Bird Tales is a dynamic and unique therapeutic program that brings the natural outdoor world of birds to people living with dementia. Even residents who may be impaired in one of their senses can still experience the program with another sense, through touch or hearing. Bird Tales engages residents and helps reconnect them to the beauty and wonder of the outdoors.

Participants get the chance to interact with birds on a multi-sensory level and come away with a meaningful experience that they can share with others. In nursing homes where this program has been implemented, the facilities have reported a reduction in the amount of medication necessary to treat Alzheimer’s patients, showing that bird-watching is making a difference.

Studies have shown that stimulation and visits from relatives can greatly increase an Alzheimer’s patient’s health and well-being. In helping Alzheimer’s patients find a beneficial hobby, the Bird Tales program has impacted numerous lives by bringing joy to those who suffer from the debilitating disease.

During this 30 minute program, we use plush, singing toy birds, along with a variety of bird props to deliver nature therapy to residents of long-term care facilities.

Bird Tales was created in 2011 by the Audubon Center at Bent of the River in Connecticut to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.

Nature has a way of bringing people a sense of peace, especially during challenging times. Feeding and watching birds gives residents a connection with the outside world and reduces isolation and depression. Just looking out the window at the bird—for some, it’s about all they can do. Chirping of birds or watching squirrels run might go unnoticed if you’re not looking. But for some seniors, that’s the highlight of their day.

We purchase, set up, and maintain bird feeders at local nursing homes so residents can enjoy the therapeutic benefit of the more-than-human world. Birdwatching offers a great opportunity to engage patients with memory loss.

Bird feeders bring the dynamic natural world into the slower world of the nursing home. The colors, movements, and sounds of birds appeal to the senses. Bird identification stimulates the mind and provides opportunities for sharing and discussion.

To volunteer with collecting, delivering, and maintaining the birdfeeders at nursing homes, please contact us! If you would like to donate shepherd’s hooks, bird feeders, or birdseed, please get in touch with us! It’s our goal to provide feeders and create bird-friendly spaces at nursing homes across the state and help lift the spirits of those living in long-term care facilities.

Sensory Stories is a quarterly program engaging elders in nursing homes with plants, flowers, herbs, small animals, natural materials, and nature-based activities.

As with all our programming, we follow the Wheel of the Year. We provide a variety of engagement methods, from passive to interactive activities centered around a nature topic. Sessions involve storytelling combined with hands-on experiences with nature, such as exploring geology and discovering the pigmentation of fall leaves. All our sessions have an educational intention that the residents enjoy.

These nature-based activities and experiences help residents reduce their social isolation and enhance their physical and mental well-being. Many residents have little contact with the outdoor environment. This program ensures less mobile residents can reap the benefits of being in nature through nature programming that brings the outdoors indoors.

Being connected to nature is essential to the human experience.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are the leading causes of disability, dependence, and institutionalization in the elderly. No drug therapy effectively cures this disease, and approaches to improve patients’ quality of life are essential. Access to sensory-rich gardens brings significant benefits to the well-being of residents, their families, and staff.

Research has found that spending time in a garden has a positive influence on seniors with dementia in a number of ways, including stimulating the senses, reminding them of positive memories, reducing the amount of stress they feel, and generally improving their mood.

For residents with limited mobility and few opportunities to venture into their wider community, the garden offers their sole connection with the outside world.

We design and install gardens at long-term care facilities that connect residents to the natural world while ensuring these spaces are special, fun, and engaging.