Welcoming Zoolab for a Memorable Pet Therapy Session

This past week, Hazelwood Care Home was busy with excitement as residents welcomed some very special guests from Zoolab. The visiting animals included Francis the corn snake, Dolly the gerbil, an African giant snail, and a tarantula. It was a truly unforgettable experience for both residents and staff alike, sparking curiosity, laughter, and plenty of conversation throughout the day.

Pet therapy has been shown to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood – something we could see firsthand during the session. We had a great time watching our residents engage all of their senses throughout the visit, and were proud of how brave so many of them were by holding or stroking many of these animals! For some residents, it brought back cherished memories of pets they had growing up, while for others, it was a chance to try something completely new.

Our Activities Coordinator worked closely with Zoolab to ensure the session was safe, inclusive, and tailored to meet the needs of all our residents. At Hazelwood Care Home, we pride ourselves on designing an activities programme that caters to the needs of every individual, from those who enjoy the thrill of new experiences like our animal visit to those who prefer more familiar hobbies such as arts and crafts, music therapy, or gentle gardening.

Events like these aren’t just about entertainment – they’re an opportunity to foster connections, build confidence, and support our residents’ emotional well-being. Seeing residents engage with the animals and share their thoughts and stories with one another created a sense of community which is at the heart of everything we do.

At Hazelwood Care Home, we understand that every resident is unique, and our goal is to offer activities that bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of fulfilment to all. Through our wide range of in-house facilities and amenities, residents can continue their routines with independence and a sense of purpose.

We also leave a nomination box in the reception area for all residents, visitors and team members to vote for an Employee of the Month are also thrilled to announce that for January, we nominated Indira! We are proud to give our employees recognition like this as much as possible, and this month Indira received a 'caring' badge and will have her photo up in the reception for everybody to see.

We’re already looking forward to planning our next event, and may end up having another visit from the animals soon! To find out more about what we offer here at Hazelwood Care Home, contact our dedicated team and book a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.