Look what turned up for a trek around city care home!

RESIDENTS at a care home had some special surprise visitors when alpacas turned up for a trek around.

The four-legged guests provided an afternoon of animal therapy for the residents at Asra House Residential Care Home, in Leicester.

The residents discovered the therapeutic qualities of this exotic species, brought along by Anstey Alpacas, of Cropston.

The Sanctuary Care home provides dementia, residential and respite care for older people.

During the visit, the alpacas – more often associated with South America than Leicester – proved a hit, raising plenty of smiles and laughter among the residents and their loved ones, who got the chance to interact with the animals, while learning all about the history of the visitors.

Sabbir Aswat, activities leader at the home, who organised the surprise, said: “We are always looking for fun ideas to enrich our residents’ lives and create memorable experiences that they will really enjoy.

“This is the first time that we have had alpacas to visit, but it certainly won’t be the last.

“Everyone loved it. We were talking about our furry guests for days.

“While moving into our homes is a new chapter, ensuring that our residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and like they are part of something special is so important.

“It was heartwarming to see the joy that the animals brought to our residents, and to have their family, friends and even grandchildren join in on the festivities was wonderful.”

Sabhir said animal-assisted therapy within care homes is recognised for its positive physical and mental effects, particularly for people living with dementia.

It can help to improve emotional, social and cognitive abilities as we age and offers enjoyment and entertainment, giving residents a break in routine and easing any feelings of loneliness.

numbers during May, the rate of job creation slowed to the softest since last September as firms cut costs.

Input prices faced by private sector firms rose markedly midway through the second quarter, and were well above the recent trend.

Average output charges quickened fractionally to reach a recent high that was sharper than the UK average.

John Maude, a member of the NatWest Midlands & East Regional Board, said: “May data signalled a notable loss of growth momentum across the East Midlands private sector, as the expansion in output slowed after the first contraction in new business since February 2021.

“Hikes in prices and uncertainty reportedly hampered client demand, with customer purchasing power reduced. As a result, business confidence slumped to the lowest since mid-2020.

“Cost burdens rose at one of the sharpest rates on record as higher fuel, material and wage bills drove inflation. Despite weak demand, companies raised selling prices at the fastest pace in over 22 years of data collection, as many sought to pass greater costs to customers.”