The healing hens

Pets make a great companion. They are also known to lift our spirits and provide emotional support simply by being there when we are down, sick or lonely. While dogs and cats are the most common pets in Australia, physical and mental health benefits can also be derived from other animals, big or small, furry, fluffy or feathered.

At BlueCross Baradine in Mooroolbark, the healing touch comes from three feathered friends – Penny, Freckles and Henrietta. It has been ten months since these chooks made the aged care residence their permanent home, much to the delight of their fellow human residents.

Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Keirston Whelan, who introduced the idea to the residence, was delighted with the outcome.

“The hens play a very important role in bringing a sense of empowerment and independence to the residents,” says Keirston. “For many of the residents, their motherly instinct just kicks in.”

HenPower is a creative ageing program originally set up by UK charity, Equal Arts, to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness among people living in residential care while reducing their stress and anxiety levels.

“One resident has even made it her job to coax the hens back into the henhouse when it’s time for bed, while another resident watches from the window instructing her," says Keirston."It gives them a sense of purpose to each have a role in taking care of the hens.”

Resident Marjorie O’Brien says she adores watching the chicks hatch. Once, she even waited until 3am for the chicks to hatch before the nurses ushered her off to bed.

“I love seeing them make the first crack of the egg. Getting a first glimpse of their beak… the feeling is indescribable,” says Marjorie. “It brings back fond memories of my childhood growing up with chickens.”

Such memories can help a resident open up about their past and share their experiences with other residents, fostering interaction and communication. Another benefit is the incidental exercise that comes with every action from fussing around the chickens, according to occupational therapist Minni Griggs.

“Even residents with advanced dementia or cognitive decline can equally benefit from the interaction with animals,” says Minni. “The repetitive motion of stroking the hens have a calming and soothing effect, particularly for our residents who live with dementia. When we walk in with a chicken, their whole face just lights up.”