Residents at a Midlothian care home were thrilled to welcome some visitors last week, when two animals trotted over from Bonaly.
Aaron House in Penicuik organised a furry pair of pals to visit the care home, who quickly became the centre of attention. Alpacas Calvin and Praline spent the afternoon at the nursing home, with residents enjoying some time in their company.
The animals, aged five and three, were provided courtesy of Bobcat Alpacas. They stopped off to greet residents in the home’s large wrap-around garden, and even made personal appearances in residents’ rooms who couldn’t make it out.
READ MORE - Alzheimer’s symptoms: New method developed to spot disease before any signs show
Aaron House resident Morag Moriarty, 79, said she was smitten from the jump. She said: “It was love at first sight.”
Derek Latto, 76, was among those who enjoyed a meeting with Calvin and Praline. He said: “I’ve seen an alpaca at the zoo before and when they walked into my room, I thought ‘What the heck?’”
Aaron House has said providing activities helps residents evoke memories and reflect, while bringing a sense of security and comfort. Activities coordinator, Linda Wilkinson, said: “When people move into care homes it can often give them a new lease of life.
“For me it’s all about residents and finding out their needs and what they enjoy. This is a very lively care home, there’s never a dull moment.”
While this was the first alpaca experience at Aaron House, residents are no stranger to a four legged visitor. Family members often bring in pets, while weekly stop offs are made by Aida - a Cockapoo and trained therapy pet dog.
Marking the Queen’s Jubilee, the team at Aaron House arranged a visit from the Redford Army Barracks’ miniature Shetland ponies - who all arrived donned in their regalia for the occasion. Earlier this year, the home hatched their own chickens who now live on the grounds.
Resident Marjory Davidson, 92, is a big fan of the chickens. She said: “I love to sit outside and watch them.
“We’ve got stunning views, the gardens are lovely and the chickens are a wee treasure.”
As for the alpacas, General Manager Stephen Van Putten said he’s hoping to get them back in soon. He commented: “Experiences like meeting the alpacas helps to bring stimulation and meaning to our residents.
“It’s important for us to work with local businesses and charities so our residents continue to feel connected to their local community. Meeting the alpacas was a new experience for many of our residents and we can see first-hand how they benefit from our pet therapy activity.
“As well as being fun and enjoyable, animals can have a very calming and soothing effect. The alpacas certainly seemed to love the limelight and all the attention they got. They were great with our residents.
“We’ll definitely have them back, plus it seems as though Morag wouldn’t allow it any other way.”
READ NEXT:
West Lothian cul-de-sac will be ruined by care home, residents warn
Adorable clip watches Edinburgh care home transform hall into Winter Olympics
Edinburgh health expert Devi Sridhar on who should be worried about monkeypox
Scottish man who was bedridden with depression climbs 282 Munros
Alzheimer’s symptoms: New method developed to spot disease before any signs show
