By Press Release
The Blackwater Mill Care Home residents have been thrilled to welcome their newest residents, Phillip and Lillibet, the cockatiels.
Cockatiels, a member of the parrot family, can sense human emotions and tell if you are happy or sad based on your behavioural patterns and facial expressions. They don’t mimic words as well as other parrot species; however, they do love to sing and enjoy physical interaction with humans.
Activities Co-ordinator, Debbie Webb, said: “They are already beginning to mimic the whistles and sounds that they hear from the residents.
“The birds were kindly donated to the home by Key’s Little Birds. They were hatched on August 10 and have been hand-reared by Keely Woodberry, who works at the home. They reside in a large cage in the resident’s lobby and, like all children, they enjoy playing with their toys.
“They are extremely curious about the residents and staff and will come up to the edge of the cage to see them. They are very popular, and there is always at least one resident sitting with them or talking to them, and the staff can’t resist saying ‘hello’ to them on the way past.
“Studies have shown that interacting with birds can help reduce anxiety, depression and loneliness and help those suffering from illnesses. Birdsong triggers physical relaxation and cognitive stimulation and has a calming effect. New research has found that seeing or hearing birds improves mental well-being for up to eight hours.”
Header image: Hazel with Philip and Lillibet