Grandma sits in her chair, silent, but happy to have you there. How to start a conversation with an elderly person who is difficult to talk to?

You ask, “How was your day?”
She says, “Okay.”
“What did you eat for lunch?”
[pause] “I can not remember”.
She gives tiny answers to your questions, but that doesn’t mean she’s unwilling to talk. What’s going on?

diagnosis of CRS. What is CRS?

It could be dementia. It could be CRS, which stands for I can’t remember things.

Short-term memory being what it is in some older people, that is, missing, lost, and incomplete, you’ll have a better chance of having a good conversation with the elderly if you go back further than breakfast, and even farther than weekend. last week, which is already a blur in Grandma’s mind. She returns. Go way back. no not to Genesisthat’s too far.

Sarah Reed, a trustee of Britain’s charity Contact the Elderly, has returned. As a result, she has gotten the elders to come out of their shells and speak again. They are not giving the usual one word answers, or even short sentences. They are really talking about what life was like when they were kids. The older ones even remembered their blue bikes.

How did Sarah do it?

Sarah brainstormed at the kitchen table. If flashcards work for children, why couldn’t flashcards work for older people? She made sets of large cards with images of familiar scenes and objects from the 1940s. Popular with professional carers and families, these cards have sold thousands in Britain because they evoke old memories.

You don’t have to buy an England set because your local bookstore will have volumes of memorabilia by decade. Time-Life Books used to have great picture books. See what you can find in old magazines like Life and TThe Saturday Evening Post.

And while you’re out shopping, get music that you, Grandma and your friends can sing along to.

for more conversation Resources, Watch the Walls

Are Grandma’s walls covered in family photos? Is there a scrapbook? Ask Grandma and Grandpa to share stories about the people and places in the pictures. Knickknacks around the room can also start a good conversation. Is there a story about the family Bible, cutlery, a favorite hat? If you can’t find your wedding photos, show her some generic wedding photos and ask about her big day and honeymoon.

Bonus Tip: Conversation Topics Are All Around You

When visiting someone in their home, start a conversation about the pictures, art, and accessories in the room. You will be surprised at the responses you get.