Polly the parrot

I thought Mom was nuts when she bought a toy parrot that repeats everything you say. This was prior to Dad’s dementia. In fact, when she would insist upon “Polly” sending me a message on our weekly phone conversations, I was more concerned about mom’s sanity at that point. But apparently I owe Mom (and Polly) a big apology.

Mom with "Polly" the talking parrot toy.

I stumbled upon this blog post about Dotty and Harvey thanks to Lark Kirkwood’s Elder Advocates blog. What a delightful and insightful story and video. Who knew this cheap parrot toy could connect with Alzheimer’s patients better than some caregivers can?

I was blown away when I read about Dotty and Harvey because once my dad was battling dementia, Mom would still play Polly for Dad when he was depressed or agitated. She said it brightened his mood. I have a feeling it made her feel better as well.

You have to be creative when you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s. Mom was being quite savvy in her own kooky way.