She joined our Chair Chi exercise session circle after it started and said, ‘I’ll just watch’, sat down, crossed her feet, folded her arms and just stared at me.
All I said was, ‘you are welcome to join in’ and continued on teaching the other aged care residents.
I cracked a joke, which I sometimes do, and she cracked a smile with the other residents. After she smiled she started to make a small effort to participate which was encouraging.