Cramond Residence is full of spring Chickens

We have been chirping with joy here at Cramond Residence, after taking part in a unique conservation project, that saw our residents welcome a range of chicks and ducks into the world.

The idea, hatched by our unique lifestyle team, welcomed seven chicken eggs and five ducks which stayed in the residence for two weeks in total.

Our residents were equipped with everything necessary to incubate eggs and support the chicks and ducklings with their first steps, allowing them to look after the new chicks for a short time before they are returned to the Incredible Eggs team.

The project was made possible as part of an initiative with Incredible Eggs, who aim to educate and
preserve wildlife by offering hatching kits to schools, nurseries and care homes.

Head of Lifestyle, Elaine Vallance said: “This was an amazing experience and all the residents loved handling them and seeing them run free in the library. We had a group of residents watch a chick hatch, they said it was a magical experience.

“For people living with dementia, caring for a pet can be a source of comfort and joy, offering them a meaningful sense of purpose.

“When we became aware of the hatching kits at Incredible Eggs, we just knew it would be the perfect activity to bring to the home and I’m so happy to see how much joy it has brought the residents.

“We’ve had a great experience previously with bringing animals into the home. Activities such as our therapet sessions have been of real benefit to our residents and always create a buzz in the home.

This is just one of many mental and social wellness-boosting activities that residents at can enjoy as part of our lifestyle programme, which frequently organises various creative activities.

As dementia specialists, we are aware of the importance of providing dementia patients with a sense of purpose and achieves this, in part, through the various animal-care projects it provides.

Incredible Eggs, which has been running for more than 10 years, ethically produces all its hatching kits, ensuring that both the animals and their carers can get the most out of the conservation projects.

Michael Cowan, Branch Manager for Incredible Eggs said: “We’d like to say well done to the Cramond Residence Lifestyle team for providing such an uplifting and joyous experience.

“It’s wonderful to hear how the kit had such a positive impact on the residents. Feedback such as this never fails to warm the heart and it was our pleasure to have helped make it happen.”

Our lifestyle team launched a pet therapy initiative last summer, where different pets such as dogs, welcomed into the residence each month.

The sessions have been hugely beneficial in improving the mental and physical well-being of residents who are always happy to see a furry friend.