Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home in Harefield, Middlesex, were thrilled to welcome some very special guests this week in the form of a variety of exotic animals brought in by local charity group Silver Scales, who rescue and rehome exotic pets.
The visit was arranged by the Cedar House’s wellbeing team and proved to be a huge success, with residents having the rare opportunity to interact closely with an array of animals, including lizards, snakes, and “Steve” the skunk – a particularly cuddly and much-loved guest.
The highlight of the visit was Waffle, a gentle six-year-old tortoise who wandered freely among the residents, much to their delight. The hands-on experience brought plenty of smiles, laughter, and curiosity, as everyone learned about the animals and enjoyed a unique form of animal therapy.
Samantha Dreelan, HC-One Cedar House Care Home’s Wellbeing Coordinator, said:
“It was so lovely to see our residents fully embracing the experience – the joy and smiles on their faces were priceless. Steve the skunk was definitely a favourite!”
Colleagues also got involved, enjoying the opportunity to handle the animals and pose for photos.
Jomy Joseph, Home Administrator at HC-One’s Cedar House Care Home, was especially impressed by the visit:
“It was a real pleasure to meet the team from Silver Scales. You can tell they truly care about the welfare of the animals – it’s not just a business to them, it’s a passion.”
Silver Scales, a locally-based volunteer-run charity, works to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome exotic pets that are surrendered for various reasons. Their visit to Cedar House was not only educational and entertaining but also deeply enriching for everyone involved. HC-One Cedar House Care Home’s team hopes to welcome Lisa, Nikki, and their amazing animals back again very soon.
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.