Following the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, birds and wildlife of all shapes and sizes were spotted at a care home in Orpington. Foxbridge House on Sevenoaks Road took part in the world’s largest annual wildlife survey, and enjoyed bird-themed art classes and making fat balls, which were hung in the care homes garden to attract birds.

Carol McCormack, home manager at Foxbridge House, explained: “As well as helping to support an important national initiative from the RSPB, the Birdwatch also provided an excellent opportunity for nature-loving residents to either spend time in the garden listening to bird songs, or to spot visiting birds and wildlife from the comfort of our lounge overlooking the garden.

“At Foxbridge House, we support residents to participate in outdoor and sensory activities as they can boost emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as help residents to live meaningful and fulfilled lives. The Birdwatch also proved to be a valuable reminiscence activity for those living with dementia, and everyone enjoyed spotting and naming the many bird and wildlife species which paid us a visit over the weekend.”

For more information on the benefits of getting outdoors for people living with dementia, and practical advice for family carers, pick up a copy on Care UK’s Good To Go guide from Foxbridge House or download it at www.careuk.com/goodtogo.

To attract more birds to your garden, why not try making your own bird food? Visit www.careuk.com/birdwatch to download Care UK’s fat cake recipe and to see the many varied activities residents at Care UK homes have been enjoying as part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

For more information on Foxbridge House, please call Jennifer Linstead, customer relations manager, on 01689 769229 or email jennifer.linstead@careuk.com. For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/foxbridge-house

Submitted by Amy Lehal