A regular HT program I run involves caring for our feathered friends in the garden. The goal is to provide age appropriate programming for older adults who live in a long term care residence, which will increase social interaction for the participants and stimulate lost memories.

For many older adults watching bird life in the garden can be calming, joyful and uplifting, just to mention a few of the benefits. It can be done from the comfort of your home and for those with mobility challenges it’s a great way to maintain a connection to nature. 

To set the scene: I have cleaning materials on the table, water, brushes, gloves and aprons, there are bright pictures of Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds with descriptions and some fun facts, sugar water solution, a bird song book and feeders that need cleaning. 

Some of the residents have their own window feeders and there are also several feeders in the main garden for everyone’s enjoyment – there is plenty of work for everyone and a community engagement.

I use the bright hummingbird pictures as a guide and ask the group if they have seen any hummingbirds at the feeders; there is lots of positive feedback as we dismantle and clean the feeders.

We talk about the Anna’s that over winter here and note that it’s the one they see at this time of year.

We also talk about the feisty Rufous that heads south for the winter. There are lots of comments and smiles that he is the smart one!

Someone reads the fun facts to the rest of the group, everyone listens, the fun facts generate conversation and there is a camaraderie around the table.

I observe a participant working to reassemble a feeder – I  start to place each part for her in sequence, and she completes the task.

On our return from hanging the feeders in the garden, we locate the bird song book and listen to the sounds of the hummingbirds’ buzzes and whistles.

Obviously at this point we get side tracked as the book is full of other bird songs that bring out lost memories and life experiences!

Liz Reynolds, HTR
Tarragon Tree Creative Support
https://www.tarragon-tree.ca  
https://www.facebook.com/tarragonnanaimo

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