A Parkstone care home has raised £250 for a good cause, which brought joy to a 104-year-old resident.
Alexandra House, which is run by not-for-profit care provider Care South, welcomed Annie and Dainty from West Hill Donkeys to receive the money raised by the home at their Christmas fayre. Eileen, who lives at the home on Alexandra Road, was thrilled to be reunited with the gentle animals who fulfilled her 104th birthday wish in November last year to meet some donkeys.
Afterwards, Annie and Dainty, who can usually be found on Weymouth beach in the summer months, went round to the communal lounges of the homes to greet more of the residents, as well as visiting individual residents’ bedrooms.
Eileen said, “I loved them. I love all animals. It reminded me of the local donkey that I used to feed near where I lived.”
Anne, who also lives in Alexandra House, said: “I was so excited to see them. I would really love to have a donkey. I used to enjoy going to visit the donkeys in Sidmouth, so it was nice for some to come and visit us.”
Melanie Lewellyn, who runs West Hill Donkeys, was on hand to receive the donation from Lana Wright, Home Manager at Alexandra House, Nicola Hook, Activities Lead, and some of the home’s residents.
Melanie said: “We are so grateful for Alexandra House’s generous fundraising towards the care and upkeep of Annie and Dainty, who enjoy providing therapy animal visits for the home’s residents. As they travel around the home, they often encourage conversation between the residents, who will share happy memories of seeing donkeys on the beach as children. It was a special moment to see Eileen’s face light up as the donkeys trotted into the home to see her again.”
Lana Wright, Home Manager at Alexandra House, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Annie and Dainty the donkeys back to see our residents again. Their gentle nature makes them a favourite with our residents as they chat to them and give them a stroke. We are delighted to support West Hill Donkeys to enable them to continue bringing joy to our residents and others in the Dorset community.”
The care home regularly welcomes a range of animal visitors to the home, which, as well as Annie and Dainty the donkeys, also includes dogs, Shetland ponies and a range of reptiles. The residents also take minibus trips out to visit local farms and animal rescue charities.
Alexandra House care home, which is part of the Care South family of care homes, provides residential, respite, and dementia care to residents. A dedicated onsite activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
Care South is a leading provider of high-quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The not-for-profit charity operates care homes in Dorset, north Devon, and Somerset, as well as care at home offices covering Dorset and Somerset.
For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.
