If you’re thinking of taking a gift for a nursing home resident, consider a calendar with colorful illustrations and big numbers. Call first and find out the best time to visit, suggests Etta Maitland of the Ombudsman Services program in Contra Costa County.
“The human contact means everything. Patients have a variety of experiences they want and need to share. You may find it’s best to visit before lunch, since naps are popular after noon,” says Maitland, who, along with a group of Ombudsman volunteers, checks conditions and potential problems at nursing homes.
Here are more visiting tips:
Find out if a grandchild or pet can accompany you. Either one will make a hit.
“The main thing is share your time and take an interest in the person,” says Maitland. “If you’re pressed for time, it’s best to forget it until a better day.”
Carla Hoskins says, “The thing residents hold onto the longest is music, so I'd suggest using this whenever possible.” Photos, illustrated magazines and newspaper articles about days gone by may spark recollections, she adds.
Residents enjoy reminiscing about their days on the farm or in the towns where they grew up. “You can ask about some of their favorites, such as the seasons or colors they like, says Hoskins, an activity director.
Focus on a resident’s abilities. A woman who was a skilled quilter may lack the vision to sew now, but she may be able to select patterns or enjoy looking at pictures of quilts. “Always begin at a level where a person can find success, no matter how small,” says Beckie Karras, another activities director. Be regular in your visits and specific about when you’ll arrive, she advises.
The Friendly Visitor Program matches volunteers with older adults who are homebound because of age or infirmities. The goal is to help them remain independent for as long as possible. Volunteers are asked to visit once a week for at least six months. They may chat or read to someone or take them to the store. Outings at the park, a concert or church are appreciated.
Activities that stimulate the senses may benefit people with limited abilities. Favorite foods (within dietary guidelines), fabrics, perfumes and keepsakes provide pleasurable moments. Often friendships evolve, as in the case of a fellow of about 35 who had enjoyed close ties with his grandmother in his home state. He was matched with an older woman and, in the months that followed, she taught him how to bake bread and he took her to the movies and brought her flowers. She was the envy of all the ladies in her neighborhood.
Senior volunteers are welcomed because they can often arrange daytime visits; working folks can only call on weekends or at night. Groups such as the Friendly Visitor Program provide training. For more information, contact the Office on Aging, the Area Agency on Aging or your local senior center.
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