Care home worker brings animal magic to her workplace to mark start of spring by inviting a herd of Pygmy goats to visit elderly residents
A care home worker brought some animal magic to her place of work to mark the start of spring by inviting a herd of Pygmy goats to visit the elderly residents.
Following the lonely months of the pandemic, when activities coordinator Stacey Burch, 31, and her three colleagues were increasingly limited in the activities they could provide – as tough government restrictions forced them to limit visitors – she was determined to give residents an extra special treat.
“For me, it’s all about the smiles on residents’ faces and the difference you make to their lives.”
With just five minutes of interaction, such as playing with a pet, being known to reduce stress-related hormones, according to Medivet, it is no surprise that the goats’ visit resulted in beaming expressions from all who stroked them.
Seeing some of the 66 residents petting the animals – an activity known to raise levels of the ‘happiness hormones’ serotonin and dopamine that calm and relax the nervous system – was a joy for Stacey, a mum of two.
She said: “We have regular events like the Royal British Legion coming in to hold remembrance services with the residents, when they release white doves, which always gets a wonderful reaction.
“We also have lots of animals coming in – everything from owls to reptiles, snakes, hamsters, arachnids, mini donkeys and chicks.
“Then, of course, there are the goats, which are hugely popular.”
Stacey said: “They are always hugely popular.
“We find animals help combat loneliness, stabilise blood pressure and reduce stress.
“Just being able to touch them and get that comfort means so much.”
She said: “When the Covid restrictions meant we could not bring visitors in, we still provided one on one activities, like hand massages and nail care.
“Even just chats were appreciated.”
But, with mental health experts widely citing the positive effects of animals on lifting mood, seeing the furry friends making a fuss of people was a massive boost.
“People were just beaming when they came out.”
While five goats were held and cuddled by those that could make it out of bed, another wrapped in a blanket was taken to people’s rooms to say hello.
And, far from being billy goats gruff, the babies, or kids, behaved impeccably, soaking up the attention as they were petted and stroked.
Stacey laughed: “She tried to put the goat in her pocket!
“All innocently, she was saying, ‘He’s just disappeared.’ All the while she was trying to sneak him off with him!
“Terry, one of our gentlemen here, used to keep goats. He had two growing up.
Meanwhile, some visiting families thought their relatives were telling tall tales when they heard about the unusual guests.
“Families have been asking us if it’s right that their loved one has held a goat. They’ve wanted to know if it’s true, ” said Stacey.
She is now planning for another herd of goat guests – who are provided by a local animal care business – to come for a return visit in the near future.
Animals have long been an important part of home life, with residents being permitted to bring their pets when they move in. Families are also welcome to bring pets during visits, so that residents can walk their dogs as they would if they lived at home.
While there are two resident cats, Freddie and Ben, and a parrot, Billie, who copies the tone of the emergency bell and fire alarms, as well as calling out greetings and whistling to visitors.
Stacey said: “The mental stimulation and joy animals bring to the residents have so many benefits to their health and well being.”