Before you go
Confirm the time, the room, and the name of the staff member you should ask for when you arrive. Most communities have a sign-in desk near the entrance. If something comes up and you cannot make it, tell the coordinator as early as you can.
Bring one thing to start with, like a deck of cards or a couple of questions. You might not use it. That is fine.
During the visit
Introduce yourself and ask how their day is going. If there is a game on the table or music playing, start there. It is easier to talk about something in the room than to ask someone for their life story.
When a topic gets a reaction, stay with it. Ask a follow-up question about the place or person they just mentioned instead of moving on to the next thing on your list. Most of the hour should be you listening.
Before you leave, say what you enjoyed and ask if there is anything they would like to do next week.
If it gets quiet
Quiet is normal, especially early on. The person may be tired, or just more comfortable doing something than talking. A few things that help:
- Ask what they feel like doing today: talking, a game, or just sitting together.
- Go back to something they said earlier. “You mentioned Louisiana. What was it like growing up there?”
- Switch to something side by side, like cards or a puzzle.
After you leave
Write your visit note while it is fresh. The most useful line is the thing you said you would come back to next week.