Donkeys pay a special visit to Oaklands Care Home

The residents of a South Norfolk care home have been treated to a visit from some unusual four legged visitors.

Oaklands resident Erik Reeve with a Donkey. Picture: Kingsley Healthcare - Credit: Archant

When Sarah McPherson was supporting her mother through the later stages of dementia she discovered that the donkeys she kept at her home had the ability to put a smile on her mother's face no matter what.

Wishing others to benefit from the same therapeutic benefits Ms McPherson decided set up a social enterprise called Mini Donkeys for Wellbeing.

Now, with the help of volunteers, the 54 year-old visits care homes across the region with her donkeys, including the Kingsley run Care home Oaklands in Scole.

Home manager Ann Hall-Galley said: 'Some of our residents are living with dementia and pet therapy is known to be a tonic for them – but you are usually talking about dogs and cats.

'Everyone loved seeing the donkeys. There were lots of smiles and residents were interacting with them.'