Visit to the Nursing Home

Do you ever wonder if people get neglected or lonely in a nursing home? My answer to this is yes, they do. Having worked at a nursing home, sang frequently to the elderly, and spent time with them, I realized that most people in the home are just looking for someone to talk with, to tell their story to. My Aunt Helen is currently in the nursing home and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She doesn't recall who I am sometimes, but just sitting there talking to her, listening to her tell me things that happened to her in her life, are the most meaningful to her and I. It's an amazing feeling to sit with someone whether they know you or not and know that you are making that persons day just by being there. You can learn a lot from people, if you are just open enough to listen to them. My plans to visit the nursing home on a regular basis are in full swing. I can be a leader to our youth, but I know I can also be a mentor to the elderly just by being their friend.