Animals bring some festive magic to Telford care home's dementia sufferers

While Mary and Joseph had to share their stable with a collection of animals, residents at Coverage Care's specialist dementia care home, Lightmoor View, in Brick Kiln Bank, Lightmoor, will be caring for their unusual pets outside.

The sheep have joined a number of chickens at the home.

The residents help to care for the animals, and staff say this is an important part in their daily routine and helps them to deal with their dementia.

As well as the chicken coop and sheep, at Lightmoor View there is a caravan in the grounds where residents can "holiday" and enjoy refreshments under an awning. Coverage Care says it aims to use "innovative approaches" such as animal care to stimulate and engage.

It also aims to give those using its services the chance to take part in routines and activities, which make them feel more settled and helps to remind them of how their lives may have been before dementia.

Lightmoor View manager Michelle Yates said: "We're not expecting our animals to take a starring role in any drama this Christmas like they did in the birth of Jesus, but they'll still be playing a very important part in the lives of our residents.

"Christmas can be a difficult time for people who live in care homes, especially those with dementia who thrive on routine.

"The sheep are a great addition to Lightmoor. They are really friendly and the residents love them.

"Providing both outdoor activities and a chance to interact with animals offers a stimulating environment that can reduce depression and loneliness, and gives people an increased sense of wellbeing, especially those living with dementia.

"On Christmas Day, like every other they will need caring for and our residents will be doing that."

The home caters for residents in 75 en-suite rooms while Coverage Care has 15 homes in the county.