Lake Winona Manor residents get to meet feathered friends from River Valley Raptors

WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) – Residents at a Winona nursing home got an up-close look at some of America’s birds of prey.

River Valley Raptors brought a hawk, a kestrel, and an owl to Lake Winona Manor.

Caregivers like to bring these experiences to their residents since many have mobility issues that make it hard for them to get out.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Michelle Rhoades says many residents come from rural areas, so seeing birds like these can bring back memories.

There was a big turnout for the visit.

“This has been awesome, we actually have some residents down here that probably haven’t been out most of the year, out of their rooms,” said Rhoades. “They don’t like to come to big group activities, and they were very excited about this, so it’s really neat to see people out and about for this.”

Rhoades says after visits like these, residents with dementia often leave in a better mood.

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