Farmyard friends visit Horley care home

Residents there were pleasantly surprised to see animals such as goats, a sheep and its lambs, Shetland ponies, pigs, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks and chickens roaming around their garden as Miller’s Ark paid a visit. No one minded that one of the pigs dug up the lawn.

General manager, Sibby Sawyer said: “Everyone has really enjoyed these unusual visitors today. We knew that having the farm here would be a bit of fun for everyone who lives here, especially as some people find it difficult to go on outings in our minibus. We are always looking for new activities and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Summer Podd, a care apprentice at Wykeham House, said that one resident who had the perfect view of the animals from his bedroom window thought one of the Shetland ponies was a lion where they came to visit last month.

A visiting family member, said that his father, a resident who lives in the home’s Memory Lane Community for people with dementia, was very happy and touched by the fact that the animals, in particular the goat, went up to the top floor to visit those that could not go out to the garden.

He said: “As a young man, my father used to live on a farm and loves animals. Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the animals were free to roam amongst us.”

Erica Phillips, activities co-ordinator, said: “This was one of many more activities the home has planned for Spring and Summer!”