Senior Services
Filling Caleb's Basket

They listen to us attentively with big eyes.

We can tell them our deepest secrets; confide our most embarrassing moments. And they still love us.

Animal pets are part of the small things of life that give it a texture. And that’s part of what the Eden alternative in nursing homes is all about; continuing the rich experience of everyday life.

Dr. Bill Thomas, who developed the Eden philosophy of patient-centered care, tells a story of a wise man and a young boy. Caleb, the elder, asks the boy if a basket loaded with large rocks is actually full. The boy says: “Yes.”

But then Caleb asks the boy to add pebbles, pebbles which disappear down the cracks between the large rocks. Is it full now? “Yes.”

Caleb still is waiting. He asks the boy to add sand. This too goes into the basket. Full now? “Yes.”

But it isn’t. Finally water fills the remaining pockets and the basket is full.

Dr. Thomas’ point, explains Laurel Laudert, activities coordinator for the Communities, is that life is not only made up of big events, but small ones. Getting mail. Having a friend. Talking to a pet. These are the small things of life that make it rich.

Life in a nursing home should not be sterile and scheduled, according to the Eden philosophy, but should include those things that help to make life full. The pet program at the Bigfork Valley Communities is one of the things that helps to do this.

Macy, Goldie and Hermione live in Spruce Lodge. Macy is a Shih Tzu whose caregiver is Marion Parkos. Goldie is a Golden Retriever who has spent her lifetime with Inger Brown. Hermione is a young and curious beagle owned by Jack Sholund.

Dogs are not the only four legged residents, although visitors might not see Wilfred, Muffin or Nikki. Those cats will probably be found snoozing in the comfortable chairs of cat lovers in Spruce. Two more, Joey and Serafina, spend their time in Balsam Lane.

Three cockatiels also brighten up the hallways of Spruce. Molly, Spike and Olivia are there, while Mr. and Mrs. a pair of finches, also have their own cage. There is a large aviary (which is funded separately from the Pet Program) in a Spruce Lodge sitting area.

In the sitting area of Cedar Grove, oversized goldfish swim lazily in a large aquarium with an algae eater. And there also is an aquatic frog.

Although Laudert has seen that the animals are very important for some elders to transition to group living, they have their own funding that is not part of any facility expenses. The Caleb’s Basket account is dependent on grants from the Bigfork Lions and others who wish to donate. Donations from visiting groups who become interested in the program and memorials are two important sources of funds, said Laudert.

The residents also pitch in, crushing aluminum cans for recycling. Donations of cans are welcome at the Communities, or cans may be taken to the North Country Recycling center in Grand Rapids and credited to the Bigfork Valley Communities account.

The money is important, explained Laudert. It pays for vaccinations, veterinarian care, food, litter supplies and grooming. In fact, Macy now sports a very fashionable summer trim.

How do animals get accepted as residents of the nursing home? They have to be healthy and accepted by the residents. A new animal that is coming into a group setting is first “interviewed” by Laudert to see if it has the proper temperament, is at least a year old, is acceptable to any roommate and also to the Community at large. Birds all must have blood tests to be sure that they do not carry any disease. A new resident may also be able to bring his or her pet with them under the same conditions.