What to do when i volunteer at an old age home?

Question

This week i will be volunteering at a old-age home to get my volunteer hours for school. I was just wondering what things i could talk about or do with them. (they will be about 70-95 yrs old) do they like to read? or play board games or something? ideas......

thanks so much!

Answer 1

bingo

Answer 2

games, might check with the nurses  before you go and get some ideas

talk  they get lonely and forgotton by there familys

better yet  listen  smile politely and go   oh, really  i didnt hnow  that

you might learn something

Answer 3

From my personal experience, they like it when someone comes and does crafts ( easier things with big materials) with them. They like it if someone reads to them as a group ( alzheimer's patients love children's books, like Little Women)

Those who are more agile even like things like playing bowling or shuffleboard on Wii. Listening to music and exercising/dancing.

If you are working with very infirm people( like stroke victims or amputees), these older ladies love having things like their nails done, having their hair brushed, or a little makeup, an older gentleman may like to look his best on his anniversary. Assist with grooming and shaving.

They may have you do other things like bring dinner trays, or snacks to resident rooms, fill and deliver water pitchers, etc.

Talk to the residents on just about anything. Do not mention their illness or condition, unless they want to talk to you about it. Then answer them with the respect and compassion they deserve.Most love talking about their children or grandchildren. Kneel or scruntch down to address those in a wheel chair to allow them to be at face level with you. Don't be afraid to touch their hand or hold it and allow them to touch you. It may mean the whole world to them.

Answer 4

If this is a quality program, then the first thing that will happen is that you will be given an orientation by someone at the old age home (and the time you spend in this counts toward your service hours). In this orientation, you will be told what to expect as a volunteer, you will receive some training on what to do in various situations (such as if a patient exhibits signs of illness, is hostile or abusive towards you, uses inappropriate language, etc.), and there will be a review of what activity options there are with the residents. You will also be given suggestions on what to do with the people there. The home will probably already have planned activities for you to do with their residents, though your own suggestions would probably be welcomed. For instance, could you help coordinate a group from your school's choir or drama club to come onsite and perform for the residents?

Answer 5

Many seniors living in assisted living homes can be very lonely.  they will love having your company!  Most likely, they will start talking to you, and tell you their life story!  And listen to their stories too... I know there's a sort of stereotype about "when I was your age" stories, but honestly, most of them are pretty cool.  It gives a different perspective about what it was like in a different era.  Ask them what they like to do!  Just because they are older adults doesn't mean that they don't have hobbies.  They will most likely tell you what they are interested in, and then you can participate in activitiies with them.  If they say they don't really know what they like or want to do, here are few suggestions. Many seniors do have difficulty reading due to poor eyesight, and they might like for you to read a newspaper article to them.  Card games are always fun for everyone!  They are nice because you can talk while you play, and if the conversation has any awkward silences, you can always turn your attention to the card game.  I'm sure if they are confined to a wheelchair it might be nice to go outside for a walk if the facility permits it.  I also found that elderly women really like to have their hair done, especially if they can't do it themselves any more.  I always make it a point to make my patients look good before they go to physical therapy... it really does a lot to impact their mood!  If you really get stumped, jsut start asking them questions about their family, where they grew up and such... I promise they will start talking!  Have fun!