Recreation Therapy with Fur

By Mary Brady

In mid December 1999, a five and a half month old kitten walked in the front door of our center.  He made himself right at home at once, checking things out around the rooms and sniffing everything.  He seemed destined to work with us and provide “pet therapy” for our participants on a daily basis. 

 

Like all workers and participants at the center, a pre-acceptance interview and assessment had to be performed.  A special vet from a rescue hospital helped to interview the kitten for his new job.  After a good referral from his doctor and a new name, NICHOLAS began his pre-ordained life’s work.

 

Each morning as everyone arrives at the Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center of Senior Services in Winston-Salem, NC, Nicholas greets them, sniffing wheelchairs, walkers and shoes.  He bounces around from table to table and chair to chair playing with the participants.  The earliest arrivals eagerly wait their turn to interact with him.  For some folks it is as simple as watching, for others it involves his feather toy, catnip mice or bits of yarn.  Every person increases his or her physical movements as they play with Nicholas.    For those who refuse to exercise, stretching out their arms to play with Nicholas isn’t too difficult.  Bending, stooping and reaching out are common occurrences as we all try to keep up with Nicholas’ energy level.

 

Like any good recreation therapist, he encourages small motor movements, as well.  We cannot underestimate the value whenever anyone rubs his ears, smoothes his fur, coaxes him over with a finger snap or attaches his collar more securely around his neck.  Many of the participants remember pets from their youth or current pets.  Many share experiences that they remember and some are stimulated to bring in photos of their special friends to share.  Talk always revolves around Nicholas at some point each day, wondering where he might be sleeping in the afternoon, what he’s playing with now or does he need anything.

 

It is really amazing the effect that Nicholas has had on our folks.  Some determined dog people are warming to the idea of helping a ‘cat’ and many families have sent in special treats just for him.  Our participants may disagree over many things, but everyone is united about their love and concern for Nicholas.  He has been a truly unifying factor at our Center.  Even our cockatiel Mathilda  misses him on those certain days when he makes a visit to the vet.

 

Our folks watch out for Nicholas as they are walking—he never runs between their feet.  They encourage him to snuggle in their arms or on their chairs.  They worry if he sleeps too much, if we can’t find him or if he will fall.  And naturally enough, when Nicholas does consent to settle on someone’s lap, his purring drowns out all other noise.  Just imagine how well we can control high blood pressure with all of that love!

 

Nicholas has realized that meal times mean quiet time for him in “his room”.  Naturally, he waits to return to his friends where he roams at will, always someone to play with him or cuddle with him.  He is a great bowling champ.  He has been known to knock down all of the pins—after he caught the ball with all four paws and wouldn’t let go!

 

The center relocated to a brand new state-of-the art facility in May 2000.  We all had a frantic moment the other day looking for Nicholas.  It seems that Nicholas decided to settle under an open recliner.  When the chair closed...he was inside!  Naturally, he went right to sleep.  We were so relieved to find him, and we tried to explain how many other wonderful places to sleep there are in this beautiful new building!

 

As with other ‘pet therapy’ activities, having Nicholas around does bring on reminiscences of past pets and encourages feelings of love and care.  But we have an added benefit with Nicholas.  This not-so-little kitten is really growing—we think he has some Maine Coon in him!  Nicholas has turned all of our participants into caregivers.  Once again they are on the giving end of the picture which gives them immeasurable feelings of self-worth every day of the week.  ¥

 

Reprinted from The Information Source for Adult Day Centers®, July 2000.