Sutton care home residents welcome new arrivals (From Craven Herald)

Sutton care home residents welcome new arrivals

9:00am Sunday 20th January 2013 in News

People living in two Sutton care homes are benefiting from two new arrivals – though these particular residents are not spending much time indoors.

Sutton Hall and Sutton Lodge, which occupy the same site, now have two female pygmy goats.

The idea of bringing them to the homes came from manager Mick Hebden, who said they made a welcome addition to the premises’ activities.

He said: “One of our residents is an ex-farmer and really missed having livestock to care for, as it had been such a major part of his life.

“So we got him a couple of goats to look after.

“Now all of our residents love the goats and having them here has encouraged everyone to get out into the fresh air.

“Residents have helped build a special pen and really enjoy caring for them every day.

“We are hoping to add a few more animals.

“Ideally we would like a smallholding and we’re busy raising funds to make this possible.

“We’d like to add pigs and especially hens, as many of our female residents have happy memories of looking after hens during the war.

“Having meaningful things to do each day, especially activities that replicate life outside the home, is very important to those people with dementia.”

Sutton Hall and Sutton Lodge are in Cornmill Walk, and are both run by Orchard Care Homes.