The team at a Guildford care home arranged an incredible falcon flying display for residents, their loved ones and members of the community. As well as watching the display, attendees were also able to observe the birds up close and even hold them.
Claremont Court Care Home, in Harts Gardens, has 57 ensuite bedrooms and caters exclusively for people living with advanced and complex dementia. The home offers residential, nursing, respite and compassionate end-of-life care, and is led by qualified dementia interpreter Karen Byres.
Resident and animal lover Peter Brough, 77, has been at the home for nearly three years. He attended the display with his wife Joanna. “I used to watch birds a lot,” he said. “I enjoyed seeing these birds; they were very nice to watch.”
“It was wonderful to see and hear about the lovely birds,” Joanna added. “It was exciting to hold them so we could see them at close quarters.”
Resident Terence Ryan, known as Terry, 79, was amongst those at the event. He has lived at the home for nearly two years and always makes the most of the home’s varied activities. “I enjoy living here and this Falconry Day was a great experience,” he said. “I learned how to handle the birds and watching them made me want to own one.”
The visit involved a variety of birds, brought in by Jason Ashcroft from Falconry UK and included a Harris Hawk, a Black Vulture and even a Kookaburra.
“We loved it!” said Jo Oakes, daughter of resident Moira Beynon. “We had four generations of our family there and we all had great fun. It’s not every day you get to meet a kookaburra. We’re very thankful to the team at Claremont Court for arranging the day.”
Resident Paddie Crane’s daughter, Angie Crane said: “It was a great afternoon. It was so interesting and informative, and Jason’s knowledge was second to none. He gave everyone the opportunity to hold the birds and have them fly onto them. It was lovely to see him interacting with the residents. He was so kind and patient with everyone.”
“It was a wonderful display, and we could see how much the residents were enjoying it”, agreed Brad and Sue Stein, who were there visiting resident Anita Cherrier.
The home is proud to have won the Best Specialist Care – Dementia category at the National Care Home Awards 2025. They have also recently been shortlisted for the Dementia Registered Manager Award at the Dementia Care Awards 2026 and for The Palliative Care Team Award at The Palliative & End of Life Care Awards 2026.
Home manager, Karen Byres said: “It’s great to lead such a talented team and to be shortlisted for the Dementia Care Awards and The Palliative & End of Life Care Awards. I’m looking forward to attending both events with my team.”
The team’s philosophy that life doesn’t stop with a dementia diagnosis ensures every resident feels known, valued and supported to live well, with the falcon display being just one example of how they achieve this. Alongside its specialist dementia care the home’s activities are very important in helping residents to maintain a good quality of life.
Lifestyle coordinator Tash Briggs explained: “Our residents love animal visits and we wanted to do something a little different. We brought the birds in so all our residents could enjoy the day and interact with the birds from the comfort of our home. This was invaluable and made it inclusive. We loved having members of the community here and our residents’ family and friends too so we could share these special moments with them.”
“We like to give our resident new experiences,” lifestyles lead Sheila Harding and lifestyle assistant Sofia Smith-Montoya added. “Some residents had never seen birds quite so up close before, and we loved seeing the joy on everyone’s faces. It was an amazing day.”
“It was wonderful to see the residents engaging so positively with the birds and creating so many memorable moments,” Karen said. “Experiences such as these provide meaningful engagement, stimulation, and enjoyment.
“It is so important to us that we focus on what people living with dementia can do, rather than what they cannot. Opportunities like this highlight the value of creating enriching experiences that support wellbeing, connection, and quality of life.”