I miss my grandpa so much and miss his stories that he used to tell me about his life growing up. Stories about a mean chicken that lived on his farm, how his family was poor and he had to walk to school in the snow with holey shoes, and his first girlfriend, Pearl. What I would give to hear those stories one more time!
I know that nobody could ever take the place of my grandpa but would volunteering at a senior center or "old folks home" be beneficial? There are so many questions that I wish I could ask my grandpa about the "olden days" and I love those stories that older people tell about how life was in the 20's and 30's.
Do elderly people welcome younger people as visitors---could I adopt a grandpal? btw--I'm in my mid 20's.
2007-10-18 17:50:06 · 18 answers · asked by ~*Bella*~ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Honey, you're exactly what the doctor ordered!
There's no group more in need or deserving of attention than elderly people in our nursing homes.
They are dressed, put in their wheelchair in the lobby or hall until lunch arrives. They're grateful for the tiniest bit of conversation because some have no visitors. After lunch
a little recreation is offered then back to the hall until dinner. It's a boring, long day.
Many have all their faculties and could converse with you about the past until the cows come home! At the end of the first visit you'd be everybody's favorite grandaughter.
Go get 'em, girl
Blessings Juju
2007-10-18 18:20:50 · answer #1 · answered by Ju ju 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think volunteering at the senior center would be a very thoughtful thing to do. As long as they're respectful, we oldsters enjoy the company of youngsters, especially if they'll listen to our stories that our own children have heard too many times.
Be warned, though. None of us can replace your grandpa, so please don't expect any of us to have the same storytelling abilities he had, or to have experienced the same things he did. Our lives may have been very different from his, but still interesting.
You sound like a caring, thoughtful person, and I believe you would be an asset to your community.
By the way, if you have a pet, see if the senior center would let your pet accompany you to the center. It's a real icebreaker.
2007-10-19 06:28:23 · answer #2 · answered by felines 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only if you truly care should you do this. Sometimes it is very hard to see the way older people are treated in this country by those 'people' who are supposed to care for them, but only want the paycheck and don't really care for anything other than themselves. If you volunteer at a Senior Center you will 'see' more of this than you can believe. But the stories you can learn from these people will stay with you forever and you can pass this wisdom down to your own children and grandchildren as well as the wisdom you have learned also.
2007-10-19 12:57:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean to be cliche, but every person is different. I'm sure you'd find an elderly person who will "take you in" as their own, regardless of your age. I work at a nursing home, and the people there are very nice and love to tell stories once you get to know them. Every person has their own stories.
Remember though, a nursing home is a home for all of the elderly, not just the story telling ones, if you know what I mean. I hope this helps.
2007-10-19 01:05:30 · answer #4 · answered by Tony 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
That's a wonderful idea and I know they would love to get to know you and tell you all about their lives. When 2 friends of mine from church went to a nursing home/retirement center about 5 years ago, I started visiting them. One of them has passed on since, but I have made many wonderful friends there that I still go see. Many people in these places have no one to come see them and they still have so much left to share. I've love them dearly and have learned much from my time with them. The best thing is no matter what's going on in life, if I go there I know I am wanted, they are always glad to see me.
When I started going I thought maybe I could add a little something to their lives, but I have gained so much more than I've ever given. I am blessed to know each and every one of them. I think you will find volunteering like this will add much to your life, as well as theirs. God Bless!
2007-10-19 01:11:09 · answer #5 · answered by luvspbr2 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local Senior center or nursing home.They take volunteers.But please be open to some of the elderly that do not want to share with you.I worked 25 years in nursing homes and can say that they are grown ups with their opinions and a right to have them.You can also volunteer at hospitals in that capacity.Give them all a try.Sorry about your Grandpa,I feel you there....
2007-10-19 15:00:57 · answer #6 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will be some that welcome visitors. But be warned just because they are old, gray haired and look so sweet it is not always the case (medical conditions can cause them to act out badly). I would go in and talk to the DON and then talk to the CNAs. The CNAs are the ones that know the lowdown on the residents and which one are with it enough to carry on conversations and still have their wits about them. But yes, it is a good idea and there are people there that would love it! If you have a pet bring him/her with even the residents that are unaware of their surroundings love pets.
2007-10-19 01:01:30 · answer #7 · answered by hoppykit 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some do , some dont, But I say Go for it, everyone s life is worthy of our respect and they still have so much to offer us.
I barely knew Mums dad and my Fathers dad died when he was 16 so I never knew him. Have seem some photos before he went to war (WW1, Otago Mounted Rifles)
For someone in their 20 s(I am 49) to think like this is commendable
and is not that common these days, I salute You
2007-10-19 03:20:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are an angel and they would love it more than you could ever know. There are a lot of forgotten people not lucky enough to have had families or have families that are to far away to visit. It would be a very rewarding experience for everyone concerned.
2007-10-19 09:14:17 · answer #9 · answered by Donna 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that is a fantastic idea. I'm sure they would love any company and a chance to reminisce. Maybe you could even bring them some music from their time.
You are right, nothing will take grandpa's place but maybe this can help fill in th gap a little.
2007-10-19 00:59:54 · answer #10 · answered by Dawn C 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋