His bedroom at Willow Green is also home to four budgerigars, so it is no surprise that when a social worker recently got in touch about another bird in need of a home, Terry was more than happy to help.

A new feathered friend

The budgerigar had previously belonged to someone who had become unwell and was looking for a temporary home. Knowing Terry's love of birds, the social worker reached out to see if he could offer the bird a safe place to stay.

The newest addition has now joined Terry's existing budgerigars at Willow Green, giving him another opportunity to care for and enjoy the company of the animals he has always loved.

As Terry explains in his own handwritten account of the experience, animals can have an important role to play in people's lives:

“It’s a well-known fact that some animals, including some birds, can provide therapies for lots of human conditions.”

Bringing wildlife to Willow Green

Terry has already started thinking about how he could share his passion for wildlife with more people at Willow Green. For Terry, wildlife has never simply been a job or a hobby. It has been a huge part of his life, and something he continues to find joy and purpose in every day.

His story is also a lovely reminder that moving into residential or nursing care does not mean leaving behind the interests, knowledge and passions that make someone who they are.

At Willow Green, Terry is still the person people turn to for wildlife advice, and is still following his passion of caring for animals. 

Terry's story is a wonderful example of how person-centred care can help residents keep doing the things they love while creating new opportunities to share their interests with the people around them.