Rockingham's facilities are second to none.  As we are located on the seaside, our residents have an open, airy and bright communal facility, as well as comfortable, home-like accommodation.  There's lots of areas for you and your resident to engage in conversation, activities and shared meals.

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• Be a good listener - be interested and responsive, even to stories you may have heard before.
• Read alound if you think the resident would be interested.  Choose items you think will appeal to them.
• Talk about the news of the day.  Try and help the resident retain an interest in community affairs.
• Encourage your resident to reminisce.  This is a good mental exercise and usually a happy experience for the resident.
• If you are visiting the hostel, ask the staff if it is convenient to visit the resident at that time.
• If you wish to bring something for your resident, make sure it is appropriate.
• Encourage interest and pride in personal appearance and the environment.
• Take time to play simple games - cards, dominoes, scrabble etc (if that is what the resident would like to do).
• If you are visiting a sight impaired resident, say who you are and describe things to the person, for example, what you and they are wearing.
• Be sensitive to the concentration span capacity of your resident - older people often tire quickly.
• If a resident speaks sharply or finds fault with you, the staff or their families, do not take it personally.  Remember, they often not vent their frustrations in other ways.

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