EGG-CITED Hartlepool care home residents have welcomed their newest arrivals – a clutch of six hens.
The chickens have been given residence in Queens Meadow Care Home’s garden as part of the Equal Arts HenPower Project.
The project aims to introduce the feathered friends into care homes to bring older people together, combat loneliness and improve well being.
The care home’s residents have already named four of their new chickens – Queenie, Mother, Majory and Paxo – and are inviting the local community into meet them.
Bob Hall, 85, a resident at Queens Meadow Care Home, said: “I am delighted we now have the hens. I go outside in my wheelchair each day to meet them. They are wonderful to watch.”
The HenPower project, which is being run across the UK, claims to have benefitted care homes by reducing agitation and use of anti-psychotic medication among dementia residents.
It also aims to help older people get involved with schools and community events and provide meaningful activities within the home.
Julie Armstrong, manager of Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, said: “The residents were so happy and excited to see the hens arriving. It has already had a visible impact and we can’t wait to see how they settle in.
“They have a brand new chicken-coop in the garden, where our residents can go out and watch, feed, pet and care for them. We will also be inviting local schools and community groups to visit.”
She added: “It is a brilliant project. Something as simple as keeping chickens can make a world of difference for the elderly, especially those with dementia. We can’t thank the Equal Arts charity enough for their support.”