Calderbrook Alpacas visit Oldham care home

Royley House residents feed the alpacas

An Oldham care home recently had some unusual guests from Littleborough when two alpacas paid them a visit.

Royley House Care Home in Royton was visited on 28 June by the team from Calderbrook Alpacas, which specialises in unique alpaca meet and greets and assisted activities in and around Littleborough.

George and Ziggy, two very well-behaved young alpacas, were the guests of honour on the day and, although the weather was a little blustery and overcast, everyone was able to enjoy some fresh air while staying in the dining room, looking out onto the recently renovated garden and patio space.

Joanne Schembri, head handler from Calderbrook Alpacas, said: “The alpacas have a gentle, inquisitive nature and their fur is very soft and tactile, this means they’re great for sensory engagement and are a real talking point with groups they meet as they’re often a little cheeky and very funny to watch.”

A spokesperson for Rochcare, which manages Royley House, said: “Many people living in care homes have missed out on connecting with their family and community during Coronavirus and have often felt quite isolated.

“The visit from George and Ziggy was a very welcome experience for the ladies and gentlemen living at Royley House and they hope the alpacas had as much fun as they did.

“We have a regular schedule of activities on offer to residents, designed to keep them entertained and engaged, including crafts, baking, gardening, massage and beauty treatments, gentle exercise classes, reading/sewing groups and trips into the local community.”