AN innovative local ageing program will be showcased to a national television audience next month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whiddon Kelso’s HenPower program – in which residents of the aged care facility nurture hens with help from members of the community – will feature in an episode of the long-running ABC television program Gardening Australia on October 14.
The show’s host Costa Georgiadis was at Whiddon Kelso recently to film the segment about HenPower.
“They [the chickens] bring a calm and help reduce anxiety,” he said.
He said it was a project he had been wanting to follow up on ever since he heard about it in early 2015 and the story would air to coincide with Mental Health Week.
HenPower – which has been running in the UK for more than two years, though Whiddon is the first provider to offer it in Australia – combines keeping chooks with a structured arts and crafts program.
Residents, staff, volunteers and family members are all encouraged to get involved.
”I have been able to see first-hand the impact that it has on residents; the calming effect that it has on everyone - even staff,” Mr Georgiadis said.
He predicts the HenPower program will have a “massive impact” on aged care across the country.
Mr Georgiadis said the existing chicken coop will be part of the aged care facility’s new community garden, where school groups will be able to visit.
Having children and the elderly interact is good for both parties, he said.
“It’s such a give and take. The kids are really calming for residents and the residents are calming for kids.
“And when you put chickens into the mix there is an amazing quality of exchange.”