Care home welcomes exotic animals for therapy session

By Maeve Cullinan

A care home welcomed a range of exotic animals for an animal therapy session.

Westcombe Park Bupa Care Home in Westcombe Park Road, Blackheath, which welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care, including those living with Parkinson’s, hosted the fearsome creatures as part of a scheme to promote well-being and relaxation among its residents.

Animals included an African snail, praying mantis, leopard gecko, tree frog and a pair of Chinchillas.

The event was organized alongside Kent-based Wild Science, an organisation which has created bespoke animal therapy sessions for care homes across the country.

According to Wild Science, animal therapy can be hugely beneficial for elderly people, improving motor skills and joint movement, self-esteem, verbal communication, and social engagement.

They said: “The pandemic has affected how care homes operate; not just in the UK, but across the world.

“Our online sessions provide a great opportunity to interact with someone outside the home whilst learning about new and exotic animals. It’s a great experience for the resident and the carers too.”

Resident David Wiggington, 79, said: “I loved the visit from Wild Science. It was amazing to see so many different animals.

“I particularly loved the markings on the hissing cockroach, they were surprisingly beautiful.”

Another resident, Ann Heneghan, 73, said: “My favourite exotic animals were the chinchillas. They were soft and cuddly, and I found them very calming.

“It was a great chance to meet animals I never thought I would. I can’t wait to show off the pictures to my grandchildren.”

Abbie Kehinde, home manager at Westcombe Park Bupa Care Home, said: “We will definitely be running more visits from them as the animals were a great hit amongst the residents.”

Pictured top: A Westcombe Park resident holds a tree frog (Picture: Westcombe Park Bupa Care Home)