When we think about our grandparents, most of us like to picture them in special ways — maybe sitting by a fire, telling stories, or giving us big bear hugs. We like to imagine them as happy and enjoying their golden years, surrounded by loving friends and family.
Unfortunately, not all senior citizens have the sweet, relaxing life that we would like to imagine. Families move away from hometowns; friends their age die. Even if they are well taken care of, many are missing the key part of their lives: people who enjoy spending time with them. That's where your family can come in! There are an amazing amount of different activities each member of your family can do.
Steps Involved:
- Call first and ask about special visiting hours or limitations on what volunteers can do.
- Ask if all ages can visit. If you have little children, dress them up! Just seeing toddlers and babies brings smiles to their faces.
- Visit the facility before your bring your kids. Spending time with senior citizens can seem like a scary thing, especially for kids who do not have contact with the elderly.
- If you are bringing snacks or treats with you, always check with the staff before sharing with the seniors.
- If your family has a gentle and friendly dog that is very good with strangers, ask the facility if they allow animal visits.
- Talk to your children about what they can expect and why it is a good thing to visit. Read one of the books listed below to your children.
- Ask your kids what they're most interested in doing; it will make interaction easier and more fun for your children if they share their talents. Below are some suggested activities to get your family started. To make things a little easier, they're broken up into sections by theme.
For Kids Who Like Words
- Listen to stories of “the good old days” or tell some of your own.
- Ask the seniors if they would like you to write down their story — this could take place over several visits.
- Help write letters to seniors' friends and family.
- Read mail, books, or the newspaper out loud.
For Kids Who Like Pictures
- Ask to see residents' photographs or bring some of your own to share.
- Bring along some art supplies and create pictures together.
- Bring art books or picture books and share them with seniors.
For Kids Who Like Games
- Play checkers or card games with seniors.
- Call out Bingo numbers for a Bingo tournament.
- Help residents put together jigsaw puzzles.
For Kids Who Like Music
- Help lead a sing-along. Christmas carols, hymns, and oldies are all good choices for songs.
- Bring your own instrument and give a solo performance for the residents.
- See if any residents play instruments (the piano is common) and ask them to give you some tips.
For Kids Who Like Sports
- Volunteer to push residents' wheelchairs wherever they need to go.
- Get some fresh air if there is a garden or a walking path — take a resident for a walk. Check with the staff first.
- Organize an easy physical activity, like sitting in a circle and keeping a balloon in the air.
- Watch professional games on television with residents and ask them the history of the teams.
For Hands-On Kids
- Sit with residents and make crafts, or create some at home and bring them to share.
- Help set the table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- If you and the seniors are comfortable enough, give hugs!
You may want to consider picking your top five activities from this list (or your own imagination). Double-check with the staff to ensure that what you want to do is permitted. If not, ask the staff how you could adapt the activity. For instance, if you can't bring art supplies, ask if you can bring in cards or pictures you've made as presents for the residents.
Time is one thing many seniors have too much of, but your family's time can be a special gift to make those extra hours happy and fun. Seniors will appreciate your family's visits, whether you sing to them, play checkers or just sit and listen.
Books
Fox, Mem. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home. He likes to visit the residents — like Mrs. Jordan the organ player and Mr. Drysdale with the booming voice. When he overhears adults talking about how his favorite resident, Miss Nancy, is losing her memory, he starts out on a quest to find out what a memory is and then bring Miss Nancy back hers.
Stroud, Bettye. Down Home at Miss Dessa's.
Set in the 1940s, this book tells the story of two sisters who help take care of Miss Dessa after she hurts her foot. Even though they agree to help Miss Dessa, after a while the sisters start getting back just as much as they put in, and they end up making a true friend.
Shecter, Ben. Great-Uncle Alfred Forgets.
This story focuses on a little girl named Emily and her great-uncle, a man in the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease. When they walk together, she answers his sometimes-confused questions, like why it's not Christmastime in July or where a hat went that he wasn't even wearing. But when Great-Uncle Alfred tells stories about his childhood, he remembers everything in striking detail.
Bregoli, Jane. The Goat Lady.
All the houses in Dartmouth are pretty, freshly painted, and well kept. All, that is, except for the Goat Lady's house. Her home is falling apart, and her lawn is full of rusty barrels, old fence posts, and farm animals — including a herd of goats! Only after two neighborhood children get to know the Goat Lady does the community discover her sweet spirit and the real reason she keeps goats in her yard.
Bunting, Eve. Sunshine Home.
Timmie and his family take their first trip to Sunshine Home, a retirement home that Timmie's grandmother has just moved into. Timmie is nervous about the other residents, the goofy balloon he has to hold, and the way that everybody's pretending to be happy. But Timmie convinces his family to share their true feelings — and everyone starts to feel a little better about his grandmother's new home.
