Snakes alive!

St Lukes Aged Care Home

St Lukes Aged Care Home in Subiaco, WA, welcomed some slithery (and thankfully friendly) new friends recently, courtesy of Tessa’s Reptiles Services.

“I was contacted by the lovely Julie from St Luke’s to attend their therapy session and give their residents an experience,” says Tessa, a trained reptile and venomous snake and reptile relocator.

“Working with elderly patients meant we were focused on a sensory experience for the residents which evokes memories, both good and bad, and to hear the clients share their stories and experiences,” she said.

“I heard many-a story today about people killing snakes (three of the residents were ex-farmers ) but they told me many cool stories about how they’d also moved them on and the wildlife they saw in areas now that a lot of species are now no longer there.

“A big bonus was that the residents “liked Tessa’s snakes”. . . and even regional leader Deb SinclairLane got in on the act, with a snake wrapping itself around her shoulders.

There were also a few residents who had never touched a snake before so it was wonderful to see those individuals be brave and touch a few of Tessa’s snakes.

Even Nigel asked Tessa if he could hold Nigel the woma as they share the same name. For Tessa, it was an extra special incursion personally.

“I used to be a carer years ago, so to come back in a therapy role today was really a highlight and feel-good moment for me.”