a unique way offer seniors some emotional support. 

Executive Director Penny Glaesman says they're working to find ways to help residents.

"We're just trying to do something special for our residents." 

During the pandemic, the words 'something special' carry more weight than ever. 

"I've got the most unique residents ever," Glaesman said. "They like different things, so we try our best to accommodate where we can." 

Normally, therapy dogs brighten spirits at Pelican Bay in Beaumont. But on Tuesday, therapy horses made an appearance. 

Glaesman says she can't take credit for the visit. 

"We have a concierge, Nicole, who works with horses, and she offered to bring them out for our residents to enjoy them," Glaesman said. 

Nicole said making it happen meant the world to her, and to the residents. 

"I actually have found out more about residents. Some even raised horses when they were kids, and they just went right up to the horse and you could see 'home' in their eyes," she said.

Bringing joy helps the hear to deal with the state mandated isolation for those who haven't seen family in weeks. 

"We want them to know that although their loved ones can't be here with them, we're doing everything we can to keep them connected with their loved ones," Glaesman said. 

"I have been through hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes with residents. and this is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life," Glaesman said. 

Waiting for the day when we can all be together again. 

"It's difficult because the people in my building are the most fragile with the COVID and and it's hard. you think about it all the time," Glaesman said. 

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