Residents at West Farm received an extra special visit recently from Saviours Haven Sanctuary, a rescue home set up to help unwanted and stay animals.
Steve Lucock, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008, and his wife Gemma introduced residents to a wide variety of non-traditional pets including a snake, a macaw parrot, a fox and a meerkat.
Trish Giles, West Farm’s Manager said: “What a wonderful afternoon residents had! They met a huge variety of animals and learnt a lot about their natural habitat, why they were being cared for by Steve and their likes and dislikes. It was a very interactive session, with residents engaged throughout. Steve and Gemma discussed the history behind each animal and gave everyone an opportunity to touch and interact with them. It was magical.”
Evidence shows that even the most solitary and sedentary residents have shown distinct improvements during the time specific pets have been present, which is why animal therapy plays such a key role in residential care including those living with dementia.
Resident Marion Rouse added: “I loved the parrot; he was a bit cheeky!”