A ‘spring’ in their step

Residents at a care home in Welshpool received a special visitor over Easter when one staff member turned up to work with a five-day old lamb.

Maintenance operative, Andrew Whitmore, works at Llys Hafren care home, which is operated on behalf of Powys County Council by Shaw healthcare. Mr Whitmore borrowed the orphaned lamb from friend and local farmer Brian Ellis and, after checking in with the home manager, arranged to bring it in.

Residents and colleagues were delighted to meet the special visitor, with many of them taking the opportunity to pet and even bottle-feed the cute creature, as it made its way around the home. The day was particularly enjoyable for residents from farming backgrounds, whose interaction with the lamb recalled fond agricultural memories.

Like many of Shaw’s care homes, Llys Hafren promotes interactions between residents and carefully selected animals, both as a means of entertainment but also to relieve stress and prevent loneliness.

The Alzheimers Society also believes that animal-assisted interventions can often improve self-esteem and confidence in people with dementia, enhancing quality of life and encouraging independence.

Bea Wickstead, manager of Llys Hafren, said: “Our residents were thrilled to have such an adorable visitor to the home this Easter. The lamb really put a smile on everyone’s faces, and many of our residents still haven’t stopped talking about what a wonderful day they had!

“Everyone at Llys Hafren is particularly grateful to Mr Ellis, the farmer whose thoughtfulness has helped to cheer up many of our residents during such a challenging period.”

PICTURE ONE: Pam Jones enjoys a special visitor.

PICTURE TWO: Care worker Sarah Andrews with Joyce Roberts.