What to bring when you visit an old age home

A first visit to an old age home can leave a person unsure what to say or what to carry. The trust’s visits to the home at Yanam, recorded in 33 photographs from five days between June 2021 and March 2023, suggest a simple pattern.

Phone first

Call the manager and ask what is welcome and when. Homes have routines for meals, medicines and rest.

Bring something that can be shared

In the Yanam pictures a gift is handed to each resident, one by one. Choose something that every resident can receive, so nobody is left out: fruit that is soft and easy to eat, a shawl, soap, or a packet of sweets if the manager agrees.

Bring your time

• Sit at the same level as the resident.
• Ask about the person’s village, work and family.
• Listen more than you speak.
• Plan to stay for at least an hour.

What to avoid

Do not give medicines without the manager’s approval. Do not photograph residents without asking. Do not make promises you cannot keep, such as saying you will return next week unless you will.

The elders and old age homes page has the photographs. The trust number is 97036 30893 (call and PhonePe).