Catherine House and Frome Nursing Homes, both homes part of Evolve Care Group, welcomed some special feathery guests recently.

Owl Enlightment based in Glastonbury, kindly brought in Bubble and Squeak who are brothers, and were raised by Michelle from Owl Enlightment since they were two weeks old.

These species of Owls are native to Africa, and known as southern white-faced owls.

For those on a Dementia journey, connecting with animals can provide a sense of calm and can often encourage communication; it can also reduce feelings of loneliness, and promote a sense of well-being.

Owl Enlightment’s ethos mirrors this. They said: “Interactions are motivational, educational and therapeutic to enhance quality of life.

"External factors can disturb the balance of the mind.

"This can be helped with positive influences such as animal assisted therapy especially in the early stages of mental health and can greatly improve symptoms."

Catherine House and Frome Nursing Home recognise the importance of holistic care for their residents, and outings like these serve as a reminder of the simple act of popping to our neighbours can have a strong sense of community.

At the core of Catherine House's philosophy lies a commitment to fostering independence and embracing life's spontaneous moments.

By facilitating activities like this, the care home aims to create an environment where residents, feel empowered to explore new experiences and forge meaningful connections outside their immediate community.