An absolute hoot! Owl visit wows Witney care home resident

A resident was given quite the surprise when some feathered friends swooped into her care home.

Joan Reeves, aged 88 and resident at Care UK's Millers Grange on Curbridge Road, shared her wish to see an owl up close with her care team, so they immediately set to work to make her wish come true.

 

Joan was amazed when both Acorn, the tawny owl, and Nelly, the barn owl, flew into the home. She was delighted to be able to get up close to the beautiful birds, even holding them on her arm. A lifelong animal lover, the owl has always been a firm favourite for Joan and having them come to visit was very special.

The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Growing up Joan’s home was always full of animals and that’s where her love for all creatures great and small was born. Joan has a strong affinity for owls in particular, always being fascinated with the way they look. With a range of owl ornaments and figurines featuring in Joan’s home throughout her life, Joan’s captivation with the fluffy intelligent animals has remained – so getting to meet not one but two in real life was very special indeed.

The owls were brought into the home by Chrissie’s Owls, the sanctuary in Stonesfield, and are friendly, relaxed creatures which are used to human contact. 

Joan said: “It was lovely to see the owls, they are such majestic animals. I loved meeting Acorn and Nelly and it was beautiful to be able to get to hold Acorn – it definitely made my day!”

Mark Young, Customer Relations Manager at Millers Grange, said: “Here at Millers Grange, we are always seeking new and exciting activities for residents to enjoy. Animal therapy has proven to be incredibly beneficial for older people, as it can often prompt conversations and have a calming effect.

“We were delighted to welcome Chrissie’s Owls into the home to be able to make such a lovely wish come true for Joan, as she has always talked about her love of owls with a passion. Seeing her face light up when they arrived made it all worth it.

“It was fantastic to welcome these wise birds into the home, and definitely a day we will remember for a long time.”

Millers Grange has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, dementia and respite care.

To find out more about Millers Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Mark Young, on 01993 764730 or email mark.young@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/millers-grange.