She hatched up an idea that was not for the chicken-hearted. Julie Jug, life enrichment manager at GreenFields senior living community in Geneva, coordinated a visit from the fine feathered friends of Charles Moritz. The St. Charles resident raises chickens and, as a kind-hearted hobby, takes his brood to visit seniors. Last week, residents from Reflections memory support, Willows assisted living, and Briarwood healthcare rehabilitation at GreenFields had the opportunity to hold and pet some cuddly bantam chickens.
“In preparation for the visit, the chickens had a ‘spa day.’ Charles shampooed and blow-dried the chickens and then gave them pedicures,” said Julie. Therapy chickens are actually ‘a thing.’ The birds, which are by nature docile and enjoy being stroked and interacting with humans, can positively impact isolation, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, Julie said, “some residents may have grown up around chickens, and this brings back happy memories.”
Julie reported that the event was precisely what it was cracked up to be. “Everyone had a great time,” she said. “We really enjoy introducing our residents to new and innovative experiences, and this visit by the chickens was something to crow about!”
