This activity caters to the specific interest of a resident. A resident who taught school for several years might enjoy handling old school items, (old texts, hand bell, report cards, photos of country school houses, etc.) and sharing stories. A truck driver might enjoy handling and looking at models of semi trucks and trailers. There are also calendars with colored photos of semis and there are trucker businesses in your town. You may find some interesting items at the local truck stop. Toss all these truck related items in a box and head into that retired truckers room for a chat.
Most people in a nursing home have worked hard. Some had enjoyable hobbies. Find out what their work or interests were and zero in on items they might enjoy.
Items used for this activity can be obtained from second hand stores, relatives, or storage areas. The best items are those handled by the generation being served.
Example Include:
- Butter Paddle
- Apron
- Homemade Doll
- Hand Crank Mixer
- Doilies
- Penants
- Sad Iron
- Syrup Pail
- Old Text Books
- Sun Bonnet
- Fountain Pen
- Metal Razor
- Potato Masher
- Aluminum Ice Tray
- School Bell
- Old Recipe Book
- Iron Griddle
- Noodle Cutter
- Claw Can Opener
- Life or Look Magazine
- Metal Spice Cans
There are many small items that can be gathered if you put up a notice at work that you are looking for them.
Items can be sorted into specific job categories: Teaching, carpentry, secretarial, etc., or can be generalized. Place a few items into an old suitcase and travel to individual rooms and share experiences.