I recently started in the Therapy Dog program but I don't know what to talk about with the seniors.?

Question

I go see an elderly lady but it's often awkward because I don't know what to say. Sometimes the dogs are more interested in the smells around them and so I kind of want to fill up the time by talking, but I can never think of anything to say! Is anybody else here in this program? What do you do? Any advice?

She is really hard of hearing and I often talk and she doesn't even hear, so I kind of need simple things to talk about. She also has a bit of dementia and very bad memory loss, so sometimes we talk about the same thing more than once, but usually not.

Answer 1

Ask her about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She'll love to talk about that. You can always ask what life was like for her when she was your age. All you need is to open the door a little bit then she'll be looking forward to each visit and will have a new story to tell you.

Answer 2

You talk to a senior like you talk to anybody else. Just because they are older than you doesn't mean they are not very interesting people. Ask them about their life, tell them about yours. Share stories with them like you would with anyone. Keep in mind that some older people need a little more time to process thoughts than some younger folks, so have a little patience. Other than that talk about anything, current affairs, movies you like, music, classes you might be taking, hobbies you have, whatever. You might be surprised to find you have some things in common. I think it's really nice of you to volunteer your time to make someones life a little warmer.

Answer 3

Don't worry. I have found that a lot of elderly folks just like to have someone around. Ask them about where they grew up or what life was like in "the good old days." Try to stay away from politics.

Answer 4

Ask her about her children and her life. Ask her about growing up and her 1st experience with a car. Talk to her about the depression and how she lived during the 2nd world war. Find out about model T's. Ask her if she knew anyone with polio, and find out how old she was when her parents died and what they died from.
She may not like dogs. Find out if she ever had a dog. Bring her some snacks she can share with the dog.

Answer 5

I usually just drop the dog off and then rifle through their stuff so I can laugh at them.

Old people kinda creep me out and once you get 'em started on a story, they don't stop.

Answer 6

talk about country music,old country music merle haggard,conway whoever and surely the senior will have some story or another and take it from there.