Adopt-a-Grandparent Program
A program of Macalester-Groveland Seniors

1. Play records, tapes, CD’s, especially old-time and sing-along. You could check out some from the library.

2. Read aloud. Try the daily newspaper, classic books, letters they have received from the past and present, and general mail.

3. Play checkers, chess, scrabble, etc.

4. Look through their photo albums and bring your own.

5. Talk a stroll outside, this might include pushing the senior in their wheelchair, escorting them with your arm, etc.

6. Do a puzzle together.

7. Make food together, a snack or a meal. You could eat together or help them wrap it up for a later time.

8. Help them with a task – i.e. putting batteries in a flashlight, check their smoke alarms, open mail, etc.

9. Sit outside in the sun or clouds or wind, etc.

10. Watch TV or a movie together. Talk about it afterwards.

11. Tell them about your life.

12. Ask them about their life.

13. Sort out a drawer, match their socks, and fold their laundry.

14. Plant an indoor garden.

15. Write a letter to a friend or relative for them.

16. Write a thank you note to others for them.

17. Help them pick out presents for loved ones. Wrap the presents.

18. Sort their recycling.

19. Clip coupons for them.

20. If you play an instrument, bring it along and play. If they play an instrument, encourage them to get it out and play for you.

21. Help them with their exercises. Get motivated together.

22. Ask them about a historical period of time. Ask them about the streetcar that ran down St. Clair Ave. Ask them about going to dances. Ask them how they met their spouse or partner. Ask them about school days. Ask them about how the neighborhood has changed. Ask them…

23. Go to a local coffee shop together.

24. Help them with their exercises. Get motivated together.

Located at 117 Lampert, Macalester College
Mary Hayes, Volunteer Coordinator, mary@macgroveseniors.org ext. 6882