Owls visit Dorset care home

Residents at a local care home were surprised when some feathered friends swooped in for a visit.

Team members at Care UK’s Anning house, on Cross Road, enjoyed an afternoon getting up close with an African eagle owl, a European eagle owl and a tiny Indian scops owl. Residents had the opportunity to hold the impressive creatures on their arm.

Everyone enjoyed a talk by Owl Obsession which is a family-run business offering tailored experiences and owl education. They shared their passion for birds of prey and information about the conservation of the owls.  

Greta, aged 97 a resident at Anning House, said: “I’ve always loved owls and I couldn’t believe that I was able to see an owl up close.”

Also commenting on the day Diana, aged 96 said: “I couldn’t believe I was able to hold the owls. They are the most beautiful creatures.

Heidi Williams, General Manager at Anning House, said: “We loved welcoming our feathered friends into the home – everyone had a hoot!

“Here at Anning House, we know how beneficial animal therapy can be for older people, especially for those living with dementia. Being around animals can help to lift a person's mood and encourage social interaction. You could see from the residents’ faces how much they enjoyed spending time with the owls.

“We’d like to thank Owl Obsession for bringing these wonderful birds of prey to the home – we’re looking forward to inviting more interesting creatures to the home.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Anning House, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.