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Alpacas bring joy to Sutton Coldfield care home

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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

News

Lancashire Belle’s vintage tunes light up Sutton Coldfield

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A Sutton Coldfield retirement community enjoyed the tunes of yesteryear when Lancashire Belle hosted a nostalgic tea-dance

Broadleaf House swapped a quiet afternoon for swing steps when vintage vocalist Jane Francis, better known as Lancashire Belle, brought 1940s favourites to Adlington Retirement Living’s community in Wylde Green.

Guests arrived to Vera Lynn classics before the lounge filled with quicksteps, sing-alongs and plenty of toe-tapping. An elegant afternoon tea from the on-site chef provided a charming interval before a second lively set.

Jane Francis said: “These songs unlock memories and get feet moving. The best moment is when someone who hasn’t danced for years takes to the floor with a smile.”

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “Events like this capture the spirit of Broadleaf House – beautifully designed apartments, a secure setting and a calendar of uplifting events and activities, with the right support on hand so homeowners can enjoy it all.”

Tracey Walsh, General Manager, said: “You could feel the buzz in the room. Music, friendship and a slice of cake are a fantastic way to bring people together.”

Broadleaf House offers 57 age-exclusive one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a friendly 24-hour on-site team. Communal spaces include a homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room and activities studio, all set alongside beautifully maintained private gardens.

Tony, who moved to Broadleaf House in April 2025, said: “I’m so happy here. The ambience of the place is fantastic. I’m not just talking about the aesthetics; it’s the atmosphere that people generate. I have friends on tap if I want them, privacy when I don’t, staff who genuinely care, and no gardening or home maintenance.”

If you would like to find out more, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Broadleaf House, on Birmingham Road, from 10am to 5pm. Call 0121 817 8680 to find out more or visit adlington.co.uk.