RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is flying high at local care homes

Home news

Feb 06, 2017

Residents at Silversprings and Haven Lodge had their binoculars at the ready as they took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

The residents and care teams from Silversprings, and Haven Lodge, had a busy weekend observing the many feathered friends visiting the garden as they took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey between Saturday 28^th and Tuesday 31^st January.

During the weekend, both homes had a special visit from Kala Dowsett, known locally as ‘The Owl Lady’, who engaged residents in conversations about the wildlife in the local area, and gave everyone the opportunity to get up close to a variety of birds.

Home manager, Susan Oates, explained why Silversprings is one of several Care UK care homes that took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: “The birdwatch weekend is always popular with our residents, so we were delighted that Kala and her feathered friends were able to join us to make this year’s event even more special. All the residents enjoyed spending time spotting the various garden visitors over the weekend, and learning more about the nature on our doorstep.”

Dave Connelly, home manager at Haven Lodge commented: “Spending time outdoors is important for physical and mental wellbeing, and has many benefits for older people, particularly for those who are living with dementia. The sounds of bird song and the appearance of different species can help bring memories to the surface and act as a valuable reminiscence activity.”

To prepare the home for the event, residents also took part in making fat balls to provide the birds with vital nourishment over the winter months. The recipe for this can be found here: www.careuk.com/birdwatch.

Family carers can get advice and support on how to incorporate practical activities such as bird watching into their daily routines by downloading a copy of Care UK’s Good to go guide to help older people enjoy the outdoors.