Going to volunteer at a hospice for terminal cancer patients. Need suggestions for...

[CurtEastPoint]

activities to do with the patients. Anyone with any experience working with the elderly, the sick, etc.... what would be some good things for me to do? Thanks in advance.

[Cronus Protagonist]

1. Listen to them

I volunteered for a while. They tend to spend a lot of time alone. Don't try too hard. Let them lead, if possible. Ask open ended questions that require a full sentence for a response. Play cards, even snap, dominoes, checkers, etc., and chat with them. Good luck!

[Lasher]

2. Don't tell anyone their hair looks nice!

I did that once with an old family friend who had about 6 months to go. She had lost her hair and was wearing a wig! Initially I wanted to crawl under a rock but after about 10 seconds we both laughed loud and long about it.

And watch The Bucket List.

[nosmokes]

3. get ready for the ride of your life

while the majority of your clients will be older you will have some that are middle aged and a few maybe younger. kudos and thanks to ya for taking on such a challenging volunteer task.

[grasswire]

4. music

I can't be more positive about music as therapy.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

5. Most places give you training first

is that not happening with you? If they are elderly and feel like talking, just listen.

[Walk away]

6. I always brought news papers and magazines and read whatever...

my person was interested in. Sometimes people just want someone to sit with.

[timeforpeace]

7. The hospice will tell you what is appropriate and desired if they haven't already.

[madmom]

8. At the senior center I go to, they LOVE their bingo.

[polly7]

9. Yes, definitely music. If you can play any intstrument ....

even badly, they seem to love singing along and it brings back happy memories. Another actiivty we did it it hasn't been mentioned was weakly bingoes, daily outside sittings - sometimes just hitting or kicking a very large ball back and forth in a circle. If you know of anyone with animals, especially exotic animals or any kind of babies ..... they love to hold and pet them. Hmmm ...... what else ..... if they're able to and mobile and you have a medivan of some sort, outings to interesting places are always enjoyed. If they're able to walk, aid them to go outside for the fresh air. The medi-van trips take a lot of manpower but they're so worth it. Doing womens nails - they look forward to the time one on one, basically any time alone talking about their lives is something they do appreciate also ....... very much. I guess maybe my suggestions would apply more to geriatric pts., but possibly some could be used in there too. What a kind person you are.

[ChicagoSuz219]

10. Go with the flow...

People go to hospices to die comfortably. They may not be up for 'activities.' While you're there, be an advocate for your person. If they need something, or are in pain, let someone know. Make sure they've eaten. Ask them if they want to write a letter to someone. Depending on how they're doing, they may have to dictate it to you. Maybe there's a book they always wanted to read & didn't get the chance yet. Find it & read it to them if they can't. Or, some special music they want to hear it.

They may just want to talk about the old days... let them. You'll learn some things you never knew you never knew. Remember, not all memories are happy ones.

Everyone is different. Just observe, listen & take your cues from the person. If they're tired, let them rest. Just your being there will be a comfort.

Just be yourself. I'm sure the experiences will be rewarding for you & your new friends... :-)

[CurtEastPoint]

11. THANK YOU ALL!

These are such thoughtful ideas. Thank you. I'll re-visit to let you know how it's going.

[Zoigal]

12. Patients who are dog lovers have always enjoyed

visits from my two hounds. Even those in the Alzheimer's wing.
Thanks for doing this. It does mean so much to both the patients as well
as their caretakers IMO......z

[tango-tee]

13. My dad was in hospice care, and I thank you.

What you are going to do will be so very much appreciated by both the patients and their families. Hospice saved our sanity as our dad was dying of colon cancer, and I am profoundly grateful for wonderful people like you. We took care of Dad at home, but eventually realized that we could do it no longer by ourselves. We desperately wanted to avoid him returning to the hospital, being hooked up to machines, only to have his misery prolonged for a couple of weeks. Once in hospice, my dad lived only two more days. Neither my sister nor I were with him when he died, because toward the end it all went very quickly. But there was a caring soul there to hold his hand, he was not alone.

Unfortunately, I can't give advice about activities, because by the time someone is in hospice care, he or she is often at a point where something simple such a gentle touch, perhaps a hand or foot massage, and especially being listened to is very much appreciated.

[Courtesy Flush]

14. Mind their pets

For many people, of all ages, their pets are as important as their family. Make sure they are getting what they need too. It will mean a lot to the patient.