Allity residents receive special visitors

Residents at Allity Greenwood Aged Care on Sydney’s upper north shore have enjoyed up-close encounters with alpacas.

The alpacas’ visit to the site last Thursday was part of a week of festivities celebrating South American culture.

“Alpacas are colourful and lively creatures,” said Allity lifestyle team member Marcela Tirado Perez. “The residents are used to kangaroos, so this is very interesting for everyone.”

Ms Perez told Australian Ageing Agenda she particularly enjoyed being up-close and personal to the animals, named Delilah and Jazzy. “Their kiss is very nice.”

Greenwood resident Stanley Raymont invited his daughter-in-law May and granddaughter Claire to join him for the alpaca visit. He said he enjoyed being able to share the event with his family. “It’s not every day you get to see farm animals walk in.”

Ainsley Hodgson is Greenwood’s lifestyle services coordinator. He told AAA the alpaca visit provided residents with a unique opportunity. “Alpacas are gentle and inquisitive. They have beautiful, soulful eyes and are soft and fluffy. The residents have a lot of curiosity about them because they have rarely seen one up close or touched one.”

Spanish lessons, salsa dancing and Columbian food also featured during the specially themed week. Ms Perez also shared firsthand experiences of Columbia, her home country, which she left nine years ago.

“I enjoyed having a South America week at Greenwood because I miss my country and I can feel close to something from my country. I like the residents to see my city, my country.”

Beatriz Grandon is also a member of Greenwood’s lifestyle team, and also from South America. Ms Grandon is originally from Santiago, Chile. She told AAA the themed week transported her back to her native country. “It was wonderful, it feels like home.”

It seems the residents enjoyed the festivities as well. “I loved to see the faces of the residents when they were happy and smiling,” said Ms Grandon.

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