RESIDENTS of Deer Park Nursing Home in Holsworthy were recently treated to a special animal day, during which they were introduced to a whole range of animals.

The event was organised by Deer Park staff nurse Skye Simpson and occupational therapist Carrie Piper, who both recognised the remedial therapy that animals can give to people.

Skye explained: "Animals really stimulate older people, particularly people that have got Alzheimers, so we thought we would have an animal day."

They asked carers and families of residents if they would kindly take their animals in to meet residents, and they were delighted with the response.

On the day, the home was visited by a pony called Puff, a couple of dogs, some chickens, Love Birds, Zebra Finches, a turtle and two Bearded Dragons, amongst others.

Skye said there was a mixed reaction from the residents to some of the animals, but on the whole, they really enjoyed the experience.

"There was a real buzz and a lot of the carers came in on their day off and a lot of them brought in their kids. The residents are still talking about it. It was very successful so we will try to do it again. It was a great day."

Some of the residents were unable to make it down to the room to see the animals, so staff made sure they took some of the animals to visit them all in their own rooms.

Skye added: "We've got a couple of residents who have had strokes but when I walked in with some of the animals, such as the chickens in my arms, their little faces lit up."

She expressed her thanks to everyone who helped to make the Deer Park animal day such a success, especially to the matron, Ruth Hatcher, who allowed them to hold the event.