Excelcare homes across the group operate an animal-friendly policy, as time spent with them is beneficial for the residents, especially for those living with dementia. Animals provide companionship and require a different type of interaction, which in turn reduces stress and boosts personal wellbeing.
The chicken coop at Westport Care Home not only engages the residents with tasks like feeding and cleaning, but collecting fresh eggs in the morning and delivering them to the kitchen team. These go into recipes at the care home, which pleases the people of Westport as they know exactly where they have come from.
Chickens only lay eggs in the summer months, so its always exciting when spring arrives and the first eggs of the year are laid.
Last week, when some of the residents were spending time in the garden, they noticed an egg had been laid in the chicken coop. They went to ask team members, who confirmed this was, in fact, the first egg of the year, which got everyone 'eggcited' for the season ahead.
The residents say these fresh eggs taste much better and using them, means their usual egg budget can be spent more interesting things for the home. After spotting this first egg, the residents are now out in the garden each morning, seeing if they can spot any more.
The chickens have made a huge difference to life at Westport and the residents enjoy caring for them. It's been so successful, that team members are planning to extend the coop this year, to welcome more chickens and give them some more space to roam.
300 eggs are expected at Westport this year, so there are many more 'eggciting' mornings to come!