Volunteer trip # 2

Yesterday, 4/25, I went for my second day at the Sunrise Facility (it actually just switched its name because Sunrise was bought out by another company) On this day I worked in the Reminiscence area the entire time. The activities coordinator did not waste any time putting me to work; when I first got there it was lunch time so they had me help feed one resident who had trouble feeding herself. At first I was somewhat nervous because I walked into the eating area and they right away said "oh you can help feed Mrs. Smith" (alias name to protect the old and famous) So I just sat down and started feeding. I observed what the other helpers were doing, and tried to do the same. It is hard to communicate with these residents, so it was hard to determine if I was feeding her too fast, too slow, or just right. I made it a point to always have physical contact with her, touching her arm in between bites, just to form a connection. I know all people, no matter age, like being touched.

After feeding, the assistant coordinator and I found cookies to bake and gathered as many Reminiscence residents as we could to partake in activities. We had some help with baking cookies and putting cookie dough on the cooking sheets. We started watching The Wizard of Oz, and I painted one woman's fingernails while watching. We decided after a bit to turn the movie off and have karaoke and singing time. It was a lot of fun-and amusing because we all couldn't sing, but all did so at the top of our lungs.

This day was full and left me somewhat tired after. I realize in this area of the facility you must maintain a level of energy to keep the residents involved and engaged. It can be somewhat draining on my own energy, but definitely worth while in the end. Today was a fun day, and I feel I made connections with some residents. I also helped the new activities coordinator (her second day) so that was nice too.

Upon leaving it was sad because while I was saying my good-bye's, one women screamed 'get me out of here. I hate it here.' I told her I could not as this was her home, and again she screamed 'this is not my home, get me out of here.' It is sad because I see that the workers try to engage all residents, but some still are very sad and dissatisfied with their situation. I can actually feel Alzheimer's in the air.

Kaitlyn