I'm really excited about this (and I can probably write some of it off on taxes as a charitable donation) but tend to leap into projects with a lot of enthusiasm and not a whole lot of planning
By no means am I trying to discourage you. I'm kind of guessing this is just all in the idea phase so I'm hoping this is taken as advice. I am guilty of having grand ideas, then in a few minutes of thinking, hitting the first obstacle and feeling like a complete failure without ever getting it past the imagination phase. I'm really hoping this happens and we get to cheer you on through the years.
Things I suggest getting sorted out first would be if the nursing home wants this. If yes, does the home's liability insurance
cover it. Unfortunately with state funding and regulations this is a must. Even if it's a private facility you have boards and committees you'll most likely have to go through for approval. If it's still yes then find out if the residents and their families want this. If it's a facility that has a lot of residents with severe health conditions or a hospice ward the risks might greater than any reward. Does the facility have an area to put a coop and run? Would this area be easily accessible to residents? Some facilities just don't have the ideal spot for a coop and run.
Contact every person you can that has successfully done this. Ask them for as much detail on what they had to go through to get this approved. If you're not able to get any answers contact the groups that have the animal visitors that go to different facilities. If the specific home you are considering has visiting pets ask them for contact info.
Then decide if you will be able to do what is necessary. If you can and still want to go for it get your plan ready.
- Who will pay for everything?
- Do you have a committed team or will you be solely responsible?
- Will the nursing home staff be trained to identify sick or injured chickens?
- Is there an emergency plan for mother nature, facility emergency, flock sickness?
- Have you considered ALL the cons? Like worst case scenario?
- Is there a plan for the chickens if they are no longer allowed?
Hard and personal question to ask yourself
- Are you the type of person that can make this happen?
- Have you embarked on long term commitments of time and energy?
- Are you able to commit to this endeavor for the lifespan (5-10+ years) of the chickens?
- Have you considered how a resident may be impacted by the death of an animal they have bonded with? Or if the chickens have to be removed for any reason?
Lots of points have been brought up and take each one into consideration. I would avoid crowd funding sites. This would make you liable and could potentially put you at risk of fraud accusations. Since you yourself are not a non profit and most likely the nursing home isn't either I'd ask first if your expenses could be considered a tax write off. Not to say you won't find people to help, but be ready to go it on your own if you really want this. Just be sure to be honest with yourself on how much you will be able to do.
Please keep us posted. Your adventure could be a great inspiration to others. Best wishes on this!
