RESIDENTS at Baptistcare Yallambee residential care facility in Mundaring recently had the chance to interact with a variety of cuddly animals when their intergenerational playgroup had an animal farm visit.
Residents, children and parents alike enjoyed patting, cuddling and feeding the animals, which included kangaroo joeys, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and a feisty little piglet.
The animal farm visit was organised as part of Playgroup at Baptistcare Yallambee, a new playgroup recently launched in the Perth Hills thanks to the support of the local community.
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READ NOWPlaygroup director and Baptistcare staff member Larissa Clark said she wanted to do something that everyone would enjoy.
“Having the animals visit is amazing for both the residents and kids,” she said.
“Many of our residents are from farms or rural areas and have grown up with pet joeys and lambs, so it was a real trip down memory lane for them.
“In comparison, a lot of our playgroup children haven’t had these experiences, so it was great to provide them with the chance to get up close with fellow toddlers, the baby animals.” she said.
Baptistcare Yallambee facility manager James Townley said the residents had an enjoyable time interacting with both the animals and children.
“People of all ages love animals; it’s fantastic to be able to bring them here, being around animals is very therapeutic for older people,” Mr Townley said.
“It’s so wonderful to see the residents’ faces light up when they hold the animals and talk with the children.”