5 Conversation Starters When Visiting Senior Loved Ones
If you have senior loved ones living in independent living communities or assisted living residences, visiting them on a regular basis keeps them connected and makes them feel cherished and loved. However, visiting them can be awkward or uncomfortable if you don’t know what to say.
Here are 5 conversation starters when visiting your senior loved ones to make it fun and worthwhile.
- Start with Positive Comment
A positive comment or observation can be an icebreaker to start a memorable and enjoyable conversation with your senior loved one. For instance, you can comment on how they look awesome with their outfit, appreciate their home decor, be grateful that the weather is fine, etc. Starting your conversation with a positive comment can create good vibes and generate good feelings.
- Start with Open-Ended Question
Starting with a question that doesn’t require a right or wrong answer can be a springboard to a nice and stress-free conversation. For instance, you can ask your senior loved ones about their happy memories, their favorite hobbies, their favorite songs and movies, their memorable vacation, how they celebrate holidays, etc. There are many happy memories and interesting topics that you can talk about to help them reminisce and bring a smile to their faces.
- Look at Old Photographs
Bring with you an old photo album or find an old photo together with your senior loved one and put it in a wooden photo frame, and share it with them. Looking at old photographs can be an awesome conversation starter for you and your senior loved ones. Old photographs help them reminisce and tell stories when they were younger that you might not know or remember.
- Share Common Interest or Hobby
Find something you and your elderly parents love doing together. For instance, if you both love cooking, talk about new recipes. Or if you both love writing and journaling, bring with you this beautiful Illustrated Faith ‘Beautiful’ Organization Bag & Kangaroo Pouch set that has ample space for your journaling tools and other supplies to keep them accessible and decide together how will you design your journal or notebook. Talking about and sharing your common interest and hobby is extremely beneficial for elderly people to stay active and happy.
- Solicit Advice and Opinion
Acknowledging your elderly loved one’s vast experience by soliciting their advice boosts their confidence and worth. Think of the advice you may need such as raising your own kids, financial budgeting, cooking, decorating your home, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask for their point of view and advice during your visit.
An awesome conversation with your senior loved ones over a cup of their favorite tea or coffee is something they will look forward to in your next visit.
