Elderly discover benefits of animal therapy
Tafta’s residents discovered the benefits of animal therapy through a newly opened aviary facility.
THE Association for Aged Tafta Lodge facility in Durban’s South Beach is the proud recipient of a brand new aviary housing five colourful budgies that have attracted the attention of the establishment’s nature lovers.
The aviary, brainchild of Durban resident and wildlife enthusiast Chantel van den Berg, was sponsored by CMH Toyota Umhlanga, and was officially installed and opened on Thursday, 23 November for residents to enjoy.
“I’m an animal lover have come to the home a few times. Knowing that many people have left behind their pets and homes and are not able to care for pets in this setting, I realised that an aviary may be the perfect opportunity for those animal lovers to reconnect with nature,” explained Chantel, who approached CMH to assist with the project.
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CMH new vehicle sales manager Patrick Pakaree, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the aviary said the dealership was delighted to contribute to the happiness of Tafta elders through the aviary.
“We appreciate the opportunity to get involved in a project of this nature. It’s a small gesture but we do hope it brings joy, laughter and hope to the nature lovers in this space,” he said.
Gail Samuels, Tafta divisional manager of income development, marketing and public relations, said: “As an association, we’re always trying our best to recreate a normal human habitat that constitutes all aspects of human life, and by having the aviary installed, we’re seeing an immediate connection happen between the birds and our elders. What’s wonderful about caring for these birds is that the elders are now being given the opportunity to give, and not just receive care, which is truly a wonderful thing to see.”
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Tafta resident, Leznet Knaggs, said she was excited to have the birds in their home.
“I just know how much we’re all going to benefit from having the birds in our space. It’s such a wonderful, bright addition and as a nature lover, I’m going to thoroughly enjoy caring for them.”
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