MILTON, Ga. — A Georgia Filipino American family is the driving force behind a senior therapy program that helps those suffering from cognitive and physical decline. Joyous Acres is a family-run animal rescue farm at a historic Milton equine facility. The farm is run primarily by seniors, with the help of rescue animals.
The family says their work is inspired by their belief in the cycle of love. Ever since launching “Seniors for Seniors,” groups from retirement homes around north Fulton County have visited for therapeutic sessions with rescue horses, dogs, cats, and even a pig!
Caregivers say the program has shown benefits for their guests; seniors who are ordinarily withdrawn are more social after spending time with the animals. The family says their program has helped those suffering from cognitive and physical decline, even prompting seniors in memory care to recall past experiences with animals.
Watch scenes from Joyous Acres here
43-year-old Joy Lim Nakrin, her 71-year-old parents Teresita Lim King and Andrew Nakrin, and her 73-year-old widowed aunt, Betty Lim King Cuyugan are the founders.
“After my husband died, I fell into a deep depression. But the animals have given me a new purpose. Even though they are the rescues, I feel they saved my life. I wanted to share this with others,” Betty Lim King Cuyugan said.
The outreach efforts to seniors became a priority for the founding family after they noticed the elders among them becoming stronger and more mobile by interacting with the animals.
“My parents and aunt help feed, groom and care for all of our rescue animals. While I am at work, the responsibility falls entirely on them. Despite the demanding work, they seem to be getting younger!” Joy Lim Nakrin said.
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But the participants aren’t the only people benefitting from the program: the rescue animals also appear to be benefiting as well.
The family says, “Many of the rescue animals, including a once slaughter-bound former plow horse, appeared more attentive and confident with perked ears and widened eyes while nuzzling guests and being showered with human affection.”
The program is currently being offered to select retirement centers throughout north Fulton County.
