Pirates and Parrots Entertain Tamarix Lodge

Residents at Tamarix Lodge Care Home in Withernsea were delighted to play host to a double dose of extra special guests recently. Not only did their friends from Holmpton’s School House Nursery pay them one of their regular visits, but this time they were also joined by professional animal handlers Tony and Tina aka Parrots and Pirates. Joining their handlers were Macaws Inca and Zeus.

Tony and Tina, dressed as pirates, also introduced the residents and children to Robbie a sugar glider all the way from Indonesia.

Animal therapy plays a key role in improving the wellbeing of residents; encouraging residents to interact with and respond to the animals. It’s also proven to help relax residents and calm any feelings of anxiety and apprehension. The regular intergenerational social engagements with the nursery children also have a positive impact on older people’s wellbeing and for the children also as they grow accustomed to being in older people’s company and gives them an understanding of dementia type illness at a young age.

Alison Bedford, Manager of Tamarix Lodge, said: “What a wonderful afternoon residents had! They loved meeting the animals and learnt a lot about them. It was a very interactive session, with residents and children engaged throughout. Tony and Tina discussed the history behind each animal and gave everyone an opportunity to touch and interact with them. It was magical.”

Evidence shows that even the most solitary and sedentary residents have shown distinct improvements during the time specific pets have been present, which is why animal therapy plays such a key role in residential care including those living with dementia.

Joyce, a resident at Tamarix Lodge, added: “I loved the parrots, they were very colourful! I hope they become regular visitors!”

Tamarix Lodge is a 35 bed residential care home providing 24-hour to older people and people living with a dementia in a distinct home-from-home setting.