Animal encounters delight care home residents

RESIDENTS at a Surrey care home have enjoyed another day of unforgettable animal encounters.

HC-One’s Fieldway Care Home, in Mitcham, welcomed back Mitcham Zoo for the annual visit, which has become one of the home’s most requested events.

A group of 15 residents were treated to up-close interactions with an exciting array of creatures, including a giant tortoise, bearded dragons, snakes of all sizes, and the ever-popular Arlo the armadillo.

The atmosphere in the lounge was filled with curiosity, laughter and a sense of adventure.

Residents had the option to either get hands-on or simply enjoy watching the animals from the sidelines. Some residents eagerly held every single animal, while others surprised themselves, and the team, by facing their fears and even holding a snake.

Gareth North introduces Arlo the armadillo to home resident John Deevey

Colleagues, including members of the housekeeping team, carers, and home manager, Alexsandra Albu, joined the wellbeing team in cheering everyone on and sharing in the joy of the day.

Gareth North, who runs Mitcham Zoo, was on hand to answer questions, share fascinating animal facts and support both residents and colleagues as they interacted with the animals.

Suzi Housego, lead wellbeing co-ordinator at Fieldway, said: “It was great to watch the support everyone in the lounge gave to each other, seeing people laugh, listen, and treat the animals with kindness. We have some truly brave residents here at Fieldway.” The Mitcham Zoo visit has become a much-loved annual event at Fieldway, with residents and colleagues already thinking about which animals they might meet next.