Ive been working with children my whole life and decided to make a change. Ill be coming over to this 91 yr old womans house and basically just entertain her and be with her, and help her with basic stuff. As simple as it sounds, Im nervous because Im not used to being around older people, and i have a hard time understanding if their speech is slurred or mumbled or maybe Im talking to loud or to much etc...any advice? Also....how in the heck do you play solitare with two people? Thats her favorite thing to do and I only know how to do it with one. Thanks!
2006-11-18 08:52:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
This is just a little side job that ths womans son hired me to do to give him a break from taking care of her. not salaried or anything
2006-11-18 08:57:54 · update #1
First, don't see her as an age. See her as a woman who has lived a lot and could tell you a thing or two. If she has her mental faculties, talk to her about life in her generation. If she doesn't, it won't matter what you say. She won't remember. Either way, make it special.
2006-11-18 08:57:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patience Patience and more Patience. Talk to her son to see if she has any quirks that you should be aware of and be sure to listen to her needs as well as what she isnt telling you. many older people dont always tell you if they are annoyed or bothered by something for fear of being rude, so try to be attentive to her body langauge and always be calm, polite and listen fully to what she has to say. Also, be aware that she may be set in her ways so dont try to push your ways onto hers. Its not hard and if your respectiful, you may get a great friend out of this. Remember, a lot of life can be lived in 91 years so she may have some stories to tell or some really good advice. Enjoy yourself and so will she.
2006-11-18 09:19:53 · answer #2 · answered by cero143_326 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lot's of good advice already... I deal with a lot of older people at work; another thing to make sure is that you are polite and respectful ( they really like that) and to make sure you slow down your speech a little and speak clearly. A lot of the time it's pronunciation, not volume that older people have trouble understanding. If she cannot hear you, she will tell you so.
2006-11-18 09:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by Zorlinda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't take anything she says personally if she hurts you feelings. Also, expect her to be set in her ways; just allow her to do things the way she has always done them. Only ask to assist her in doing them. Also just be a good listener, not much conversation is needed. Ask her questions about herself, her life and children. Don't know about the solitare. Ask her to teach you, she would enjoy doing that. I used to work in direct care for elderly people with severe alzheimers. It's not as easy as it looks. My best advice is not to take anything personally. :-)
2006-11-18 08:59:22 · answer #4 · answered by August lmagination 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some rather good solutions above, and probable under, once I get this answer complete. i'm a Gerontologist, I learn ageing and the ageing inhabitants. this could nicely be a solid interest and takes some training. It additionally takes working with the ageing inhabitants, that's a great component. it is going to truly open your eyes to Senior themes. And, what's worse, it particularly is getting rather perplexing to locate colleges with Gerontology classes. what's the huge handle that. we are an ageing society and that they are getting rid of the colleges that practice the failings we prefer. one component i did no longer see stated grew to become into working at a Senior midsection. there is very plenty that is discovered working at a sort of with Seniors. supply it a attempt. good success and welcome to our Senior international!
2016-10-22 07:55:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well your main goal is to keep her company and safe. maybe you can teach her a new game. once you get to know each other asking about times past is really cool ask what it was like 90 years ago older people really like to talk about who and what they were. maybe she has old pictures to look at it kills time and you might really learn something cool just remember this lady has live and experienced a lot in her life be open to it and enjoy the conversations. good luck I have worked with the elderly for many many years and i always love to here their stories good luck with your job,
2006-11-18 09:10:16 · answer #6 · answered by kissybertha 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on if she's good natured (some old people aren't
that nice.) One time an older lady got "P.O.d" at me because
I poured milk on her cereal "too early". She wouldn't eat the
cereal then because she said it was too soggy.
2006-11-18 08:57:36 · answer #7 · answered by judy f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of a job are you in? Is this a salaried job?
2006-11-18 08:55:37 · answer #8 · answered by me_worry? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋