Unusual guests pay a visit to Coffs Haven Residential Care Service

Coffs Haven Residential Care Service residents had some unusually prickly and slippery visitors recently. 

Tammy, a staff member at Coffs Haven learnt that residents enjoy having animals visit, even those of the reptilian kind. Tammy owns a number of these as pets and in consultation with Lisa Wylie, the Business Support Officer at Coffs Haven, brought her unusual creatures in. 

It was a fun and educational afternoon, with several of the residents conjuring up the courage to handle the lizards and snakes. Some of the very brave ones even tolerated the snakes loosely draped around their necks. 

A bearded dragon who was perhaps a little shy or scared (or just cheeky) burrowed under a resident’s cardigan much to her surprise and the amusement of other residents!  

Opportunities for residents to have experiences like these that are both sensory and may connect to stories and memories can assist in brightening moods, reducing stress and promote meaningful engagement and connection, both within themselves and others.  

Lisa shared that it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated and they look forward to the next visit!