What should caregivers bring for companionship for 97 year old?

Watch TV together. Chat about whatever she wants to talk about, if she wants to talk at all. If I were a 97-year-old patient, the last thing I'd want is Miss Sparklepants putting on a dog-and-pony show. As for a professional sitter, I'd expect them to perhaps make a sandwich for both of us from things in the house and put the plates in the dishwasher. No heavy chores, just sit and be with the patient.

It’s not up to bring anything. That is up to you.

Happy, are you the caregiver?

I do companion sitting as a volunteer and the 1st meeting with the family always includes questions about what can I do to entertain their loved one. The families provide everything that their loved one enjoys, whether that is games, puzzles, cards, etc.

They also have everything, food and drink wise, prepared for me to serve to their LO. Volunteers do NOT do anything but companion sitting and serving premade items. I imagine that paid companion sitters might be required to do something else but, I can't think of what.

Me, I only bring what I want to drink. I feel odd accepting anything that costs money from families that need volunteers.

Can you tell us if this is for you as a caregiver or for people you are hiring?

If you are talking about a hired caregiver like an aide, they do not bring a bag of tricks. Anything they need should be supplied by the client. If competent, the client can express what they would like to do. If Dementia is involved not too much an aide can do with them. Maybe take the client for ride or a walk. Sit them outside with some music going. Its hard to entertain someone with Dementia.

Personally, I am not an entertainer. My Mom did not play cards, games or put together puzzles before her Dementia so wasn't going to happen after the Dementia. Short-term memory loss makes it hard to learn something new and retain it.

Those TV commercials where you see the client and the aide having a good old time is not the reality of caregiving. Like said, you need to give the aide ideas what the client likes and expects. Like people in general, aides are different.

I am sure you have things around the house that will help occupy your 97 year old.
Most caregivers do not travel with a "bag of tricks" meant to entertain.
What care are you expecting them to do or is the caregiver strictly for companionship. How long will they be with your 97 year old? (will they give lunch, will they be taking care of toileting duties, will they be doing light housecleaning???)
but things to do:
Cards, board games, Art projects (coloring, painting,..) Go for a walk. Just sit and talk. Music.
What does this 97 year old like to do? A good caregiver will take cues from the person they are caring for.
And you do not mention cognition of this 97 year old. That plays a big part in what can be done.
If the 97 year old is able to get out maybe an Adult Day Program might be an option.
There is no info on your profile or your question to give an idea as to what you are actually looking for in a caregiver. A little more info might help garner a better answer.