Experiences with simple pets like fish

clkspace

My wife was diagnosed with dementia 8 years ago and it has progressed much as expected - troubles walking, talking, bathroom, etc. She enjoyed animals and various pets all her life, but we presently do not have any. I am unable to add something like a dog since I cannot spare the cycles to do the required care.

I was considering getting some simple to care for pet like a fish tank in the hopes it would catch her imagination and give her something to care for herself. I wonder if others have had success with something like this?

harshedbuzz

What about a Joy For All pet?

Lifelike Robotic Pets for Seniors - Joy for All – Ageless Innovation LLC

mommyandme (m&m)

My mother was unable to care for any living thing as she advanced in the disease. All those responsibilities were left up to me. I’m not sure on a fish tank, would your LO feed them too much. Maybe try one or two fish in a fish bowl? Tanks are high maintenance in my opinion. Learning something new is very difficult for dementia patients. I would put fish tanks and aquariums with relaxing music on YouTube for my mom which she engaged with at times. We had a robotic cat which was very interesting. She liked it but when it would lay back, the mechanics of it seemed to stress her a bit. I just turned that function off so it would really only purr. Good idea to try though. You never know.

Iris L.

I just posted about getting a new pet for a PWD. My advice is no, unless the caregiver is prepared to totally handle and supervise the care. Tropical fish in a tank can easily be overfed.

Iris

clkspace

thanks for the feedback

Jgirl57

We had a Beta fish for a bit. My HWD was not able to initiate care for it so I took care of it but he did enjoy watching it swim . The fish lived about a year . We have a parakeet that he enjoys watching and talking to it but the caretaking of the bird is all me. I too thought he would enjoy having something to take care of but he just is not able to

harshedbuzz

My parents had a pair of betas. They split the year between FL and MD traveling up and down I-95 with their ancient cat and the betas in their minivan. Fairly early in the disease, dad was supposed to pack the betas and left them on the floor of the garage which they didn't discover until they hit their overnight stop in NC. A neighbor fostered them for the summer-- he even gave them names.

HB

Just Jenny

Fish are very relaxing to watch I have had many betta fish and they do take alot of attention and care. at least mine did you have to make sure you keep them warm and feed them as needed and they like to be loved like any animal or creature. they also have to have a clean tank.