My grandma, Dad’s mom, lives outside of Omaha, and we love to do music at her care home. Although Gram is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, and doesn’t recognize us anymore, she loves music, but this time, she was so tired, I think she slept through most of it, even being right on the front row!
We had a 1:30 appointment to do music there, so we arrived a bit before that and unloaded and set up. My heart is so full of joy as I listen to my brothers and sisters sharing with the elderly.  If you could only catch a glimpse of what we see: the sparkle in the eye, the wrinkled, care-worn face breaking into a smile, the arthritic foot tapping along, the words being whispered as one remembers a song from years gone by, and then afterwards, the enthusiastic “thank yous” given along with a hug or squeezing of our hands. Twice on this trip, when we have ministered at a home, my heart has been overwhelmed realizing how blessed I am to be able to walk, to run, to move freely without being in pain. For some people, they would give anything to be in good health. Yet, how often I can take that for granted or complain about some no nothing. We have so much to be grateful for, and I’m reminded of that.
Sarah
“The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow:
but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down” (Psalms 146:9).
Those are very considerate thoughts, Sarah. I also try to be mindful to be thankful to be free to move.
Sometimes we visit the nursing home in our area with our friends and we see the same responses. They especially like to hear hymns such as ”In the Garden”. I think one of their greatest joys are when they see and hear the children sing and recite Scripture. And the kids are so friendly with the elderly people. Last Christmas, they made cards to bring for the residents and they were blessed. In the lobby, there was one little woman in a wheelchair going around letting everyone know that we were there to sing. She was our ”announcer”.
God bless! Rebecca K.
I love seeing elderly people smile!! Our youth group goes to the care home around the corner from our church for games and crafts with the residents there, and it is so much fun. To be honest, I would go just to hear their stories of when they were young and the way of the world and times in years gone by!
My mom is in a similar home for Alzheimer’s. At Christmas a large group of kids from our homeschool co-op came and sang for the residents. We had one lady on the front row who clapped loudly after every song and shouted encouragement. It was very humorous and a blessing at the same time. I often have my kids play the piano pieces they are working on just for my mom, but soon we’ll have a little crowd gathered listening. It is a blessing to go there and talk to the residents. Whether they can interact or not, I know it brightens their day.
Hi Sarah, I found your blog about a week ago and Ive been so encouraged. I and a group of three other girls also go to the nursing home to sing with this great family that plays with us. But I have a question how do you know what to say to the elderly people? And how does your family organize it all? Also if you ever will be in Colorado let me know.
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Anna, That’s wonderful! We ask them such questions as: how long have they lived there? how many children do they have? where do they live? how long have they lived in the area? and usually the conversations flows with them also asking us questions! We generally do a song, and then give a testimony, and then do another song! Here’s a link to our speaking schedule, although we don’t have anything in Colorado at the moment: http://www.titus2.com/w-speaking-schedule.htm
Sarah
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We have been going to a nursing home and assisted living facility for awhile now. Everyone there is so happy to see us arrive. My son plays the banjo. Do you know the difference between a chainsaw and a banjo? You can tune the chainsaw!
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Smile.
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Very encouraging! I especially love visiting with the elderly!
Thanks for sharing! My siblings and I played at a nursing home last week (for the first time in quite a few years), so I can identify with what you are sharing!
What a blessing you all are to those precious elderly folks! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the elderly, and while I was single (many years ago) I enjoyed doing volunteer work at a nursing home in the Atlanta area.~ Last week I was “finally” able to re-visit the local nursing home where my precious Mama was when she made her journey to Heaven (6 years ago this month). I was quite apprehensive, due to precious, sweet memories of being there during Mama’s final days on earth. But the Lord gave me the strength I needed, and I was able to have some lovely visits with some of the residents there. God is sooo GOOD!!! 🙂
Nice post. Does your family do Easter? I had wondered because I had never heard you guys talk about it on here. God bless.
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We celebrate Resurrection Day. We don’t do bunnies and the like that become a distraction, but focus on Jesus.
Steve
Just curious if you have any suggestions for a family with little ones on ways to do a nursing home visit. I sing and the kids like to sing with me; but at this point it would be just a “joyful noise”. They do know some scripture that perhaps we could sing for the residents. It would be a short program! 🙂
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They love children and even if you didn’t sing, they love to visit and look at the children. One thing is they don’t get to hold or even touch little children though, because little children put their hands in their mouths. Most of the elderly are fine, but there are some in nursing homes with infections that can be shared. So we have a common rule that way no one is singled out. Other than that they need the love and attention.
Steve
Thank you for posting this. We are always so blessed when we minister in nursing homes. Such dear, sweet people. How precious that folks like you take the time to do this.
My husband and children have been doing a nursing home ministry since 1987 with our church. They would tell you that often times they/we are more blessed by being there with them, than those that they are ministering to!
My dear mother, also has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t often remember our visits with her. She knows that I belong to her, but she just doesn’t remember that I am her daughter. That is hard sometimes, but yet the Lord gives great grace in these things, for which I am so thankful.
Sarah, thank you for your thankfulness. I haven’t read the blog in awhile (just busy) but tonight I was disheartened after our (halfway failed) bedtime Bible time, because our littlest one just.wouldn’t.sit. :> My husband is out of town all week on business, and everything seemed a bit much, so I just wanted a moment of uplift & escape via the Internet. :> But you are teaching me a valuable lesson: “Yet, how often I can take [umm, for me, having a little one in our family right now???] for granted or complain about some no nothing.”
My baby will sit for Bible time. Eventually. :> I am thankful we have her in our family. I am thankful to be reminded to be thankful. How blessed we are – praise the Lord!