Therapy Chickens bring joy to Aged Care Home

[Cardinal]

A very inspiring initiative

https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2019/03/therapy-chickens-bring-joy-aged-care-home/

Quote :“Residents are hand feeding the chickens, who have really taken to our environment. Many had chooks when they were younger, so having the coop offers a chance for a trip down memory lane and creates some nostalgia for them.”

Chickens are known to assist with social and creative activities, and research has found that the animals can also improve wellbeing and feelings of loneliness, and reduce incidences of isolation and depression in older people.

Deirdre Moran, the residential manager, told Pro Bono News she had only been getting positive feedback from the decision. UQ

 

[ChocolateChipCookiez]

Chickens really are great therapy pets. I have a little chick at my house and I love hand feeding him or just watching him eat.

 

[LaManuka]

This has been a "thing" in a couple of Australian nursing homes for a while now and I think it's brilliant. A very wise person once said "Ageing is not for the faint hearted" and I totally agree but if I ever had to go into an old folks home I'd want it to be this one... where do I sign up??!

 

[ChristaNL]

They tried having a small resident dog or cat present (esp in the geriatrics ward where the dementia people are) but the staff found taking care of a litterbox/ taking the dog outside a few times a day way "simply too much work".
So the few very lucky elderly around here borrow their neighbours cat who just loves being on the lap of anyone sitting still long enough.


(and I am sooo going to be dead before ever entering one of those places if I ever have anything to say about it)

 

[Scott]

Wonderful story!!

 

[Sandy19]

My daughter works at a high end assisted living facility. They pay $5000 per month for the apartment with everything included plus three meals per day and all the alcohol they want from the restaurant. And everyone can have a pet. Thats where Im going one day.