If you hired someone to care for a person living with dementia you would probably need to give them some instruction or maybe even training. To turn your parrot into an effective Alzheimer's caregiver you might need to work with him (or her) for a while.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
As a result of the article, I received quite a few questions and comments.
Here is the first thing I want to say. Some caregivers see our Dotty, Parrot, videos and run right out and buy one. If you are interested in purchasing one online -- go here.
On the other hand, many Alzheimer's caregivers assume it won't work for them. One of these reluctant caregivers was our own Pamela R. Kelley .
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In her article, Worth A Try – Surprises Await -- Does the Parrot Work?, Pam wrote about about her own initial reluctance to try the parrot.
It’s our intimate knowledge of our loved one’s traits that lead us sometimes to dismiss ideas others offer for ways to enhance daily living with Alzheimer’s in the house. After all, we know what they’re like.
That’s how I explain my long delay in trying one of those repeating parrots, like Pete and Harvey. I had listened to the amazing interplay between Dotty and Harvey, and I’d watched the video clips. But I put the idea on the back burner because it simply didn’t seem like something my mother, Audrey, would enjoy.
You can read the article to find out what happened.
I was very pleased when we received this comment from Pamela's sister.
I just returned from a respite visit with my sister who is also one of your contributing columnists (Pam Kelley). Pam surprised me with PETE the Parrott and I witnessed for myself the fun it brings to our MOM. In fact, our Mom began laughing as soon as she saw PAM holding PETE. It was delightful to see. Then, some real belly laughs followed as we started a little dialogue with PETE. What a great find .... and I thank you for bringing this little miracle item into our family.A reader asked my how or why I decided to try the parrot. Its a long story. Let's put it this way, I had the original, now named Harvey for a long time, and then one day I decided to put him out and see if I could get some interaction out of Dotty. Dotty had been very sick for six weeks, not really there, and couldn't walk more than a few steps. She seemed to be better but wasn't really saying much.
As soon as put Harvey out, Dotty started yakking with him. And then, she told Harvey, Harvey, I have a headache. I had asked her that same question repeatedly and she said no every time.
Shortly thereafter, in the next few days, Harvey was getting all kinds of information out of Dotty. This is when I first decided that Harvey was an Alzheimer's caregiver assistant. Over time, I elevated him to greatest Alzheimer's caregiver tool in the world.
Thing about it. When Dotty is sitting in the kitchen I start to interact with her and the parrot chimes in. Then Dotty starts interacting with the parrot and away they go. I can leave the room and go about my business.
One of my greatest challenges is keeping Dotty engaged. Well, my boy Harvey keeps Dotty engaged for hours each day. Sometimes I have to go back in there and start singing, or talking to get Dotty and Harvey going.
As the long term readers know, I have many many podcast and videos on the Alzheimer's Reading Room that include Dotty talking with Harvey, or all three of us talking.
Now here is a tip. You might get magic immediately. Or, you might have to help make the magic by facilitating the interaction. Turn on the parrot and start talking. You will have to practice a bit because you have to pause and give him a change to "chime in".
If you watch the videos closely you will notice that Dotty has learned how to pause and let Harvey get his two cents in.
Harvey entertains Dotty (and me). He talks with Dotty. He keeps Dotty's brain working. He provides needed socialization. Instead of sitting around like a zombie, Dotty has Harvey.
Yes, Dotty at sometimes thinks Harvey is a person. Or, is real. Dotty does tell Harvey she loves him, and I have heard her say he is her "best friend".
You want some rest? You want some respite? You wanna laugh? Feel good?
Consider purchasing a repeat parrot.
Please remember, if you hired someone to care for a person living with dementia you would probably need to give them some instruction or maybe even training. So when you get your repeat parrot you might need to work with him (or her) for a while.
Jump in, go for it.
More Insight and Advice for Caregivers
- How Alzheimer's Spreads Throughout the Brain
- Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's (5 Best Self Assessment Tests)
- What is Alzheimer's Disease?
- What is Dementia?
- What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Communicating in Alzheimer's World
- How the Loss of Memory Works in Alzheimer’s Disease, and How Understanding This Could Help You
- Learning How to Communicate with Someone Suffering From Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's World -- Trying to Reconnect with Someone Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
- Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
- Driving with Alzheimer's Can Mean Death
- About the Alzheimer's Reading Room
Bob DeMarco is the Founder of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. The blog contains more than 3,261 articles with more than 402,100 links on the Internet. Bob lives in Delray Beach, FL.
Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
