Elder interview methods and insights

Elder Interview

INTERVIEWING FORMAT

Place of Meeting: In the elder house.

Identify one communication barrier: The participant indicated that she has suffered two strokes in recent years. Although her speech is clear, she did indicate that at times she has difficulty remembering and that I may need to give her time to fully understand a question.

Describe your perspective of the client's response to the interview: I was happy that she was so alert and receptive to helping me with this project.

State any practical pointers you utilized when communicating with your client: I explained the basis for the interview, thanking her for her time. I spoke slowly and asked for her understanding after every few sentences so that I could gauge how well she comprehended the questions and also establish the best pace for conducting the interview.

CHILDHOOD GROWING UP:

What is your first memory from your childhood? I grew up in Mississippi in the 50s. My mother took in laundry when I was a child. I always remember sheets blowing in the wind while I ran and played outside with my sisters and brothers.

2. What is your most vivid historical memory? I remember the day schools were desegregated. That was a big deal. Some people were angry, others were happy. I will never forget it.

3. What did your parents make you do that you hated doing? I was the oldest so I had to watch my 7 sisters and 2 brothers all the time. I never got a break from helping with the little ones.

4. What did you use to do in the evening? My father played guitar so we would clean up after dinner and listen to him play and sing. We finally got a radio one day, but when I was little we didn't own a radio or a television. We made our own entertainment until bedtime.

5. What do you remember about going to school? School was a long way away. My parents wanted us to go, but because I was the oldest child I had to stay home a lot to help out. I always wished I could have gone to school more. I liked to read.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD:

1. What was life like as a young adult who was dating? What kinds of things did you do on a date? We called it "courting" back in those days. My momma would let boys come see us when we were teens, but she would make us sit on the couch and adjust her dresser mirror so she could watch us from her room. My first real date was to the picture show. I remember asking for ice cream and my date brought me all kinds of things instead -- cookies, candy, and popcorn. A year later we were married. We were both 19.