Suffolk care home welcomes new residents and their pets

Maureen Clutterham, 89, and Ronald Turpin, 93, have both settled in to the Chilton Meadows care home in Stowmarket.

To help them settle in to life in their new home, they each brought a furry friend with them.

Ms Clutterham moved to Chilton Meadows with her cat Poppy, who she has had for 14 years.

Maureen Clutterham with her cat Poppy (Image: Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home)

Poppy spends most of her time in Maureen’s room and sleeps on her pillow every night, just as she did when they lived at home.

Ms Clutterham said: “Poppy is my piece of home. She keeps me company and I couldn’t imagine not being together. She has always slept with me as it helps me feel safe, knowing she’s here with me.

"I am so grateful that I was able to bring Poppy to my retirement home with me, the staff have welcomed her with open arms and always give her a fuss when they come in to feed her.”

Mr Turpin also moved with his Yorkshire Terrier cross, Daisy, this month.

Ronald Turpin with his Yorkshire Terrier cross Daisy (Image: Chilton Meadows Bupa Care Home)

Daisy is four years old and has lived with Mr Turpin ever since his granddaughter bought her as a gift for him.

Daisy spends her time walking around the home, socialising with all the residents and enjoying the gardens.

She still sleeps at the end of Ron’s bed, just like she did at home, but enjoys all the fuss and attention she gets from residents and staff.

The staff at Chilton Meadows take her on a daily walk and say that she "brightens up everyone’s day" at the home.

Mr Turpin said: “I have had dogs all my life. My granddaughter brought Daisy for me when she was a puppy and she is by far the best dog I’ve ever had.

"I’m so glad Daisy has settled in so well. She’s a lovely dog and you can tell she is so loved by everyone at Chilton Meadows.

"I love having Daisy with me, she’s helped me settle in here, I really couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Amanda Delabruyere, home manager at Chilton Meadows, added: “I think it’s fair to say we are a home that loves and welcomes animals. We have a shared pet cat called Bonnie, a parrot called Billy and an aviary full of budgies that the residents enjoy spending time with.

"We were more than happy to welcome our new residents' pets, as we know how bringing a little bit of home with them can help ease the transition of moving.

"The happiness of our residents is paramount, and it is so wonderful to see the joy that these pets bring to their owners and all the other residents in the home.”