Aubrey Lavis​ has a new lady in his life and the relationship has proven transformative for the elderly man.

Until recently, he would spend his days sitting alone in his room in a Casino nursing home where staff became concerned he was suffering from depression.

A new lease on life: Aubrey Lavis with Priscilla the chook.

That all changed when Priscilla​ entered his world. She is part of a program called HenPower​ which is being trialled in a small number of nursing homes in regional NSW.

"Mr Lavis was quite isolated and suffering from depression," said Karn Nelson executive general manager of strategy and research with aged care provider the Whiddon Group, which is running the trial.