Dear Parrots magazine,
Elderly interest
My mother has been in a care home for just under two years now, and once I had been involved with her care, I feel so sorry for many of the elderly residents who look really fed up at times with little to do. Sure, the home does arrange activities from time to time, but these poor people need something more to keep them entertained.
I have made a suggestion to the manager that she buys an aviary and keeps some small parakeets for all to see. I think an aviary of small birds, even softbills and seedeaters, will provide continual interest for the residents. She did not say no, and will investigate my suggestion. I think the value of animals and birds in care homes can have a valuable therapeutic effect on the residents.June Halliday - by email