Smiles all round as gentle alpacas pop in on elderly care home residents

Residents at a care home in Glasgow had their spirits lifted by some unusual visitors – alpacas.

Sid, Eric and Chester took a tour of Advinia Health Care’s Hill View care home in Clydebank on Thursday.

The three fluffy alpacas, from Larch Green Alpacas, visited residents in their rooms and in the care home’s garden.

The animal visits are said to help alleviate stress and depression, as well as combat loneliness.

Alpacas care home visit
Alpacas Sid, Eric and Chester from Larch Green Alpacas meet Isabella Scot, 85 (left) and Maureen Wysoski, 66 (right) during a visit to the Hill View Care Home (Jane Barlow/PA)

“It’s a shame they can’t move into the garden here permanently.” 

Alpacas, which originate from South America, have become increasingly popular as therapy animals due to their gentle nature and soft fur.

“Now that all our residents and staff are vaccinated and we can open up a bit to the outside world, we’ve been doing loads of activities to try to make up for it.

“Elderly people, particularly those living with dementia, benefit greatly from the therapeutic nature of these animals.

“It has also been a lot of fun for the staff, too.”

Alpacas care home visit
The three fluffy alpacas met Mary Leslie, 92, during a visit to Hill View (Jane Barlow/PA)

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