It was a day of firsts for a lot of the Residents at HC-One’s
Chandlers Ford are home, in Eastleigh, Hampshire, as they got up close and personal with some rather unusual animals.
Siobhan, Wellbeing Coordinator, and Gemma, Care Assistant, helped to organise for Zoolab to come and visit Residents. Zoolab offer animal therapy sessions to help promote wellbeing and it also gives many Residents the chance to interact with the wild in a safe and comfortable setting. All sessions are bespoke and tailored to individual’s preferences.
Zoolab arrived with a variety of reptiles and amphibians and the Residents who attended the session were amazed and very curious to handle many of the animals. The presenters were full of knowledge, and everyone had the opportunity to hold an animal of their choice.
Ann (picture), who lives at the 41-bed residential and nursing care home, said that she liked the feel of the snakes scales and showed no fear at all!
Lucy Hilferty, Care Home Manager, commented, “It was such an unusual event and created much interested from the Residents, touching animals they have never touched before.”
“The whole experience was worthwhile, and our Residents found it very enjoyable. We hope to hold further sessions in the future.”