Residents at McNamara Lodge had a 'Royal Show' experience recently - without even having to leave home.

That's because the RAAFA therapy team organised for a host of farm animals to visit residents at the Meadow Springs McNamara Lodge aged care facility, including goats, chickens, rabbits, geese, piglets and even a baby alpaca.

Viktoria Szasz, Lifestyle Coordinator, said that residents as well as staff had been excited about the 'country visit', which was made possible as a result of money being raised from various raffles at the home.

"The experience was hugely enriching for our residents who really enjoyed spending time with the animals," she said.

"We know that engagement with animals can offer many therapeutic benefits, which is why we wanted to arrange the visit, and I think our residents definitely felt they were attending a scaled-down version of the Royal Show, which was wonderful to see.

"The day enabled many residents to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the past, as many have lived on farms during their younger years, and the majority of our residents have been surrounded by animals during their lifetimes."

Resident Monica Morath, who was given the opportunity to spend time with the animals, said she had enjoyed the experience very much.

Fellow resident Ellen Wilkes also expressed her joy following the visit.

"Spending time with the babies really reminded me of growing up with animals in the backyard," she said.

And seniors Hilary and Robert Ferguson also agreed, saying: "Both of us enjoyed it very much. It was so lovely to see the animals and we really appreciated the opportunity."

We also have it on good authority that the two hours residents spent with the animals instigated lots of lovely conversations. By all accounts, everyone involved can't wait to welcome the fur babies back.