Sutton Coldfield care home welcomes new fluffy friends

Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield have been treated to a surprise visit from some four-legged companions.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, welcomed new friends in the form of two alpacas for National Pet Day.

Jack and Roo were brought in by the team at Wildwood Alpacas, who were eager to share their wealth of knowledge and lead the session.

Residents were encouraged to get involved by handling, stroking and even feeding the alpacas. They were thoroughly pampered!

Resident Bunty Speight said: “They are so adorable. They looked right at me as if we understood each other...It’s not every day you get to connect with animals like that.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “We always strive to create fun and interactive experiences for residents, and we thought a visit from some furry friends would be a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

“Residents and the team alike loved welcoming the wonderful alpacas into the home. Animal therapy is hugely beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction.

“We want to thank Wildwood Alpacas for making our day. We look forward to seeing our new fluffy friends again in the future!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey home, which features 67 en suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and the very popular Sadlers Café.