As many of our residents live with Dementia or a mobility issue, it can sometimes present as a challenge to get out and about. But at Cedar Lodge Dementia Care Home in Evesham, that doesn’t stop us from having fun! This was especially true last Friday, where we had a fantastic afternoon welcoming a local aviary to the care home that specialises in birds of prey. Aptly named ‘Walk with Hawks’, this travelling troupe of hawks, owls and falcons delighted residents who were able to get up close to these majestic creatures. All from the comfort of the care home lounge!
On arrival, the friendly team from Walk with Hawks greeted us all while wheeling in several large covered cages into the main living room. Residents congregated in the lounge, all our eyes wide with curiosity. We could already hear the birds chirping inside their cages which added to the excitement.
The team then introduced us to their first bird of prey, talking about the bird and how they behave out in the wild. Our residents found it fascinating. The joy and conversation that sparked amongst our residents was testament to the power that inventive activities can offer to dementia care.
The highlight of the activity was perhaps when residents had the chance to each don a falconry glove and experience the birds fly from their roost to their glove and back again. It was a fabulous chance for our residents to really interact with the wildlife.
The Magic of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Dementia Care in Evesham
Animal-assisted therapy has proven to be a wonder in dementia care. These interactions offer more than simply smiles. They break up our daily routines, ignite memories and spark joy.
For our residents, the Walk with Hawks visit was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that certainly brought laughter. The talk from the bird handlers likewise piqued everyone’s interest, helping us to learn new facts and sharpen our cognition.
For individuals living with more advanced dementia, the presence of the animals helped break through communication barriers that often accompany the condition, creating lovely moments of connection with nature as residents admired the birds’ talons and petted their feathers. Beyond the tactile, the sounds of the birds’ wings flapping filled the air, enhancing auditory perception.
It’s proven that interaction with animals can enhance mood, and lessen anxiety. This is achieved by releasing endorphins, offering an immediate mood lift. This was evident at Cedar Lodge, where we saw our residents’ faces light up with joy and wonder upon seeing the birds.
For many of our residents who enjoyed careers in the rural economy, the birds sparked fond memories. Stories of past encounters with nature were exchanged, bridging together past and present.
Safety and Preparation in Dementia Care Evesham
Ensuring safety is of the utmost importance for any care home activity. Luckily, Walk with Hawks have been in business since 2001 and were the falconry team for Center Parcs at Longleat for eight years. The experience and professionalism of their team was clear. Along with our dedicated carers, they ensured the residents and the visiting animals were looked after and engaged. This guaranteed an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone involved.
Embracing Innovation in Dementia Care Homes Evesham
At our care home in Evesham, we constantly seek innovative ways to enhance well-being. Activities like the Walk with Hawks visit are integral to our approach. These events encourage social interaction among residents, promoting a vibrant and fun community.The afternoon was a great success, and we will continue to incorporate unique experiences like these into our care plans, to ensure each resident feels valued and engaged,
We hope to welcome back Walk with Hawks soon!
