Not easily rattled – Creatures great and small visit Newmarket care home

Residents at a care home in Newmarket had the chance to get up close with creatures great and small when they were visited by some exotic animals. 

The team at Care UK’s Kentford Manor, on Jeddah Way, invited local organisation, Kimmy’s Zoo, to lead a special ‘show and tell’ workshop with residents.  

Residents were visited by a host of interesting animals and creepy crawlies, including snakes, an owl, guinea pigs, chinchillas and a large stick insect, as part of the session. The team also provided interesting facts on each of the animals, and residents were also able to handle and stroke the friendly creatures. 

Commenting on the afternoon, resident, Monte Bowers, aged 92, said: “I loved handling Monte the snake! I never thought I would hold a snake in my life, and I’m still amazed I had the courage to go near it, let alone handle it! I used to take my daughters to the zoo, so this brought back some wonderful memories.” 

Denis Green, Home Admissions Advisor at Kentford Manor, said: “We are always looking to plan interesting and exciting activities for residents, and as so many have a keen interest in nature and wildlife, we invited Kimmy’s Zoo, along to provide a fun animal therapy session.  

“It proved to be a real success, and you could see from residents’ reactions just how engaged and fascinated they were by the chance to get so close to such a variety of animals. We know just how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia. Being close to animals can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction, so it was fantastic to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Kentford Manor, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

For more information on Kentford Manor, please contact Home Admissions Advisor at Kentford Manor, Denis Green, on 01638 779594, email Denis.Green@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/kentford-manor