Chicken therapy for Merseyside care home residents

FEATHERED friends have been visiting Merseyside care home residents as part of a therapy initiative for those with dementia.

Aaron Grange Care Home in Huyton, Knowsley, welcomed three chickens into the home to meet the residents.

The birds were from a family of twelve owned by Cheryl Mahon, a volunteer who responded to an appeal from the home.

Staff put out the call to nearby small bird owners to help with the therapeutic activity for the residents.

Meeting, stroking and holding the chickens helps alleviate stress and anxiety and boosts the sociability and mood of the residents, according to Aaron Grange Care Home manager Clare Richards.

She said: “All animals provide therapeutic benefits for the majority of those who live with dementia and our residents requested birds, in particular.

“We were delighted when Cheryl got in touch to say she would visit with her chickens and we can’t thank her enough for taking the time to make a difference to our residents.

“They talked about when they were younger their parents kept chickens throughout the war. And one resident, Lillian Bloomfield, said she used to visit a local farm to feed the chickens as a child.

“The difference an activity like this makes to those with dementia is profound. They come out of their shells, become more communicative and happier.”