Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield received an unforgettable surprise this National Pet Day, thanks to a pair of gentle, four-legged guests.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, located on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, welcomed Jack and Roo – two charming alpacas from Wildwood Alpacas – for a heartwarming session of animal therapy for the elderly.

A unique sensory experience

The visit was designed to engage residents through touch, sight, and sound. The team from Wildwood Alpacas led the session, offering their expertise and encouraging residents to get hands-on. The elderly participants were invited to stroke, handle, and even feed the alpacas, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the pampering.

One resident, Bunty Speight, described the encounter as deeply moving:

“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.”

Benefits of animal therapy for dementia care

According to care experts, interactions like these are more than just entertainment. Animal therapyhas been proven to:

• Lift mood and reduce anxiety
• Encourage social interaction among residents
• Trigger positive memories, particularly for those living with dementia

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, explained:

“We always strive to create fun and interactive experiences for residents. A visit from some furry friends is a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. 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.”

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

About Mercia Grange

Mercia Grange is a leading residential, nursing, and dementia care home in the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield. The three-storey, state-of-the-art facility features:

• 67 en suite bedrooms
• A cinema room
• A hair and beauty salon
• Sadlers Café, a popular on-site café for residents and visitors

The home is designed to promote independence while offering full-time care, short-term respite stays, and specialist dementia support.

To arrange a tour or enquire about availability, contact Customer Relations Manager Sevgi Halil:

📞 Phone: 0121 314 7849
📧 Email: sevgi.halil@careuk.com
🌐 Website: careuk.com/mercia-grange