Care Home Uses “Hen” To Find “Zen”

A Bupa care home in Glasgow has provided an innovative form of “therapy” for its residents by introducing a range of pets to the home.

Bupa’s Darnley Court, on Nitshill Road, has seen a boost in the moral and mood of its residents after the arrival of the animals.

The care home hosts three chickens named Snap, Crackle and Pop alongside two rabbits – and two budgies which were purchased at the request of residents.

The home now also has plans to add to its growing collection of pets, by ordering incubators to allow residents to birth their own chicks.

Recent research by the University of Northumbria has suggested that chickens as pets can improve depression, wellbeing and loneliness among older people.

Tracy Barker, Home Manager at Bupa’s Darnley Court, said the impact of the animals at the home has been overwhelming – and they looking forward to this being further enhanced with the arrival of the new incubators.

She said: “The residents love having the pets in the home. It is wonderful to see the interaction with the pets and how they help to lift everyone.

“We are always trying to find the best ways to give our residents the best possible care and quality of life and try to think outside of the box on how we deliver this.”