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Activity ideas for hospice patients

Asked Mar 25, 2008, 12:09 PM — 14 Answers
I've been volunteering at a hospice since January. Typically, the people we spend time with have less than 6 months to live. The first lady I went to visit really didn't have a use for me I guess. To be quite honest, she appeared in good shape and seemed pretty independent for 93. I honestly couldn't believe she was a hospice patient. At the time we agreed to make Valentines. I got all the stuff, then she told me no and that she didn't want to make them. She also said she didn't want me to read to her. She is a really sweet lady, but didn't even talk much. I kind of felt useless in that situation. So the coordinator re-assigned me to another lady, who was weeks from her death bed. This lady wanted me to read to her, sit with her, talk with her, be there 24/7. I truly felt like I was of use. She has since passed away, and now they are re-assigning me to the first lady again.

I have no clue what kinds of things I should do with her! She seems uninterested. Does anyone have any ideas of what we could do? I'm ok with conversation, but I suck at small talk. Any ice breaker ideas? She isn't really chatty. I might go today after work, and I'm very nervous.

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14 Answers
mafiaangel180's Avatar
mafiaangel180 Posts: 632, Reputation: 514
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#11

Mar 26, 2008, 08:32 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HistorianChick
LOL! Hey, she might be a rappin-grandma, you never know! Its worth finding out!
Hehehehehe. I can just picture the look on her face when I show up with my Wu Tang and vampire erotica.
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HistorianChick's Avatar
HistorianChick Posts: 2,556, Reputation: 4132
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#12

Mar 26, 2008, 08:32 AM
LOL! Wow..... That gave me a giggle...... And it just might give her one too... And that would be worth it
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Roadrunner64's Avatar
Roadrunner64 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
New Member
  
#13

Apr 13, 2012, 06:09 PM
People that know they are dying go through many stages in a short period of time. What they thought they liked last week may be uninviting at this time. If you are realy nervous it may be a good idea not to suggest anything but find out where her mind is leading her.
Gentle coatching and small talk can do wonders. Even if she absolutly does not want to do anything, you can always tell her you're so glad you had a change to chat with her and leave it at that.
Have a tea or coffeee with her and listen... I always tend to ask them what their favorite passtime was when they were young or what they did with their kids. If there is a photo album ask if you may see it... It is all about what they need.. and not what we want.. Good luck and sometimes it's good to pray about it before you go to see her.
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Roadrunner64's Avatar
Roadrunner64 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
New Member
  
#14

Apr 13, 2012, 06:11 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mafiaangel180 View Post
Hehehehehe. I can just picture the look on her face when I show up with my Wu Tang and vampire erotica.
What are you doing on a page like this?
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Roadrunner64's Avatar
Roadrunner64 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
New Member
  
#15

Apr 13, 2012, 06:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HistorianChick View Post
LOL! Wow..... That gave me a giggle...... And it just might give her one too... And that would be worth it
When your thoughts are discusting your care for people can not be valuable,
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