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The loan of a Red Cross wheelchair often makes life easier not only for the service user but for those close to them – family, friends, eagles. Hang on, eagles?
When Karen Andriunas broke her ankle after a fall last month, her first thought was not for herself but her feathered friends. As owner of the Devon Birds of Prey Centre in Newton Abbot, she is responsible for the welfare of 39 wild birds.
Karen was understandably worried. All the birds – ranging from small kestrels to falcons and large eagles – need to be fed and exercised daily. As she well realised, getting around the centre's three-acre site every day while wearing a plaster leg cast would be impossible.
Big commitment
Karen explained: “It's like running a farm. You have to keep feeding and flying the birds seven days a week. It's a big commitment but I am passionate about them."
However, before the birds could get restless and start to suspect fowl play, the Red Cross’ medical equipment service in Exeter stepped in with the offer of a wheelchair. Suddenly able to move freely – if a little more slowly – around the centre, Karen was able to keep the birds flying, the centre running and hundreds of visitors happy.
It was a big relief, although some of the residents were a little puzzled to suddenly see their handler in a wheelchair. "Some of the more sensitive birds have been very wary, but the hand-reared birds that I’ve had for a long time are fine."
Positive impact
The experience of using a wheelchair has had a profound effect on Karen's own outlook. "It's amazing how you become almost invisible to some people – just because you are in a chair, they ignore you."
Using the medical equipment service has also had a positive impact on how Karen runs the centre. She added: "This experience has made me realise there is no reason why people with disabilities shouldn’t fully participate in and enjoy one of our experience days – where visitors have a go at flying birds of prey – just like everyone else."
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