I discovered, when caring for my mom with Alzheimer’s and afterwards visiting her in the nursing home, that she enjoyed being read to.
Reading to Grandmother image: sxc.hu
She eventually didn’t understand most of the words, but apparently the comfort of someone’s voice, the movement of turning pages, and just having a person near her calmed and pleased her.
She also enjoyed having my grandchildren (her great grands), toddler and kindergarten age at that time, visit her. Mother didn’t know who they were, but they pleased her with their presence. Then when my granddaughter, who was beginning to read, sat beside her and sounded words, Mother smiled and tried to say some words, too.
Part of the enjoyment may have been the attention and the sounds. Also, Mother had been a school teacher in earlier days and found pleasure all her life in encouraging youngsters to read and learn. She even did some tutoring after her children were grown.
Reading to Alzheimer’s grandparents, or others in a nursing home, could be a project for your children and grandchildren. Instead of being a scary place for youngsters (as some people feared), the nursing home was somewhere my grandchildren looked forward to visiting. They interacted with their great grandmother, as well as joined activities with other residents.
I discovered an interaction between the young and old that I hadn’t imagined I’d find. Also, this created a sense of family and memories for the children.
Post from: Blisstree