Courtesy of Simple Changes
A few elderly Alexandria residents are spending time with the police and it’s not because they are in trouble.
Local Alexandria police officers have been assisting them with horse therapy at Simple Changes Therapeutic Riding Center in Mason Neck, which has an ongoing partnership with Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI), a nonprofit senior living and healthcare services organization. Goodwin House Alexandria is GHI’s senior living community located in Alexandria.
Residents from Goodwin House participate in horse therapy for a number of different reasons. Goodwin House social worker Barbara Bolin explained, “Some residents are living with dementia, others are invited because they need social support and an opportunity to connect with old skills or interests, or they struggle with depression or anxiety.”
In one particular instance, the police officers were able to assist one participant mount and ride a horse. Afterwards, the participant could not stop talking about how he had a police escort on his ride.
“Having the police officers on hand to walk next to [him] on his ride helped to keep him safe, and it gave him a great story to tell his friends and family,” Wallingford said.
During their time at Simple Changes, participants practice memory skills, receptive and expressive language, and enjoy some fresh air and time with animals, said Simple Changes Executive Director Corliss Wallingford.
“They learn about horse behavior and horse care by grooming and leading the horses. They share stories of their past and present by writing Haiku and playing memory games. Horses are a great social mirror as they reflect back our energy — helping to encourage self-awareness and self-control,” Wallingford said.
This year, Sgt. Misti Battle, supervisor for the Community Oriented Policing unit (COPS) from the Community Relations Division of the Alexandria Police Department, learned about the horse therapy program from Bolin because they both serve on the Dementia Friendly Alexandria action team.
The City of Alexandria was named a Dementia Friendly Community in April 2019, meaning the city and its residents are informed and respectful toward individuals with dementia and their families.
In addition, the city provides support and focuses on quality of life for residents with dementia. The Dementia Friendly Alexandria initiative is part of a larger, nation-wide movement called Dementia Friendly America that began in September 2015.
Battle and Bolin agreed that including police officers as part of the program would be an excellent way for them to develop sensitivity and understanding while interacting with seniors, especially those living with dementia or memory loss.
Battle said police officers who have helped with the program have found it fun and rewarding. They have enjoyed watching the residents interact with the animals and making a difference with people who have been part of the Alexandria community for a long time.
Battle credits the forward-thinking leadership of APD Chief Michael Brown and Assistant Chief Don Hayes for seeing the need for police participation in these types of programs.
Battle says she has been contacted by APD officers from other sections who have heard about the program and want to participate.
For more information about Simple Changes, visit simplechanges.org.
For more information about Dementia Friendly Alexandria email dfalexandria@goodwinhouse.org.
