I have always had a desire to do something nice at a nursing home... I would love to make something nice with my children ..to take to nursing homes in our area.Does anyone have any good and cheap ideas?
2006-08-30 19:10:51 · 29 answers · asked by hthr34 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
read to them for those that can no longer see or have bad eyes, work on puzzles together, make scrap books, bake them cookies or something good, play cards/boardgames, just sit and listen while they talk, dance, color, draw, sew, start a collection book (i.e. stamps, coins) or just go for a nice walk....
2006-08-30 19:16:58 · answer #1 · answered by KryBaby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, check with your nursing home - they'll have ideas, for sure.
If you're still stumped, you can make seasonal decorations, and decorate the hallways or the doors (think brightly colored leaves for fall, etc.)
Plan a card party, an ice cream social, or once a month host a birthay party where you honor everyone whose birthday falls in that month. You could bake and decorate a sheet cake, pick up some ice cream, etc. and some party hats. If you're ambitious and have the space, make a walker & wheelchair friendly version of pin-the-tail on the donkey or even a pinata!
2006-08-31 13:56:58 · answer #2 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may be kind of lame, but I think it fits your criteria. I once did this at a classroom visit to a nursing home when I was in 1st grade.
Do you plan on making it at home then delivering, or making them with residents?
We had peanuts, stuck them with short pieces of pipe cleaners in the sides as legs and arms. We drew little faces on them. I would try to find some way to make a hat to make it look like the Planter Peanut guy. Not only do the kids get to interact with the elderly, the elderly appreciate the visit (as you already know). I even remember what happened when we left... I remember lining up (as 1st graders are often required to do) and one of the residents began to cry loudly to one of the nurses becuase he did not receive a peanut man. I made an extra one to take home to show my dad, but I went over and gave it to him, he was so happy I can't even begin to describe it. To this day, almost 15 years later, that story still moves me.
Also, go visit your school board, try to arrange the younger children to visit, volunteer your time to help supervise if needed. You can't even imagine what that does for the residents!
2006-08-31 02:20:56 · answer #3 · answered by blue_entity 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's so nice! You could bring fresh flowers to brighten up a room, or phone ahead and see if there is anyone who would like visitors but doesn't get any, going and visiting is even nice...you could bring games or cards to play. I hope this helps. We used to visit a nursing home once a month when I was in elementary school ( about 14 years ago now...) but I still remember how pleased the residents seemed to be to see us!
Best wishes,
Flamingo
2006-08-31 02:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are any number of things you can take to a nursing home for the elderly like cookies, dainties, even puffed wheat cake.
The most important thing you can do is visit with the elderly and listen to their stories or even seek their advise on life issues. There are a lot of very lonely elderly people who would benefit from your time. You will realize how lonely they are by the way they anticipate your next visit. You will need to talk to the administrator or vounteer coordinator before you go to see what is allowed.
2006-08-31 02:22:56 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably The Best Thing You Could Give Them Is Your Company.
When These Elder People See The Children (Your Children) Their Face Will Alaws Show The The Joy They Are Having.
2006-08-31 02:15:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mum takes my daughters to our local nursing home for sing alongs.My daughters and the people in the nursing home really love it.It gets the old people there remembering good times and just for a little while,they feel young again.
2006-08-31 08:03:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The folks there will very much appreciate visits from you and your kids. I'd phone ahead and see what their needs are. Many many older people simply need people to talk to, and children especially are always a breath of fresh air. If you have a friendly kitty it would be nice to bring her in ( if possible).Bless you for thinking of others.Not all those in nursing homes have attentive families, and we all need human contact from birth to death.
2006-08-31 02:21:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just visited a friend who spent a short time recovering from a severe injury in a Rehabilitation Hospital. I also wondered what the older people there would like. I think most of all they wanted visitors. Many of them only speak to their caretakers day after day. I think regular visits is the best thing you could give.
You are very precious to think of these people less fortunate and to teach your children such a great lesson in generosity.
Thank you in advance!
2006-08-31 02:16:54 · answer #9 · answered by San Diego Art Nut 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dental and Doctors offices are always getting new magazines. and just discard the older ones. Collect them and ask the nursing home if you can distribute them to the residents.
Many people in nursing homes have trouble reading the newspaper. You could visit and read it to them. Those who have no family would enjoy your visits.
Also ask if they allow animals, dogs are great therapy. Your children would enjoy bringing their pets to visit.
2006-09-03 05:36:06 · answer #10 · answered by rikenelson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make Picture frames with Shells, Rice, Buttons, Beans, Beads Etc. You can make this with Cardboard from Boxes. I used to work at one yrs ago and them people love their frames to show off their GrandChildren. Good Luck! And a very nice thing for you and your Children to do for the Elderly!
2006-08-31 02:15:50 · answer #11 · answered by Stars-Moon-Sun 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋