Residents at Red House care home in Bridlington were all smiles this week as they enjoyed a special animal therapy visit from The Purple Pig Farm, a Yorkshire-based organisation that brings friendly animals into care homes, schools and community groups to support wellbeing and social interaction.
The session saw a range of friendly animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, bantam chickens, an owl and even a bearded dragon brought into the home for residents to meet, stroke and feed. The visit was designed so that everyone could take part, with the animals visiting communal lounges as well as residents’ rooms for those less mobile.
The event was one of the first community activities to take place since Red House completed a major refurbishment earlier this year. The 48-bed home, part of social care provider HICA Group, which specialises in dementia care, has been transformed with bright new décor, comfortable lounges, a refreshed dining area and an in-house bar, the Red House Arms, where residents can socialise and take part in group activities.
The visit was funded through the HICA Shine Fund, the fundraising arm of the HICA Group, which this year provided every home with the opportunity to host a fun and inclusive event. The initiative focused on activities that residents of all abilities, including those with limited mobility, could enjoy to.
Leah Davies, Home Manager at Red House, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon – the residents absolutely loved meeting the animals. Sessions like this always create such a buzz around the home, encouraging people to chat, reminisce and interact in a really positive way. The refurbishment has made such a difference to the atmosphere here – it’s lighter, warmer and feels much more homely.”
The animals proved especially popular with long-term residents who enjoyed the chance to share stories about pets they’ve owned and farm animals they’d worked with in their younger years.
Marlene Webb, 89, one of the residents who took part, said: “It was lovely having them here. I’ve never been that close to an owl before! They were all so calm and gentle. The home looks lovely now too, it’s bright and cheerful and feels like a happy place.”