Godalming care home residents set their eyes on the skies

Home news

Feb 13, 2020

Residents at a care home in Godalming celebrated Britain’s best birds as part of the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – and it was a flying success!

This year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch inspired activities saw residents at Care UK’s Broadwater Lodge, on Summers Lane, celebrate the best of British birds with some exciting avian-themed activities.

Team members and residents recorded the number of birds and other wildlife species that visited the care home’s garden – data which will be used by the RSPB to monitor trends and understand how different species are faring.

Residents used old tea pots to create unique bird feeders and bird homes, which are now hung proudly in the homes’ garden. Residents also enjoyed a visit from Godalming local, Dave Dandridge, who brought in a Harris’s hawk, called Scrump, for residents to see up close.

Angela Bookham, home manager at Broadwater Lodge, said: “Residents love taking part in nature-themed activities here at Broadwater Lodge, and we had a lot of fun celebrating this year’s bird-themed event. Residents really enjoyed making the fat balls, topping up their bird feeders and counting the species in their garden.

“Connecting with nature is extremely beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it promotes positive social interaction, improves wellbeing and provides an opportunity for sensory stimulation as well as conjuring happy memories and the associated emotions.

“I’d like to say thank you to Mr Dandridge for joining us on this exciting weekend, and bringing in Scrump for the show and tell session.”

For more information about Care UK’s avian activities, please visit careuk.com/birdwatch

Broadwater Lodge provides full time residential and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

For more information about Broadwater Lodge, please call home manager Angela Bookham on 01483 331 220, or email angela.bookham@careuk.com

For general information about Broadwater Lodge please visit careuk.com/broadwater-lodge