A QUACKING time was had at a Saltburn-by-the-Sea care home after a special hatching of ducklings delighted elderly residents.
Those living at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, have been making feathery friends after receiving a duckling hatching kit from Incredible Eggs.
The company provides hatching kits to schools, nurseries and care homes for education and welfare activities, before the young ducklings are returned to one of their family-run farms.
Residents were excited to watch, hold and pet the newly hatched ducklings, with the experience bringing back memories and sparking conversation.
The initiative also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of animal-based activities, particularly for elderly residents living with dementia.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “Animal therapy sessions are always hugely popular with our residents.
“They are not just a lot of fun, however, but have a wide range of therapeutic benefits, especially for those living with dementia.
“They can help to boost mood, reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, ease anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing.
“Ducklings are unforgettably beautiful, utterly sweet-natured, and fascinating to watch. There are not many sights guaranteed to melt the heart faster than newly hatched ducklings, as our residents discovered for themselves.”
Resident Barry Taylor, 86, described the experience as “truly magical,” adding: “I cannot believe I have got to 86 and never seen anything like this.”
Sheila O’Neill, 86, said: “They are so comical to watch. It brings back memories of the ducklings that lived on our farm.”
Peter Rayson, 77, added: “I wish we could keep them forever. Just sitting and watching them really helps me to relax.”
Residents from nearby Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, Ingleby Barwick – which, like Hazelgrove Court, is part of the Hill Care Group – were also invited to share in the experience.
A carer from Ingleby Care Home brought residents Margaret Jordinson, Denise Whiteley and Rosemary Randall along to enjoy time with the ducklings.
Denise, 73, said: “I don’t know why but it reminds me of when I did ballet. I think it is memories of ballet like The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake.”
Margaret, 92, said: “It was amazing to hold a duckling.”
Sharon added: “All our residents are looking forward to next year, when we will do it all again.”