Felixstowe care home residents enjoy goat visit

Residents at a care home in Felixstowe have had a baa-rilliant time with some adorable and playful visitors.

Care UK’s Harbour Manor, on Bluebell Way, welcomed six pygmy goats from Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats.

The animals were a big hit, with residents given the chance to meet and learn all about them, including their personalities, favourite foods and how to look after them. The youngest of the six goats were a pair of twins who had yet to be officially named but were affectionately dubbed Rosie and Jim by residents.

For many, the experience brought back happy memories of farm life and time spent with animals.

Resident Alan David said: “I was so amazed at how small and well behaved they were – they were very well trained! It was lovely having them sit so still and to be able to enjoy the comfort of stroking them.”

Sarah Bacon, Home Manager at Harbour Manor, added: “There was no shortage of smiles and laughter after we welcomed the furry friends into the home.

“Spending time with animals has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits for older people, particularly for those living with dementia, as it helps lower anxiety and creates relaxing endorphins.

“We look forward to welcoming more creatures great and small into the home soon.”

Harbour Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides residential and dementia care on a permanent and respite basis. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the care home offers its own café, cinema room and hair and beauty salon, as well as plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.