Using Butterflies with Alzheimers Patients

We received the following letter from Jon Timko, one of our seminar students. We post it here with a great deal of pride!

My wife is a social worker at a local nursing home. We also rear Monarchs. This past year my wife has taken some of our stock into the home for the residents to observe and enjoy. She has displayed all the stages and makes sure to include plenty that will change from larvae to chrysalis and chrysalis to emerging adult. It's amazing how many of the residents look forward to coming to the display each day. Some of them will sit and watch patiently for the transformations to take place, or simply watch the adults flutter, light, and feed in the hanging cage for hours (have to admit, I'm still amazed as well even after raising hundreds!). Several ask to handle the larvae and newly emerged butterflies and my wife accommodates them. Our culture is very small at the moment due to the season so we haven't been able to keep the display going. As a result my wife is currently barraged with the question "When are our butterflies coming back?!". It's a joy for both the residents and my wife.

Jon Timko Hockessin, DE

... Butterfly WebSite Article Index