14/08/2025
Our residents had some unusual visitors recently!! 😆
We’re Barrowhill Hall, a 74-bedroom residential and nursing home, located in Rocester on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border. We specialises in caring for those living with dementia and memory loss and we have a separate household called ‘Churnet Lodge’, tailored specifically for those living with Young Onset Dementia.🏡
The Mobile Mini Zoo came to see us bringing “Bob” the Royal Python, “Squishy” the Bearded Dragon, two soft Old English Cross baby rabbits, “Voldetort” the Tortoise and “Sticky” the Crested Gecko. 🐍
Our activities lead, Kerry, said: “The residents had big smiles on their faces during the whole visit. It was a brilliant sensory experience too – the rabbits were so soft and fluffy, the snake was very smooth, and the bearded dragon’s skin was quite rough."🤩
Animal therapy has been shown to provide a range of benefits for people living with dementia, from reducing anxiety and agitation to improving mood and encouraging communication. Plus we love to give our residents new experiences.❤️
“Making our residents happy is what this job is all about,” Kerry explained. “The visit was so much fun and it gave us lots to talk about over dinner!” 🤣
Our resident Helena, 86, said the tortoise was “brilliant” whilst Frank, 95, said, “It was marvellous to have such creatures come and see us.” 🥰
How would you find the experience? Would you love to hold a snake?! Let us know in the comments 👇