Whitstable care home residents take birdwatch weekend to the ‘nest level’

Home news

Feb 13, 2020

Residents at a care home in Whitstable 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 Harrier Lodge, on Thanet Way, celebrate the best of British birds with some exciting avian-themed activities.

As part of the celebrations, residents were joined by Joy Lane Primary School for a morning of bird-themed activities, including bird watching, a quiz and everyone helped to make some nutritious treats for the local wildlife.

Team members and residents also welcomed local falconry display group, which brought in birds of prey, including a variety of owls. Residents enjoyed seeing the impressive creatures up close and had the chance to watch them fly in the garden, as well as learn more about the birds.

During the falconry visit, the home was able to make one of the residents wishes come true. Sheila Dickenson has always wanted to fly an owl, so had the chance to on the bird-themed weekend.

Diane Collins, home manager at Harrier Lodge, said: “Residents love taking part in nature-themed activities here at Harrier Lodge, and we had a lot of fun celebrating this year’s bird-themed event. We all especially enjoyed being able to see the owls and birds of prey up close.

“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 pupils from Joy Lane Primary School for joining us and making the day so special. The residents really enjoyed creating the fat balls and testing their bird knowledge during the quiz.”

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

Harrier Lodge is a purpose-built care home which has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 65 older people in Whitstable, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

For more information please call customer relations manager, Theresa Mead, on 0203 918 2873, or email theresa.mead@careuk.com

For more general information on Harrier Lodge, please visit careuk.com/harrier-lodge