Nursing Home Service Projects?

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   MEjonesposted 14 years ago

   Nursing Home Service Projects?
   
   I am going to start volunteering at a Nursing Home, visiting the elderly and talking to them. I thought it would be cool to bring in some stuff, like crafts, etc., but I need some more ideas.

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2. 66

   Support Med.posted 14 years ago

   There are many hubs written with craft ideas.  Type in 'crafts' under the hub section and see how many you get.  You'll get plenty of ideas from them.

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3. 60

   whizzerposted 13 years ago

   Try asking the residents to either write or dictate some of their memories from early in their lives, collect them all together and publish them. It stimulates memory, shows somebody is interested and it gives a great sense of pride when they see their name in print. You could sell it locally or on the internet.

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4. 66

   silvatungfoxposted 12 years ago

   As someone who takes projects to my Dad in a nursing home, and having dealt with nursing homes for a number of years now I will start with commending you for your volunteering.  The folks who are in these homes generally are lacking privacy, and mental stimulation is important.  Most nursing homes have an activities director who is your first go to person so anything you do will enhance or work into their programs.
   My Dad's favorite program was one where a virtual tour of far away places happened. The guy who came up with it would research a country (say China) and find or make a costume that represented a festival or tradition, and show slides and do basically a travelog for the residents. 
   Then they would have an activity where they made something like a fan or a lantern that fit the country they were exploring with audio visual travel.
   One thing my nephew does that Dad does not know about is recording things he gets the old man to talk about since all attempts at getting him to write his memories have failed. This is not recommended to you as there are all sorts of privacy issues if you tried to use any material that it was not very clear you were collecting. Privacy is the one thing folks in nursing homes have a right to, and usually have so little of. There are rules they don't like, people they don't like, and usually they do not want to be there. If you can entertain them you will be a welcome visitor every time.

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