Alpacas visit Oxfordshire care home for animal therapy day

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 20:48 · Archive

Two alpacas visited a care home in Wantage to provide animal therapy for residents.

Two alpacas named Truffle and Arti visited Care UK's Charlton Lodge in Wantage for an animal therapy session. The animals, from Mortimer Alpacas, spent time with residents, who were able to stroke, feed and learn about them.

Eighty-eight-year-old resident Jean Reed said she found the alpacas entertaining. 'I put down my glass of water and Truffle drank it – that's the first time I've shared a drink with an alpaca,' she said.

Carla Kell, home manager at Charlton Lodge, said the visit was a highlight that brought out many smiles. She noted that animal therapy can have a positive impact on older people's wellbeing, as it is calming and can spark conversations. Residents reminisced and shared their love for animals. The home said it is already looking forward to a next visit from Mortimer Alpacas.

Charlton Lodge offers residential, dementia and respite care, with facilities including a cinema, hair and beauty salon, and café.

How it is being reported

• Care home welcomes furry visitors for animal therapy dayThe furry guests, named Truffle and Arti, arrived at Care UK’s Charlton Lodge in Wantage, located on Buttercup Road.Oxford Mail · 10 Oct, 20:42
• Care home welcomes furry visitors for animal therapy dayThe furry guests, named Truffle and Arti, arrived at Care UK’s Charlton Lodge in Wantage, located on Buttercup Road.Oxfordshire Guardian · 10 Oct, 20:42

In this story: Truffle · Arti · Care UK · Charlton Lodge · Wantage · Mortimer Alpacas · Jean Reed · Carla Kell

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