Exotic animals visit care home for therapy session

A DRAGON, a tarantula and a snake were among the latest visitors to a Huddersfield care home – as residents took part in an animal therapy session.

Almost a dozen miniature creatures were brought to Aden Lodge in Clayton West by mobile petting zoo DB Animal Therapy.

Among the visitors was Rico the rabbit, Pablo and Robbie the tortoises, Leo the guinea pig, Smokie the hen, Maui the bearded dragon, Curly the tarantula, Pepper the hedgehog and Lily the snake.

Residents had the chance to meet, hold, stroke or just watch each of the animals as they were taken around the living room area.

Home manager Sarah Durham said: “These sorts of sessions have a wide range of benefits, helping to boost everyone’s mood, reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, ease anxiety, improve overall wellbeing and being a lot of fun.

“It was a lovely experience for our residents and staff to meet all the animals and we’d all like to thank Charlotte from DB Animal Therapy for bringing them to Aden Lodge and our activities coordinator Janice McNab for arranging the session.

“You only need to see the residents interacting with the animals and talking about it for hours afterwards to know how beneficial these sorts of therapy sessions are.”

Before the scheme Chloe worked in the hospitality industry and found it difficult to move sectors.

On starting at Greenan Manor in March, Chloe underwent three rotations to experience the different responsibilities in the home.

After completing 24 weeks split across food preparation, activities and care, Chloe found her passion lay in care.

She said: “I’d been interested in going into care after helping to look after my grandmother.

“I was lucky the Kickstart Scheme was operating when I was seeking a career change as it probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

“I feel very supported by my Greenan Manor colleagues, who are so approachable and continue to teach me so much.

“I love interacting with the residents and making their day that little bit better – this is it for me, care is my career.”

Care home manager Elaine Hughes added: “It’s been great to see how Chloe has thrived at Greenan Manor and we look forward to continuing to support her professional development.

“The Kickstart Scheme has helped us engage a new generation and welcome them to the Meallmore family.

“It’s also presented a wonderful opportunity for young people to experience the different roles within our homes and find their place.”

In future Chloe plans to continue her training and hopes to specialise in conditions that affect the brain such as dementia.