Bob's Delux Macaw Shower Perch

How do you give your bird a bath? Begin by using a perch that Bob made.



Shirl is a forum member of MyCareLink a caregiver support community. Her husband Bob has Early Onset Alzheimer's Dementia. He makes the greatest bird perches. Here is a part of their story.

One day about four years ago, I tried to bathe my daughter's Macaw. As you can imagine, I was lucky to come out with all my finger still attached!

My husband was a plumbing contractor before he became unable to work because of his Alzheimer's. I went to him and asked him to design something for her bird to stand on to shower. Well, using the same materials he had always used in his work, he did just that. What a strange disease this is; a man that has lost so many of his skills, such as language, can do this with precision!

One day, I decided to put it on eBay and see if it would sell. I thought he would get a kick out of it. It did! Now, over 2000 perches later, he has sold them all over the world! It has been absolutely the greatest therapy for him.

He will soon be in his 14TH year since being diagnosed and he is slowing down some, but still making them. He takes such great pride in the kind feedback people leave for him. I truly feel this little project that started as a one time thing has kept him going. In this small way, he has kept his dignity in tact.

God has truly blessed us.

Shirl

It truly is a blessing Shirl, as you know many who suffer with Alzheimer's are unable to do an activity like this. Thank you for sharing!

Bob's perches can be found on the Windy City Parrott's website.

Here is a helpful article on finding a activities for your loved ones with Alzheimer's/Dementia.

Activities
What to do all day? Finding activities that the person with AD can do and is interested in can be a challenge. Building on current skills generally works better than trying to teach something new.

• Don't expect too much. Simple activities often are best, especially when they use current abilities.
• Help the person get started on an activity. Break the activity down into small steps and praise the person for each step he or she completes.
• Watch for signs of agitation or frustration with an activity. Gently help or distract the person to something else.
• Incorporate activities the person seems to enjoy into your daily routine and try to do them at a similar time each day.
• Take advantage of adult day services, which provide various activities for the person with AD, as well as an opportunity for caregivers to gain temporary relief from tasks associated with caregiving. Transportation and meals often are provided. Helpful Website where I found this information

For more ideas on activities for your loved one with Alzheimer's/Dementia visit our website. www.mycarelink.net ~ Dutchy