A RECENT visit from some exotic animals provided a range of health and mental benefits to residents at a Wee County care home.

Parklands Care Home residents and staff were visited by different animals including ducks, hens and a tortoise.

Some of the braver residents even held snakes, lizards and a tarantula.

Animal-assisted therapy has shown beneficial results in elderly care with the physical contact encouraging communication, can reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve motor skills and self-esteem.

This isn’t the first time residents have enjoyed a special visitor, with Annie the Alpaca spending time at the care home last year.

The visit was organised by Corri Walker, Parklands’ new activities co-coordinator, and Animal Man Mini Zoo, who brought the animals on their first visit to the care home.

Corri said: “We’re always looking for new and exciting activities for our residents to enjoy.

“After the success of Annie the Alpaca’s visit back in December last year, we knew we wanted to bring some more friendly creatures into the home.

“The Animal Man Mini Zoo visit was a great success.

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon, and I was surprised to see some of them being brave enough to hold the lizard and snake.

“It was a fantastic experience, and we hope to welcome the animals back to the home in the near future.”

Parklands is operated by Meallmore Ltd and animal therapy has proved very beneficial at the care home.

Angela Martin, care home manager at Parklands Care Home, added: “We find animal therapy to be incredibly impactful for our residents. Having the opportunity to hold and pet animals can be very relaxing and comforting.

“At Meallmore we’re committed to delivering exceptional standards of care and activities to our residents and animal therapy is just one of the ways we aim to enrich the lives of our residents.”

Parklands is a purpose-built care home in Alloa which provides nursing care for the elderly and specialist services for people with dementia.

Visit meallmore.co.uk/our-care-homes/parklands/ for more information.