Conversation ideas for someone in a nursing home

When someone is in a nursing home, it is especially important to visit them. It is common for people to feel lonely or depressed in nursing homes. A visit from you will brighten up their day and let them know that you still care for them and love them. Furthermore, the rise in news stories about abuse in nursing homes shows the importance of keeping a close eye on your loved one. You may be able to research the home your loved one is in to make sure it is a good one – for example, here you can see a list of the worst nursing homes in Los Angeles.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to make conversation with them in this situation. It might feel awkward even if you are close to them. You might find it difficult to relate to one another and they might be on medications or have an illness which makes it difficult for them to keep talking. You can make the most out of your visits by preparing some things to talk about.  

Memories

Reminiscence is powerful for elderly people. Sometimes it is amazing what they can remember if given the proper encouragement. 

Consider bringing in old photos, music or anything else that reminds you of memories that you have had with them. You can then ask them about the photos, where they were, who they were with etc. 

Open-ended questions

Asking questions that have no right or wrong answer will encourage them to speak without pressurizing them. You may want to ask them about their favorite holiday or childhood memory or their memories about you when you were young. 

You could also ask them about things they have learned in their life and perhaps even ask for advice. This will help them to feel valued and useful. If you have a child, this could be a great opportunity for them to learn from their elderly relative. 

Positive observations

Compliments brighten everyone’s day. You could comment on their mood, outfit, their room or the weather outside. 

Read to them

You could read out loud to them. This will give you an activity to do together every time you go. You could read something that you will both enjoy, and you will have the opportunity to talk about it together. You could choose a novel, poetry, spiritual passages or online articles. Whatever suits them. 

Utilize Youtube

Youtube has lots of great videos, including old music videos or TV programs. They also have old music. You could even show them videos based on things they are interested in or share your interests. Perhaps you love to talk about space, you could show them videos to help illustrate what you enjoy learning about. If it is something, you’re passionate about this could rub off on to them and they might love to hear about what interests you. 

Take them out

If they are able then you may want to consider taking them out. The change of scenery will help you both to feel at ease and will be a great break for them their usual surroundings. You could take them to a local shop, a park, a café, etc. 

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Girl on Fire

Photographer at Loudmouth Photography

Brandy is the wife to a carpenter/musician and the mother of 3 amazingly awesome homeschool/unschooled girls. Brandy is a Photographer as well as a Coach for the Weebellion as part of Rolling Rebellion Jr. Roller Derby. Brandy is passionate about many things and suffers from a very painful and degenerative neurological disease called CRPS/RSD.

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