Reflection #4 "The Empty Chair" We keep our houses and apartments neat. We want to be ready in case we have a visitor. We have guest rooms, hide-a-bed couches, and comfortable chairs for visitors to sit in. We enjoy having visitors stay. But what if they never did? THE EMPTY CHAIR By M. [...]
Reflection #3 "Letter to My Children" The letter below was written by an 80 year old lady to her children. We chose it as the reading for this week because it gives us insight into what the elderly we visit truly want at this point in their lives. She tells her children, "All [...]
Did you know that Friends Across the Ages has an official theme song? I bet you didn't (probably because I never told you). I have to give Allison credit for introducing me to this wonderful song some years ago...
Reflection #2 A Crabby Old Woman The following poem appeared when an elderly lady died in the geriatric ward of a hospital near Dundee, Scotland. It was believed that she had left nothing of value. The nurses, going through her possessions, however, found the following poem. Its quality so impressed the staff that [...]
Reflection #1 Orientation Information Usually the reading of the week will be an inspirational or thought-provoking story or poem related to nursing home volunteerism. For this week, however, the required reading is simply orientation information to be read before your first visit. This is by far the longest of all the readings. It [...]
We know this can be a stressful decision. As volunteers, we spend a lot of time in nursing homes and know what to look for. We hope these tips will help you.
I have been visiting nursing homes with Friends Across the Ages since I was born, and still visit to this day! Because of this and because the residents are kind and friendly, it has always been an important part of my life.
Over the past year and a half that I have been visiting with Ms. Patricia, I have formed a very close relationship with her. Every time we visit she updates me about her family's life, stories about her granddaughters and care packages she wants to send...
When I visit Rhunette at the nursing home she is usually in bed with the cover pulled up over her head. I always say: “Rhunette, are you in there?” She then looks out and says “Hi, it’s nice to see you!”
Well, it’s Wednesday morning, and I am racing around, as usual. I am hurrying, because I seem to run late even if Angel (my cat) gets me up early. This is my day to visit the nursing home...
