• Seafield House, Darmonds Green, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DT

Abbeyfield
Hoylake & West Kirby

From Talons to Tails, A Truly Unique Visit

At Abbeyfield Hoylake & West Kirby, we are always looking for new and engaging ways to bring joy, curiosity and connection into everyday life. Our recent visit from John the Owl Man delivered exactly that.

A man addresses a group of elderly people seated in a care home lounge during a special visit, whilst a woman in a blue uniform holds a bird with striking talons.

Residents were delighted to meet some very special feathered and furry guests. Sam the Eagle Owl, Holly the Barn Owl, Pablo the White-Faced Owl and Chrissy the skunk all attended. As part of our ongoing programme of life-enriching activities for older adults, this unique experience brought something completely different into our home. It was a means of creating excitement from the moment the animals arrived.

An older woman sitting indoors holds a barn owl on her gloved hand, observing its striking talons with interest during this unique visit.
An older woman wearing glasses and a headband enjoys a special outing as she holds a barn owl with sharp talons perched on her gloved hand whilst sitting on an orange chair.
An elderly woman wearing a blue jumper sits on a red chair and gently strokes a small owl with sharp talons perched on her gloved hand.
A man holding an owl, its talons gripping his gloved hand, stands next to an elderly woman on a sofa as she reaches out to gently stroke the owl during this unusual visit.
An elderly woman seated in a chair gently strokes a small owl, its talons gripping a gloved hand during this special visit.
An elderly woman seated in a red chair gently strokes a barn owl perched on her lap, relishing the unusual visit as its talons rest lightly across her knees.

John the Owl Man introduced each animal with warmth, humour and a wealth of knowledge. This made the session both entertaining and informative. Residents enjoyed learning all about the owls and Chrissy, discovering fascinating facts and hearing stories that sparked curiosity and conversation. It was a wonderful example of day-to-day care with a personal touch. Where we design activities to stimulate both the mind and the senses.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the opportunity for residents to get involved in a hands-on way. Everyone had the chance to hold one of the smaller owls, experiencing a close connection with these beautiful birds. Some residents also enjoyed a gentle cuddle with Chrissy the skunk. These moments created plenty of smiles and memorable experiences, all within a safe and supportive environment.

See Chrissy the Skunk Below
An elderly person seated in a red chair strokes a skunk with a bushy tail resting on their lap, creating a truly unique visit.
An elderly woman seated in an orange chair gently strokes a skunk with a bushy tail, which is being held by a man, during an unusual visit in a room featuring an aquarium in the background.
An elderly woman in a striped shirt sits in a red chair, gently stroking a black and white animal with a bushy tail, possibly a skunk, savouring this unique visit as it rests on her lap.

Interactive sessions like this are a valuable part of supportive senior living in Wirral, encouraging engagement, boosting confidence. We offer meaningful experiences that residents may not otherwise have the chance to enjoy. The opportunity to ask John questions also added a personal and engaging element which allows residents to explore their interests and share their thoughts.

The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was relaxed, lively and full of laughter, reflecting the homely environment for later life that we are proud to provide. Residents chatted, shared reactions and enjoyed the novelty of the experience together, strengthening the sense of community within the home.

A man presents a bird demonstration to elderly residents in a care home lounge during a special visit, as a woman holds an owl with sharp talons and several other birds can be seen nearby.

For families considering local care options for families in Wirral, it is these kinds of unique and engaging activities that offer reassurance and peace of mind for families and loved ones, knowing that residents are part of a vibrant and stimulating environment.

It was truly a fabulous afternoon, full of discovery, connection and plenty of smiles. A big thank you to John the Owl Man for bringing such a memorable experience to Lear House. We are already looking forward to the next visit.

An elderly woman seated on a settee strokes a large owl, its sharp talons clutching a man's gloved hand, during an unusual visit inside a bright room with large windows.
A large owl with orange eyes and mottled brown and cream feathers perches indoors on a padded stand near a window, its sharp talons gripping the surface during this unusual visit.
Two elderly women seated in armchairs enjoy a special visit as they watch a man indoors holding an owl, its talons on display, with a zimmer frame, tray, and remote control placed in front of them.
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