Not every Tuesday afternoon involves a royal python called Cleo! But at our care homes in Yorkshire, the unexpected is very much part of life and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
We recently enjoyed another wonderful visit from Leanimals Mobile Zoo and as always the reaction from our residents was amazing! Leanimals are a licensed mobile zoo based in England who bring a wonderful collection of animals directly to schools, care homes and community settings. Their animals include everything from Wispa the Mini Rex rabbit and Bertie and Boris the guinea pigs, to royal pythons, barn owls, giant African land snails and a rather impressive tarantula or two!
It might sound like an unusual way to spend an afternoon in a care home, but these unusual visitors are always a joy and you can see exactly why the moment the animals arrive.
More than just a novelty
For many of our residents, the chance to touch, hold or simply sit close to an animal is a genuinely lovely experience. The sensory side of it matters more than people might expect – the softness of a rabbit’s fur, the weight of a snake across your shoulders! For residents living with dementia or those who are less mobile, that kind of tactile engagement can be calming and stimulating, and it almost always sparks conversation, memories and a lot of laughter too.
“Our residents are always the bravest!”
Natalie, Registered Manager of Ochre Care Homes, has seen the impact of these visits first hand. “These visits bring a lot of excitement into our homes and are such a highlight for residents and staff alike,” she says. “Our residents are always the bravest, especially with the snakes!”
Something to look forward to
We love that life in our homes can include moments like this. Full of surprise, laughter and the occasional exotic visitor. Visits from Leanimals are such a wonderful reminder that there is always something new to discover, whatever your age.
We are already counting down to the next one!
Visit Leanimals website for more information https://www.leanimals.co.uk/
To find out more about what life is like in our homes, visit our activities FAQ or get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
