25 Things to Do While Visiting Your Older Adult

Reprinted with permission from the Greater Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

Talk about what you both have been up to since your last visit.
Bring photos of family and friends from days gone by or recent snapshots.
Create a photo album, framed photograph collection, or poster to hang up.
Make a special scrapbook celebrating your older adult's lifetime.
Write or tape your older adult's autobiography - give copies to the family.
Share your own favorite stories and memories.
Bring vacation photos, souvenirs, postcards, maps, and tales of your travels.
Read newspapers and magazines aloud to keep your older adult "in touch."
Look at magazines that have a lot of large colorful pictures.
Read religious or inspirational articles, magazines, or books.
Subscribe to your older adult's hometown newspaper and bring it along.
Read letters from family and friends.
Listen to messages from family or friends recorded on a cassette tape.
Bring videotaped greetings from family and friends.
Help your older adult writer letters/cards to people.
Find a pen pal and help your older adult correspond with his new friend.
Create a poster or mobile from pictures cut from magazines.
Teach your older adult to play a simple instrument.
Bring things related to the season or upcoming holiday to do and talk about.
Enjoy a cup of favorite beverage that you've brought in your thermos.
Bring the musical instrument you play and give your older adult a private concert.
Sing, hum, or whistle together.
Have an indoor picnic with your older adult's favorite picnic foods.
Play "Name That Tune" with records, tapes, or music on the radio.
Listen to music.