I have a notoriously hard time taking care of myself, and I might have just come up with a good way to at least get better at it. I’ve had a rough time with my mental health in the past year (much improved lately, but still) and I’m constantly frustrated by what feels like inadequate cognitive abilities, so I really need to fucking do something to improve and maintain my quality of life. So.
I’m the head trainer for the barn owl I work with, meaning that one of my responsibilities is writing and implementing an overall care plan for him. So I wrote/updated that document pretty recently, and it’s a thorough overview of what barn owls need, how we provide it, why we provide it in the ways that we do, etc. And it occurred to me today that if I can write a care plan for a barn owl, surely I can also come up with one for a human. I mean, I’ve only worked with the owl for 9 years, and I have 33 years of experience actually living in a real human body. And if I can have enough love and respect for the owl to happily and thoroughly implement his care plan, I’m sure I can do the same for myself, the human animal I care for literally all the time.
Details forthcoming, but so far I’m thinking this:
What do humans need to maintain good health and an exceptional quality of life? Adequate and frequent nutrition, approximately 8 hours of sleep each night, 6-8c of water every day, a clean and safe habitat, a variety of enrichment opportunities, social bonds/interaction, regular veterinary medical care, the ability to make choices and have autonomy, regular beak and talon trims probably some other stuff I’m not thinking of. Those are the basics.
What food items are appropriate for this human? An omnivorous diet. No avocado, tea, or mushrooms, and limited amounts of peanut products and cinnamon (I have a bizarre assortment of food intolerances). A moderate amount of caffeine early in the day. Accommodation for various texture sensitivities. List of common food items forthcoming.
What enrichment activities or items are appropriate for this human? Crocheting, animal care, other craft projects, video games, internet activity, social interaction, intellectual stimulation, cooking, sensory input (...et cetera)
What types of medical care does this human require, and when?
How can I ensure that this human receives adequate hydration and nutrition?
What types of social bonding/interaction does this human require?
What should this human’s habitat look like? How and when is it kept clean, what items need to be present, are there safety considerations?
What is a typical daily routine for this human, including daily health checks and care?
What tasks does this human need to accomplish, when, and why? How can I make sure this human has the energy, time, motivation, and ability to accomplish these tasks?
What are the potential consequences of inadequate care in any of these areas?
What observable behaviors may indicate a quality of life concern? What should I do when I notice these behaviors? (How do I troubleshoot this human?)
What are some long-term goals and ideas for this human’s continued well-being?
...it’s a work in progress. Just thinking about it in these terms is a really helpful start though!
