RESIDENTS at a Clackmannanshire care home were treated to an unusual visit last week as two alpacas were brought in to meet them.

The therapy animals were brought in to the Orchard Care Home in Tullibody on Wednesday, August 15, as a treat for the residents who got the chance to meet the South American animals and pet them if they wished.

Staff often bring in therapy pets for the residents, although this was the first time that alpacas have been used after recently being spotted by the care home’s wellness co-ordinator Michelle Prunty.

Karen Gillespie, deputy manager of the home, told the Advertiser that the residents were overjoyed at the sight of the friendly animals.

She said: “Our wellness co-ordinator was at a wedding a few weeks ago and the bride and groom had alpacas there so we got to thinking that it’s something quite different.

“The residents all thoroughly enjoyed it and went over to them for a clap. They were all really up for it, although some had to have it explained to them what was happening and some confused them for llamas.”

The alpacas were taken into the elderly and dementia sections of the home where they intermingled with all of the residents, and Karen said the effect therapy animals have on the patients is clear for everyone to see.

Karen said: “They love having animals or kids in. Their faces all light up straight away.

"We have a dog in a lot who gives them cuddles and we sometimes get smaller animals in such as rabbits and ducks. We even have two ducks of our own outside.

“We also work quite closely with Glenview Nursery and bring the kids in regularly from there and they sit with the residents.

"We’ve had a cook in to bake cupcakes with them as well. If we’re getting any entertainment in as well, such as singers, etc. then we’ll get the children in for that, too.”

The use of therapy animals has risen sharply in recent years with research finding that holding or stroking animals can reduce blood pressure, lower pulse rates and alleviate feelings of tension or anxiety.