Residents at Selwood House Care Home in Charlton Down near Dorchester recently enjoyed a pet therapy session when two alpacas, Liquorice and Karamac, visited the home as part of its wellbeing activities programme.
The session was delivered by Alpaca Adventure, which provides animal-based therapy visits in care settings. Pet therapy is used to encourage interaction, conversation and sensory engagement, particularly for older people and those living with dementia.
Selwood House provides residential, dementia and respite care in Charlton Down, Dorchester for up to eighty-four residents, with facilities including an onsite pub, cinema and hair and beauty salon, and monthly community coffee mornings held in its Coffee Club Café on the third Tuesday of each month.
Residents met the alpacas in small groups and were able to spend time alongside them with staff support. The calm nature of the animals helped create a relaxed environment and prompted conversation and reminiscence.
Home Manager Clare Twiss commented
“Providing varied and structured activities is a key part of how we support residents’ wellbeing and social connection. Pet therapy visits like this bring something different into the home, encourage interaction, and give residents a shared experience they can enjoy together.”
