Hens breathe new life into aged home

River Gum Lodge was one of a handful of Whiddon residential care homes across NSW playing host to a trial of the HenPower program, which sees residents nurturing hens and taking part in social and creative activities based around hen keeping, while interacting with members of the community.

The program was developed in the UK, where it has run for more than two years, and Whiddon was the first provider to offer HenPower in Australia as part of its Creative Ageing program.

Early research indicated the practical aspects of hen keeping and the pet-like bonds developed between residents and hens had significant benefits to overall wellbeing, including reducing apathy, depression and loneliness among residents as well as providing those with dementia a positive outlet for emotion and a simple way to connect with others.

The timing of the trial ahead of Christmas was significant, with the season that could be difficult for those experiencing loneliness.

Whiddon executive general manager strategy and research Karn Nelson said HenPower was more than just a novelty, and there were opportunities for schools, kindergartens and community groups to participate in the program and interact with residents.

River Gum Lodge cook and caretaker Barry Dawson said the HenPower program had given residents and staff a real boost since it began several months ago. He said he had built the chook pen and trained the chooks to run up to people rather than run away from them.

"We have six hens, all of them have names," Mr Dawson said.

"Delilah, who's a white silky bantam, she's a favourite with a few of the ladies."

The facility also boasted a rescue rooster named King George who knew when to be quiet and was very well behaved around the hens, Mr Dawson said.