Care home residents were delighted when a pair of alpacas dropped in to say hello. The woolly camelids, called Luke and Padrig, visited Pendean House Bupa Care Home in West Lavington, Midhurst, to spread some joy and help residents relax. The visit was arranged as part of the home’s ongoing animal therapy, which aims to engage residents and boost their mood.
Dunreyth Alpacas Farm, in Chichester, is a family run business that prides itself on animal safety and welfare. A resident taking a picture of an alpaca (Image: Pendean House Bupa Care Home) Residents admired and petted the animals and took lots of photographs of them. The animal visits are said to help alleviate stress and depression, as well as combat loneliness.
Read more: Nature centre's wildcats captured enjoying a snooze Resident Keith Sandall, 90, said it was a lovely surprise. “I couldn’t believe there were two alpacas in our home – they were extremely cute and friendly,” he said. “They loved getting stroked on the neck and petted by everyone.
” Activities co-ordinator Emma Chambers, who set up the visit, said everyone was overjoyed. “Our residents loved watching Luke and Padrig walk through the home, stopping by everyone,” she said. “They were all so excited for their turn to stroke them and seeing their faces light up with a smile was fantastic.
Residents were delighted (Image: Pendean House Bupa Care Home) “Some residents are still talking about how much they enjoyed the visit. Animal thera.