Braintree Mews Care Home residents have a 'hoot' of a day

Braintree Mews Care Home on Church Lane welcomed a unique experience for its residents last week, as Owl Adventures brought a selection of magnificent birds of prey to the home.

Residents had the chance to meet Spud, an Indian Scops Owl, Casper, a Barn Owl, and Henrietta, a 22-year-old Eagle Owl, who impressed everyone with her size.

The visit was an up-close opportunity for residents to learn about the owls’ extraordinary abilities, from silent flight to their powerful talons, as they held and stroked the birds.

Neal Brookes, an 89-year-old resident, said: “It was the first time I’d ever stroked an owl!

“I didn’t expect to get so close—what an incredible experience.”

Happy - Residents enjoyed learning about the feathered creatures and interacting up close (Image: Braintree Mews Care Home) Jacquie Bains, a 91-year-old resident at the home, said: “It was so lovely to hold the owls. Such an extraordinary morning!

“I’ll never forget it.”

Braintree Mews Care Home believes interacting with animals boosts elderly residents’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being, stimulating cognitive function and sparking social interaction while reducing loneliness.

Hayley Smith, Home Manager at Braintree Mews Care Home, said: “We know how much our residents enjoy interacting with animals, and the positive impact it has on them.

“This was our first visit from birds of prey, and it was a great success.

Lovely - The birds were relaxed as the residents interacted with them (Image: Braintree Mews Care Home) “The residents had a fantastic time, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.

“A big thank you to Owl Adventures for bringing such a wonderful experience to us.”

Braintree Mews Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, offers respite, residential and dementia care.

To learn more about the care home or to book a guided tour, call Customer Service Manager Scott Reece on 01376 778219.