I work for a pharmacy filling medications for several nursing homes. I sometimes delivery meds as well. Since then I have met a very likeable resident at a home near me. We chatted briefly but enough to know that she is very coherant. I would like to visit about once a week or every two weeks but besides conversation does anyone have any ideas on things we can do? I am sure she will love to just sit and talk but I don't want her to become bored.
Any suggestions?
2007-11-03 00:23:25 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Sounds like you've found a friend. If you truly enjoy each other's company, why not take her out to lunch or dinner or just for a drive?
Inside activities may include the "weekly Scrabble game," or how about "scrap-booking? Her stuff and yours? It is as important that you find something that YOU enjoy too, so you both ahve a shared interest or passion; something you really look forward to. Often, some past time, such as a game, allows each person to disclose their favorite activities while they focus on the task at hand -same as any other friendship.
You may be on to more than you realize. LTC facilties are brimming over with folks who are very competent mentally and even physically -but who are ALONE and wasting away. Volunteer efforts are nice, but tend to be unpredictable and often have more to do with a "feel good" for the visitor than something of substance for the resident. There is no earthly reason that folks on the outside should not have a friend or two on the inside; that said, starting a club of people who share this view would be an excellent idea.
And THAT said, you realize (from your deliveries) that many of your client homes are NOT places you'd care to live. A healthy population of visitors to residents can be a powerful force for advocacy and compliance. Consider it.
Thanks for a good question.
2007-11-03 00:42:39 · answer #1 · answered by JSGeare 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You! She won't be bored with because you comes to her out of kindness and interest. Boredom is being alone too much, or being with peole who don't care. I have a graduate degree, and my 80-year-old sister barely finished high school. One of her favorite things is Scrabble--we just played tonight. I am a good speller and have an excellent vocabulary, but she beats my socks off quite regularly. Tonight I managed to win 2 of 4 games. There is NOTHING wrong with her mind! But there is a lot of family in and out of her house every day. She keeps track of everyone and whatever they are doing. I think it all helps her stay young. so just be there for your new friend. She's like any other person you might become friends with. As your friendship progresses, you will naturally find out new things about each other. Don't stay stuck in the past, either. I have a 76-year-old friend who is learning Hebrew, know an 87-year-old mother of a friend planning a trip to Africa, and a 75-year-old who is in charge of getting people to be greeters at church and reminding them when their week is coming up. No lack of interests in any of them.
2007-11-03 20:50:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With this relationship, you have just tapped into the greatest wealth you will ever know.
There is wisdom and experience here. She will not become bored with the conversation, she's too glad to have company. You will find that this is the case with most who are confined to Skilled Nursing Facilities, for the Staff do not have time to pay close attention to this vital resource.
God bless you, an extra helping, for caring and taking the time to make this person's day. You will find it well worth it to both of you. And, you will learn much about life.
2007-11-03 03:26:42 · answer #3 · answered by Cranky 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most elderly love to talk and tell stories. Listen carefully and ask questions. You have an encyclopedia in that person. Open it up and discover what is inside. Also you can do games...cards, or maybe ask definitions from a Readers Digest. As you get to know her, you will find out what she likes. And ask her what she would like to do.
2007-11-03 01:41:12 · answer #4 · answered by RB 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Find some old music on Cd's and play them for her.Musical movie tracks are well loved.Ask her if she has a photo album,our elders love sharing their pictures and experience with us.Also books with pictures of exotic places,Egypt,,China,Japan,Old Ireland.Find out where her ancestors are from and find a book on that country. Ask what she did during the depression, our elders love telling stories of courage and survival.Some have amazing stories to tell and many of them are quite humorus.
2007-11-03 00:38:48 · answer #5 · answered by dymond 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only differences in people is physical ability and mental awareness. We all get bored or enjoy ourselves for various reasons. Continue to enjoy your conversations and if caught in a lull, decide on something you can both do and/or want to do.
Enjoy Enjoy
2007-11-03 07:43:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless you for taking the time. I am sure that she looks forward to time that you have together, and I know she enjoys your conversations.
Ask if she would enjoy having you read to her.
Ask if she would like to take a walk.(make sure that you ok it with the staff and find out her limitations if any.)
She might enjoy having you write a letter for her.
Never promise to visit her on a specific date or time, if you aren't sure that you will be there.
I am sure that your visits have given her something to look forward to, and you will too.
2007-11-03 02:19:42 · answer #7 · answered by kayboff 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's great that you are doing that. Talking would mean a lot to her. Find out if she likes to cook, and maybe do some cooking together. You'll accomplish two things, giving her something entertaining to do and providing her with some prepared foods. Good luck to you and your new friend.
2007-11-03 06:58:51 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
By all means ask her!! She might have something she would love to show you or something she would like you to help her do.I have a friend in a nursing home, and I have bought her a cd player. After I am done with my audio books, I take them to her, and it gives us something to discuss every time we are together.Trust me, she is not ever bored by your visits!
2007-11-03 06:01:14 · answer #9 · answered by Harley Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think she would be bored? IF the conversation lags, ask her if there is anything she would like to do...it will be within her capabilities, and therefore you will not be suggesting things that she may not be able to do, avoiding any embarrassment. It is just so easy to ask others what they would like to do. Peace and love, Goldwing
2007-11-03 00:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋