When Karen Shields realized that her mom could no longer live alone, she and her husband opened their home to her. Although she doesn’t need care around the clock yet, they have arranged for a hospice service to visit the house during the day. As a special treat, the hospice nurse brought her pet parrot.
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To say that Karen’s mom was ecstatic might be a slight understatement. As the nurse entered with the parrot, Karen’s mom sat up, all smiles. After quick introductions, the hospice nurse held the parrot out, explaining how the patient should hold her arm. The parrot jumped carefully onto Karen’s mom’s arm.
The joy in her eyes was a transformation. Typically, a hospice nurse visits an elderly person and spends time with them. Nurses ensure that patients’ needs are met, keep them company, check their medical condition, and provide a break for the family. Although birds are not a traditional therapy animal, this large parrot clearly made a difference for this patient.
Birds have been helpful as therapy animals in nursing homes and hospice respite care centers. Peter is a therapy parrot who works with elderly patients. He offers them companionship while giving them a new will to live. Handlers have watched patients go from depressed and dejected to happy and fighting for life after visiting with Peter.
Chris the Cocktoo frequently visits Grandma Barbara. She sings to him and feeds him snap peas. Sometimes, they play games. Chris also puts on special “shows” for her at the nursing facility.
Parrots are brilliant. They can be trained to speak and interact. Although not always predictable, their personalities do well in therapeutic environments.
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