There is never an age where you “grow out” of surprises. As long as someone cares enough about you to do something nice for you, at any age, odds are you’ll be grateful.
One woman certainly was! On Friday, March 14, her granddaughter decided to surprise her with ducklings while she was on hospice. She’s always loved ducklings, and it was just way too sweet to see:
@erinkatgshe LOVED it!!!💝 #grandma #duckling #foryou #fy #family
I think it’s safe to say that @erinkatg wins the “granddaughter of the year” award. What she did for her grandma is beyond thoughtful!
Erin didn’t just borrow these ducks for the day; she’s actually raising them herself, planning on bringing them over whenever she visits. In the comments, she said that both grandma and her aunt, who lives there as her full-time caregiver, loved the ducks!
Everyone is totally in love with this sweet gesture, and she says that it was all worth it to see her face. Unfortunately, hospice can be limiting, so it was nice for her to feel special again; she deserved it. She’ll be able to see the ducks for a long time, since they live with her granddaughter now. I can’t wait to watch them grow!
Animals can really help hospice patients
When we think therapy animals for hospice patients, we don’t necessarily think ducks. Typically, it’s, like, Golden Retrievers. However, in this instance, ducks were the perfect special visitor!
Just like how office dogs can help boost morale around the office, animals can help boost morale for hospice patients. Whether they’re in a care facility or at home, hospice patients often receive visits from therapy animals as a way of boosting their spirits. Therapy animals are a big help for hospice patients! Their presence alone may help:
- Reduce blood pressure and pain.
- Help stimulate communication as they try to talk to or summon the animal closer.
- Combat feelings of loneliness.
- Lower stress and anxiety.
If your loved one is receiving hospice care in a facility, you should ask about therapy animal programs/if there is one that they use. Since they’re a facility, they may have certain rules regarding what animals can or can’t visit.
Erin’s grandma is receiving her hospice care at home, so there were no limitations on who could visit. What a lucky duckling Erin’s grandma was!
