Pygmy goats and rabbits visit Barking Hall

Residents at Barking Hall Nursing Home took part in an animal visit this week, when pygmy goats and rabbits were brought into the home for a hands-on session.

The care home in Barking, Suffolk, gave residents the chance to feed, hold and spend time with the animals. Several residents bottle-fed the pygmy goats with support from staff and visiting handlers. Others watched closely and waited for their turn.

The animals were taken into communal areas across the home. Residents moved in and out throughout the day. Some stayed for short visits, while others returned more than once to take part again.

Staff supported residents at every stage. They made sure those who wanted to join the care home animal visit could do so safely. The relaxed setup meant residents could take part at their own pace.

The rabbits were also popular. Residents held them in lounges and seating areas. Staff helped pass the animals between residents so everyone had a chance to interact with them.

The care home animal visit encouraged conversation throughout the day. Many residents spoke about pets they had owned in the past. Others shared memories of farms, gardens and rural life in Suffolk.

“It was really lovely to see everyone getting involved.”

Activities Coordinator Claire Jane Campbell said the visit worked well because residents could take part directly.

“It was really lovely to see everyone getting involved. The goats went down a treat, especially when residents were bottle feeding them. The rabbits were constantly being passed around. There was a lot of chatting and laughing, it just felt really nice in the home.”

She added that residents who do not always join group activities were also involved.

“People who don’t always join in were coming out to have a look. That made a big difference on the day.”

Home Manager Anna Swed, who has more than 15 years’ experience in care, said the care home animal visit had a clear impact.

“Days like this are brilliant for residents. You can tell straight away when something has gone well because people keep talking about it afterwards. It gave everyone something different to focus on, and that’s what matters here.”

Barking Hall is set in the Suffolk countryside. The home provides residential and palliative care in a quiet rural setting. Many families choose the home because of its peaceful surroundings and open views.

The central courtyard is used throughout the year by residents and visitors. It forms part of daily life at the home. The wider setting also supports a calm and steady environment for care.

Staff at Barking Hall work closely as a team. Many live locally in surrounding villages. This helps create a familiar and consistent atmosphere for residents.

Couples can also be accommodated where needed. This allows residents to stay together while receiving care.

Care home animal visits and daily activities

The care home animal visit is part of a wider activities programme at Barking Hall. The programme is designed to support wellbeing through interaction and shared experiences.

Activities are kept flexible. Residents can choose how they take part. Some prefer to join in directly, while others simply observe.

The pygmy goats proved particularly popular because residents could bottle-feed them. The rabbits also encouraged gentle interaction and conversation.

By the end of the care home animal visit, the goats had been fed several times. The rabbits had been held by many residents across the home. The activity remained a talking point long after the animals had left.