So How do I get my residents to come and spend time with me. Often people are unaware of what you are asking them to do. Imagine if you did not know the person or at least not very well (how people with dementia often see us) and they are very enthusiastically encouraging you to go with them somewhere. This can be scary for anyone.
This is an opportunity to use your approaching skills. Remember to introduce yourself. Make the eye contact. Make some open ended statements. But be ready for this person to become despondent and say no. When this happens try a trick that I have often found to be successful.
"How about we try this activity and if you don't like it you can come back"
This is giving the opportunity for the person to have a choice to come back and at least try the activity.
Another trick is to get other residents around the despondent person that you know are very likely to say yes. This is offering a positive atmosphere for the person to believe that others are doing this activity so it could be a good thing to do.
Keep in mind that you will want to keep this person feeling safe and secure during the activity. Offer assurance that if they wish to leave they can. Or perhaps they can be passive in the group but still be present in the moment.
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