Taking kids to nursing home to see Grandpa?

Question

My father is in a nursing home. My two children, age 10 and 8, will go to see him, reluctantly, because a) they're a bit nervous and b) they get bored. I don't usually stay longer than 30-45 minutes because conversation with him is a bit hard, but they still get acting up and then he gets upset and it's just not good. I don't take them with me every time, but I do want them to see him. Any ideas?

Answer 1

it is hard for the kids, but so good for Grandpa. the residents at nursing homes LOVE to see kids. I have been taking my almost 3 year old to a nursing home regularly to visit since he was 6 days old. They adore seeing him run through the hallways and talk about the fish tanks. Because so many people know him I let him have a bit more freedom to run around (and he weighs less than 30 pounds).

at the age that your kids are they can understand it when you tell them that the visits are important to grandpa. Even if they take books, and game-boys and stuff like that to keep them occupied...the fact that they are THERE will raise the spirits of even those who do not know them. What about if they take a puzzle or something to do with grandpa? I know there are several puzzles being worked on in the common rooms of the nursing home I visit...anyone who cares to stops and puts in a piece or 2 when they walk by. My toddler likes to go to the adult daycare and play ball with the residents. he throws or kicks a huge ball for the adults to push back to them. even some of the really disabled ones will try really hard to move that foot 6 inches to get it back to him...it is great PT

Answer 2

I think it is great that you take them and keep the visits short.

I can imagine how tough it is for all of you.

I would tell them that when they get there, to ask their Grandpa a question about when he was growing up. What his favorite things were and other questions. It would open up the lines of communication and before they know it, time will have past and they will have learned a lot about their Grandpa. Good Luck and just remind them how important it is for them to see him and how he looks forward to their visits.

Also remind them that one day he will be gone and how wonderful it would be to look back on their visits and have no regrets but wonderful memories.  

Answer 3

im sure they want to see him too

you just have to talk to them and tell them grandpa is sick, and that he enjoys thier company and you would really appreciate it if they would behave while you were there

if they start getting antsy send them to get a soda or something, but they are old enough to be able to behave for 30-45 minutes, so really i dont think you are asking too much

Answer 4

Maybe get them to make a birdhouse or something for grandpa, that way they can look forward to bringing it to him. Plus grandpa might like it. Or a picture frame with a picture of the three of them together. Having a gift to bring him might make it more exciting for the three of them to spend more time together.

Answer 5

take a coloring book with you for them or pencils and paper.