
Bishops Stortford Care Come Residents Are Introduced to a Charming Cast of Falcons
Meadowbrook, a luxury care home in Bishop’s Stortford, marked the end of last week by introducing residents to a charming cast of falcons and other birds in its very own dining room! The event featured eight stunning birds of prey, and gave the residents a rare opportunity to see these majestic animals up close, and even learn how to handle them.
Organized in partnership with Falconry UK, a national charity which regularly arranges such visits, staff hoped the event would give residents an exciting and educational afternoon in the company of some truly amazing animals. Residents were introduced to several hawks, owls, and falcons, and were able to feed and interact with them all afternoon.
Commenting on the day, the Events Leader at Meadowbrook said: “Bringing Falconry UK to Meadowbrook was an incredible experience for everyone involved. Our residents were absolutely captivated by the birds – the chance to see hawks, owls, and falcons up close was really awe-inspiring, and really reminds you that spending time with animals is more than just entertainment. It can be enriching, meaningful, and hopefully will create some lasting memories for everyone here!”
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has a long history, having been used as far back as 1792 to provide physical, social, and emotional support for humans. Studies show that – by providing regular companionship for patients – contact with animals can reduce blood pressure, decrease loneliness, and even help manage depression and anxiety.
Spending time with animals can also be beneficial for people living with dementia by giving them a valuable outlet for emotional connection. According to the Alzheimer’s Society: “if a person with dementia is having trouble communicating with others or having conversations, looking after a pet may help them to stay engaged and involved”.
By arranging the event, the staff at Meadowbrook wanted to create a new and exciting experience for the residents, many of whom have fond memories engaging and interacting with animals when they were younger.
Laura Adams, General Manager at Meadowbrook, said: “It was truly heartwarming to see our residents’ faces light up as they watched these magnificent birds of prey. They were captivated by the diversity of the birds and absolutely loved the chance to hold them. The experience was both exciting and enriching—many told us it was the highlight of their week.”