Therapy animals spread smiles at Edingley Lodge care home, run by Barchester Homes

A care home was filled with animal mischief when they welcomed some wonderful therapy animals.

Residents at Edingley Lodge care home were pleasantly surprised to see dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even chickens roaming around their lounge.

Home general manager Jilu Stephen, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today.

“We knew that having the therapy animals here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus.

“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence which animals can have on people.”

Resident Anita was very excited to meet the therapy animals: “As a child I used to love all the animals on the nearby farm.

“Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the animals were free to roam amongst us.”

Edingley Lodge care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which provides residential care, respite care to long term stays.