Fareham care home residents have a field day with farm animals

Residents at a care home in Fareham were all ears when a host of four-legged visitors hopped and trotted into the home. 

A donkey, piglet, chicken, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and ducks from Mill Cottage Farm were added to the guest list at Care UK’s Parker Meadows, on Redlands Lane, much to the surprise of the residents. 

The home arranged a visit from the educational, mobile farm to Parker Meadows for all residents to enjoy. 

Keen to get to know their latest guests, residents were given a chance to handle the animals, all while learning more about the different farm animals, including their personalities, favourite foods and how to look after them.

95-year-old resident Kathlen Skinner fell in love with the little piglet Evie, who was named after Peppa Pig’s younger sister.

Commenting on the visit, Kathleen said: “Evie was adorable! I wanted to keep her and take her home with me.”

Adding to the surprise and excitement of the day, one goat ventured into the care home to surprise some patients in their rooms – although left behind a rather pungent trail, much to the amusement of the residents. 

Peter Fisher, aged 85, couldn’t believe his luck when he saw the chicken’s hard work, and even managed to secure two fresh eggs for his dinner after the farm visit.

Lukasz Mikolaj Irzabek, General Manager at Parker Meadows said: “We loved welcoming such wonderful animals to Parker Meadows for what was a very memorable afternoon – they really brightened each of the residents’ day.

“Animal companionship has been shown to have many therapeutic advantages for older people, particularly those with dementia, as it helps lower anxiety and creates relaxing endorphins – you could see from the residents' reactions just how much they enjoyed interacting with the wonderful animals. It proved to be a fantastic opportunity to reminisce too, with so many residents having their  own pets over the years– it was wonderful to hear their stories.

“We look forward to welcoming more animals of all shapes and sizes back to Parker Meadows in the future and planning more meaningful, and surprising, activities for residents.”

Parker Meadows provides full-time residential care, nursing care and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities in addition to independent living bungalows on site. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.