Feathered friends pay a flying visit to Worcester care home

A local care home pulled out all the stops for an im-peck-able surprise. 

Residents at Care UK’s Perry Manor, on Charles Hastings Way, had a hoot of an afternoon when they welcomed some very special feathered friends in preparation of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

The residents admired the birds of prey, including a tawny owl, long eared owl, and a peregrine falcon. Everyone learned about each birds’ characteristics, their food preferences, and how they hunt their prey in the wild. Residents also had the opportunity to hold them on their arms.

The friendly and relaxed creatures were brought into the home by an experienced, professional falconer from ‘Walk With Hawks’, who has a passion for birds of prey, conservation and education. 

Mike Parson, a resident at Perry Manor, said: “I have never held an Owl before and it was a nice experience and very interesting. We learnt facts about the birds that I did not know!”

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Perry Manor, said: “We loved welcoming the impressive creatures into the home – the residents were truly in awe of them. Everyone had a fantastic day and the smiles on the residents’ faces were lovely to see. 

“Here at Perry Manor, we are always hosting new and exciting activities for residents. Animal therapy has proven to be incredibly beneficial for older people, as it can prompt social interaction, increase physical activity and be calming; and this event was perfect for just doing that. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in making today was very memorable for everyone.” 

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art Care UK home, which provides full time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Rated outstanding by the CQC, the home is designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, cafe and hair salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.