Note: The following tips/topics/questions are compiled by Vintage Voices members, not experts. Each community, resident, and conversation is different. Always use your best judgment, and try to look through the links at the bottom and/or consult other resources before your visit.
General tips for interacting with residents:
Treat them as you would your grandparent
Show respect for them and all they have done in their lifetimes
Remember that they were once your age too
Let them lead the conversation, if they are able
Ask open ended questions
Or start with simple questions that lead to more open ended questions
Mirror them; paraphrase what they're saying so they know you're listening
Be sensitive to what they are/aren't willing to share
Avoid controversial topics (e.g. politics, religion) unless they bring it up
If they bring up something that makes you uncomfortable, feel free to change the topic
Pay attention to your body language and eye contact
Maintain an appropriate distance
Don't lean on their wheelchair if they have one
Eliminate distractions
Slow down
Enunciate
Smile! :)
Example topics/questions for starting conversations with residents:
Music
Did you recognize any of the music we sang today?
What was your favorite song from today?
Tell me about your music interests.
Who is your favorite music artist?
What is your favorite style/genre/decade of music?
Stories
Tell me about yourself.
Where are you from?
What did you do when you were my age?
What is your favorite...
If you could give someone my age any advice, what would it be?
Family
Tell me about your family.
Events in their community
I saw you have bingo this afternoon!
Weather
It's nice weather this week!
I heard next week is going to be...
Current events
I recently saw on the news... (avoid controversial topics)
Did you hear of the new movie/book...
Your life
I'm studying...
I'm interested in becoming...
I recently...
More resources for interacting with residents:
General
Alzheimer's Disease
Aphasia (language disorder that commonly results from stroke)
Dementia
Hearing Impairment
I'll add my two cents to this because I disagree with the "speak loudly" tip. Don't speak loudly unless they ask you to. It comes off condescending if you assume that speaking louder will eliminate the effects of their hearing loss. Everyone's hearing loss is different, and they might only have impaired hearing for some pitches -> some letters -> some words (explanation here). It's better to speak slightly louder, but then enunciate and be ready to rephrase if needed. I'll step off my soapbox now. -Becky
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)