I've Started highschool and i ned to get 40 hours of community service done before i can even consider graduation.
And I was thinking of going with my Nana. She's with a seniors home and she volounteers around there, asked me if I'd be interested.
Of course i would be, but what kind of things do people your ages like to do? Card games? Music? Any ideas that could make them want to have me around?
2007-06-02 13:54:22 · 10 answers · asked by Christina 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
And no I'm not just doing i for the 40 hours. I wouldn't meet people, let them have fun and then ditch them.
I'm used to abandonment..doesn't mean they should be.
2007-06-03 06:36:01 · update #1
I did geriatric nursing for a great long time.
The one thing I can tell you is that most seniors in nursing homes need someone there to just TALK to them (not AT them), and to listen.
If you want to be a very big hit with your seniors, I suggest getting a tape recorder, and getting some of their "oral histories". Encourage them to talk about the depression, and the unusual things they had to do to survive that. And what sort of industry the women worked at during the Second World War...you will be very surprised at a LOT of the answers you get.
Maybe you can even turn it into a paper for a Social Studies class or two--or articles for your local newspaper.
Generally, games are rather hard for seniors...especially the ones in homes. They don't tend to have long enough attention spans to benefit from or enjoy the activity.
2007-06-02 17:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I think first you should work to make them feel comfortable with you. Maybe just visit and chat. Let them show you pictures of their kids and grandkids, perhaps, and let them tell you their stories.
Oh, yes. I can especially emphasize the stories because though I'm still living alone at 70, I have noticed I'm doing to my family exactly what my father used to do that would drive me crazy -- launching into stories because something someone says or does reminds me of something.
Trust me. The patience it takes to act and sound interested is a good thing to learn. And, it could be you'll learn something actually of interest if you listen carefully.
2007-06-03 10:23:53 · answer #2 · answered by suenami_98 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work in a nursing home and the sad truth of the matter is most of the folks there aren't in their right minds so they don't know who you are or remember how to do simple tasks such as feeding themselves or getting dressed, so I don't think you have to worry about what "card games" to play with them. Most of the people can't even use the bathroom by themselves. Nursing homes are horrible places.
2007-06-04 02:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I aint quite there yet... but several years ago I did work in a nursing home... Talk with them... and listen to them... you will hear some very interesting true life stories... and some very boring ones as well... but so many of them never have any one to talk to... be honest and listen and ask questions about what they are saying... once they get to know you they will open up.... BUT... if all you are in it for is the 40hrs... I would suggest you go help clean the park or something... they need someone to honestly care about them...
2007-06-02 14:02:48 · answer #4 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is a town in PA that reminds me a lot about seniors being in a nursing home and here is the web site:
http://www.offroaders.com/album/centralia/centralia.htm
Please check it out.
Seniors have a wealth of information that has gone to waste over the years for various reasons.
You spending time with them and just being a good listener will give YOU that knowledge.
2007-06-03 00:42:12 · answer #5 · answered by dragon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cards are good, Bring a pet if it's allowed. Seniors love to talk to younger people. They have stories you can't believe. And, they want to learn from you. It will be a great education for you that you won't find in school
2007-06-04 06:01:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Best thing to do: ask you Nana - she is a senior
and she volunteers at the seniors home and
knows the people there.
I am sure you would brighten their day by just being yourself.
2007-06-02 14:09:46 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The home you are visiting can help you more than most of 'us', since we are on computers, we mostly aren't in senior homes, yet.
I used to take my dance club to senior homes once a month, and we did a demo dance for them, then the people who could joined us for a fun dance.
2007-06-02 17:11:53 · answer #8 · answered by Yarnlady_needsyarn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have a nice friendly dog, give her a bath and a good grooming and take her along to visit the home. Maybe take a tennis ball or frisbee along for the dog to play with the guests.
Everyone I know loves animals.
Krissy
2007-06-02 18:33:46 · answer #9 · answered by Krissy424 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
cards, reading, stories, discussion of your school classes we like helping if we can, right now I'm helping 4 young people in History, Sociology and Psychology and I like this as I'm keeping up on the latest teaching ideas. music, just be yourself and you will find there are going to be some who will want to " adopt " you. great pleasures await you.
2007-06-03 06:33:11 · answer #10 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋