"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
The Top Five Tips For Having A Good Time
1. Introduce yourself, or remind the resident of your name if they know you. (Hi, its Jane, may I come in?)
2. Speak slowly and clearly to the resident, using shorter sentences and pausing between sentences. Don't use slang-theirs is likely different than yours!
3. Look at the resident when you are speaking so that they can understand you better.
4. Listen! Even if the resident speaks slowly, let them finish their own sentences.
5. Smile! If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!
The Purpose of Visiting with Older Adults
Not to kill time, but to make time live.
Not to keep a person occupies, but to keep them refreshed.
Not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life.
Suggestions For Activities
There are a number of activities to engage in with a resident in a one-on-one setting. Many residents appreciate having this type of interaction, but interacting well in this setting may take some practice. One of the first and most important things that volunteers generally think of doing with residents is talking. This is wonderful, because many residents like talking or to be talked to. However, it's pretty easy to run out of topics after a few hours of volunteering! You'll find ideas for things to talk about in this brochure, as well as some other ideas for activites and guidelines to help you volunteers well. Don't let yourslef be limited by these ideas, though! Creativity is a wonderful gift, especially when volunteering with people. Use your imagination!
Things to do:
1. Go for a walk
2. Read a book (The Bible is often a favorite. Find a verse the resident likes)
3. Card games or puzzles
4. Listen to music.
5. Make a craft: knitting, drawing, etc
6. Make a scrapbook of or for the resident
7. Help the resident write a letter to family member-ask staff for addresses
8. Share pictures and souvenirs from a vacation you took
9. Play an instrument or sing for (or with!) you resident.
10. Hold their hand or give them a hug!
Things to Talk About:
1. What each of you have done since the last visit
2. The residents family and friends
3. Favorite stories and memories
4. Your hometowns
5. Music and dancing
6. Your residents college or high schools experiences
7. The weather!
8. Upcoming events for the resident
9. TV programs or books the resident has watched/read
10. Favorites-food, places, seasons
Some Tips For Care Of Older Adults
What if they start crying?
Ask, "What's wrong?" and listen to the resident. Allow them to cry and let them know that you are there for them to lean on.
What if they can't remember?
Residents who have memory loss may not be able to reason, so try to provide them with information rather than making them work it out for themselves. If they ask what day it is, tell them.
What if they keep complaining?
If a residents constantly complains, don't dismiss there complaining. Be sympathetic to them and listen to their needs; often, they just need love and attention.
What if I need to miss a visit?
Make sure that the residents and/or the staff know so that
