A shell of a day! Cheadle care home visited by creatures great and small

A care home in Cheadle was joined by some creepy crawlies for a unique afternoon of animal fun.

Residents at Care UK’s Abney Court, in Abney Hall Park, gathered to welcome a host of animals, from rats and snakes to tarantulas, cockroaches and giant snails, which were greeted with much excitement and astonishment from residents.

 

The animals were brought into the home by Zoo Lab, which provides fully interactive learning experiences, where the creatures are friendly, relaxed and used to human contact. Residents were delighted to be able to get up close to the creepy crawlies and learn more about them, with those brave enough even holding them.

Margaret, a resident at Abney Court, said: "My favourite animal was the giant centipede – it felt like a tooth brush brushing against my skin! I enjoyed the whole session.”

Andrew McIntyre, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “We all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon meeting all of the weird and wonderful animals that crawled into the home.

“Here at Abney Court, we are always seeking new and exciting activities for residents to enjoy. Animal therapy has proven to be incredibly beneficial for older people, as it can often prompt conversations and have a calming effect.

“It was so lovely to welcome all of these animals into the home, and seeing residents interacting with them was wonderful – thank you again Zoo Lab!”

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Abney Court, email Andrew McIntyre, Home Manager at Andrew McIntyre andrew.mcintyre@careuk.com or call 0161 660 5713.

For more general information about Abney Court, please visit careuk.com/abney-court.