December 9, 2012
Yesterday there was a Christmas dinner for the residents and employees. A few residents were wearing Christmas sweaters (even though it was really hot outside) and wearing Santa hats and reindeer ears. I came in with my family and we met with the residents for a while before we ate dinner. One of the residents sat with us and he wanted to eat along with us, but his condition does not allow him to eat solid food. The nurses puree the food for him. After the dinner, gifts were handed out to the residents that nurses and other employees bought for them on behalf of the nursing home. In the end they had music playing and everyone was having a good time.
Around 7 pm, the night shift nurses started coming in and the residents had to get ready to go into their rooms.
Even though I've been volunteering here for a few years, I never volunteered during Christmas time. The nurses and the residents are like a family. One of the nurses brought her kids for the dinner and the kids were talking to the residents (I thought the kids were grandkids of one of the residents, but they aren't).
On a sad note, the nursing home is going through many legal issues, so I'm not sure if there are going to be other buyers or if it's going to be shutdown and the residents will be sent to other homes. Whoever will the new buyers I hope they are able to fix up the nursing home, because half of it is under construction, recruit more hospitals to send their patients here, and also have enough money to plan more activities for the residents.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Christmas Decorations
December 5, 2012
When I walked into the nursing home today, the nurses were really enthusiastic on seeing me, because they were putting up Christmas decorations. The nurses had already decorated some hallways, and I began by helping them decorate the dining hall. I brought the small Christmas tree and ornaments from their storage room and began decorating. The volunteer coordinator asked all the residents that were in the room to help me decorate the tree, but only a two residents helped. Then I helped put some lights up around the room. Two other volunteers were also setting up lights outside the nursing home.
It was kind of sad to see that the residents were not in a festive mood, while we were decorating but I could understand why. Most residents are leaving the week of Christmas for a few days to be with their families.
Since we gave our dementia presentation yesterday, I was looking out for symptoms. If a resident ignored me, I don't know if it was because they're just cranky or are they comprehending what I'm saying. One resident always introduces herself with her really long name every time I say hi to her. (I played dominoes with her previously, she was a little slow but was able to play fine.) Some residents I could tell obviously had dementia or a related disease, because when I asked questions like where they are from, they would say they don't remember. I'm not sure if confabulations are symptoms of dementia, but some residents made up really random stories. For example, one resident said her husband is waiting outside for her, and she wanted me to take her outside. When I couldn't open the door (since there was a code) she got really upset and just stood near the door. Another resident would speak, but she did not make any sense.
Anyway, I hope that every resident gets to go home for the holidays.
When I walked into the nursing home today, the nurses were really enthusiastic on seeing me, because they were putting up Christmas decorations. The nurses had already decorated some hallways, and I began by helping them decorate the dining hall. I brought the small Christmas tree and ornaments from their storage room and began decorating. The volunteer coordinator asked all the residents that were in the room to help me decorate the tree, but only a two residents helped. Then I helped put some lights up around the room. Two other volunteers were also setting up lights outside the nursing home.
It was kind of sad to see that the residents were not in a festive mood, while we were decorating but I could understand why. Most residents are leaving the week of Christmas for a few days to be with their families.
Since we gave our dementia presentation yesterday, I was looking out for symptoms. If a resident ignored me, I don't know if it was because they're just cranky or are they comprehending what I'm saying. One resident always introduces herself with her really long name every time I say hi to her. (I played dominoes with her previously, she was a little slow but was able to play fine.) Some residents I could tell obviously had dementia or a related disease, because when I asked questions like where they are from, they would say they don't remember. I'm not sure if confabulations are symptoms of dementia, but some residents made up really random stories. For example, one resident said her husband is waiting outside for her, and she wanted me to take her outside. When I couldn't open the door (since there was a code) she got really upset and just stood near the door. Another resident would speak, but she did not make any sense.
Anyway, I hope that every resident gets to go home for the holidays.
Friday, November 30, 2012
November 30th, 2012
November 30, 2012
Today I came at a very awkward time (2 pm), there was no one in the dining room. All the residents were either napping or just in their own room watching TV. First I went to find the head nurse to ask her what are the prevalent diseases are among the residents. She told me most have suffered from heart attack and strokes, and many deal with hypertension and diabetes. Others have Alzheimer's and some form dementia. At first I wanted to do the presentation over Alzheimer's but we found that it is very complicated and researchers still do not have a clear idea of how it occurs. I also asked the nurse if it was okay if I can take pictures of the residents, she said only with permission of the resident. Since most residents were not cognizant enough to make that decision, I'm not able to post any pictures.
The rest of the time, I saw a lady resident and she invited me into her room. We spent time talking about God and life, and other random things for an hour. We would have continued talking, but she had to be changed into new clothing because her nurse was leaving for the day. Before I left I checked the dining room again, and there was only one person who was sitting all by himself. So I went up to him and tried to talk to him, but he fell asleep as I was asking him how his has day been. :/
Next week is on Saturday night there is a Christmas dinner that I'm really looking forward to!
Today I came at a very awkward time (2 pm), there was no one in the dining room. All the residents were either napping or just in their own room watching TV. First I went to find the head nurse to ask her what are the prevalent diseases are among the residents. She told me most have suffered from heart attack and strokes, and many deal with hypertension and diabetes. Others have Alzheimer's and some form dementia. At first I wanted to do the presentation over Alzheimer's but we found that it is very complicated and researchers still do not have a clear idea of how it occurs. I also asked the nurse if it was okay if I can take pictures of the residents, she said only with permission of the resident. Since most residents were not cognizant enough to make that decision, I'm not able to post any pictures.
The rest of the time, I saw a lady resident and she invited me into her room. We spent time talking about God and life, and other random things for an hour. We would have continued talking, but she had to be changed into new clothing because her nurse was leaving for the day. Before I left I checked the dining room again, and there was only one person who was sitting all by himself. So I went up to him and tried to talk to him, but he fell asleep as I was asking him how his has day been. :/
Next week is on Saturday night there is a Christmas dinner that I'm really looking forward to!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving
November 21, 2012
I've been really busy with medical school interviews, with three back to back. But it's been great interviewing at so many schools, and at every school I notice that all the students are really united and the faculty is very helpful. Everyone helps each other study and share notes and I didn't sense a competitive environment at all. I'm really looking forward to studying with people who have the same goals in life as I do and know that I won't be by myself when I laboriously study long hours.
It's been a while since I last volunteered, but I chose the perfect day to come back. When I first arrived there was preacher talking to all the residents, and then they had a thanksgiving party. Some relatives of the resident brought homemade food and various desserts and I helped serve the residents ham and cheese sandwiches and cake. Even for those residents who could not eat solid food, the nurses made puree and mashed potatoes so he can enjoy with the rest of the people. Before they ate, the coordinator said a little prayer and a brief history of Thanksgiving and she went around each table asking what everyone is thankful for. There were some bitter residents who replied that they weren't thankful for anything, but some really jolly residents who said they were thankful for their families and living this long. It was a really happy time, many family members came, and all the nurses joined to eat while Christmas music played in the background.
I've been really busy with medical school interviews, with three back to back. But it's been great interviewing at so many schools, and at every school I notice that all the students are really united and the faculty is very helpful. Everyone helps each other study and share notes and I didn't sense a competitive environment at all. I'm really looking forward to studying with people who have the same goals in life as I do and know that I won't be by myself when I laboriously study long hours.
It's been a while since I last volunteered, but I chose the perfect day to come back. When I first arrived there was preacher talking to all the residents, and then they had a thanksgiving party. Some relatives of the resident brought homemade food and various desserts and I helped serve the residents ham and cheese sandwiches and cake. Even for those residents who could not eat solid food, the nurses made puree and mashed potatoes so he can enjoy with the rest of the people. Before they ate, the coordinator said a little prayer and a brief history of Thanksgiving and she went around each table asking what everyone is thankful for. There were some bitter residents who replied that they weren't thankful for anything, but some really jolly residents who said they were thankful for their families and living this long. It was a really happy time, many family members came, and all the nurses joined to eat while Christmas music played in the background.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Saturday 20, 2012
Yesterday I learned how to play dominos with a few residents. I felt like I was playing with children because the residents were arguing with each other about who's turn it is. One resident insisted that he keeps score and he cheated! He wrote down the wrong scores giving himself of course the highest score. It was just surprising how they argued like children and I would be the one trying to make them understand. Mr. Porter, the resident who cheated, would also get very irritated if someone took long in their turn. The nursing home is also a rehab center so many of the residents have gone debilitating conditions and are recovering. Many of the residents are not in the right state of mind, and when they speak to me and ask me questions, I don't understand what they are saying. I just respond by saying "Yeah" or "okay", and they get really upset with me.
I'm not afraid of getting old, but when I'm a senior citizen I'm afraid of becoming mentally ill and becoming physically dependent on others. Since I usually come in after they have lunch, one lady was sitting on the table with an empty plate and she was tapping the plate on the table continuously and when I looked at her few minutes later she was tapping her glass against her plate. Every time I looked over she would be tapping something against the table. Of course I know I won't be able to do everything that I can now, but not being able to eat or use the restroom on my own scares me. The resident who likes to sing along to Elvis Presley, I saw him cleaning up the floor with his hands, I tried helping him by bringing a broom, but he didn't want me to sweep, he wanted the trash in his hands. Another resident who had a stroke is paralyzed from her legs down, and when she was slipping off her wheelchair she yelled for the nurses, she relied on the nurses for everything. The residents who are mentally healthy, just sat in their chairs quietly and not really interacting much.
I am getting permission from the head of the nursing home in order to take pictures of the residents, so I can post them. :)
Yesterday I learned how to play dominos with a few residents. I felt like I was playing with children because the residents were arguing with each other about who's turn it is. One resident insisted that he keeps score and he cheated! He wrote down the wrong scores giving himself of course the highest score. It was just surprising how they argued like children and I would be the one trying to make them understand. Mr. Porter, the resident who cheated, would also get very irritated if someone took long in their turn. The nursing home is also a rehab center so many of the residents have gone debilitating conditions and are recovering. Many of the residents are not in the right state of mind, and when they speak to me and ask me questions, I don't understand what they are saying. I just respond by saying "Yeah" or "okay", and they get really upset with me.
I'm not afraid of getting old, but when I'm a senior citizen I'm afraid of becoming mentally ill and becoming physically dependent on others. Since I usually come in after they have lunch, one lady was sitting on the table with an empty plate and she was tapping the plate on the table continuously and when I looked at her few minutes later she was tapping her glass against her plate. Every time I looked over she would be tapping something against the table. Of course I know I won't be able to do everything that I can now, but not being able to eat or use the restroom on my own scares me. The resident who likes to sing along to Elvis Presley, I saw him cleaning up the floor with his hands, I tried helping him by bringing a broom, but he didn't want me to sweep, he wanted the trash in his hands. Another resident who had a stroke is paralyzed from her legs down, and when she was slipping off her wheelchair she yelled for the nurses, she relied on the nurses for everything. The residents who are mentally healthy, just sat in their chairs quietly and not really interacting much.
I am getting permission from the head of the nursing home in order to take pictures of the residents, so I can post them. :)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
I really wish I knew how to speak Spanish, because I sat with five residents who only spoke Spanish. I can ask simple questions like "How are you, how many kids do have?" but when they started speaking I couldn't understand and sadly I had to tell them that I didn't speak Spanish. I spent a lot of time yesterday, about three hours since we didn't have seminar. When I came, the residents were eating lunch. So I helped the nurses get the residents cleaned up. After that the activities director suggested that I take some residents outside on the patio, and we listened to music. One resident was so cute, he sang along to all the Elvis Presley songs and danced in his chair.
There is a pecan tree in the patio, so I served them pecans. I noticed many residents had very dry and flaky skin on the arms and legs. The aging skin is loses ability to retain moisture and results in dry thin skin. They also produce less collagen and keratin, which makes the skin easy to tear.
My cousin (the owners of the nursing home) also said are looking into opening an Alzheimer's unit, I'm really looking forward to that because there is so much research being done to study this disorder.
I took a picture of the calendar of events, unfortunately there are no activities planned for the time that I come, but the event coordinator said I can always read or just talk to the resident sort of what I did yesterday.
I really wish I knew how to speak Spanish, because I sat with five residents who only spoke Spanish. I can ask simple questions like "How are you, how many kids do have?" but when they started speaking I couldn't understand and sadly I had to tell them that I didn't speak Spanish. I spent a lot of time yesterday, about three hours since we didn't have seminar. When I came, the residents were eating lunch. So I helped the nurses get the residents cleaned up. After that the activities director suggested that I take some residents outside on the patio, and we listened to music. One resident was so cute, he sang along to all the Elvis Presley songs and danced in his chair.
There is a pecan tree in the patio, so I served them pecans. I noticed many residents had very dry and flaky skin on the arms and legs. The aging skin is loses ability to retain moisture and results in dry thin skin. They also produce less collagen and keratin, which makes the skin easy to tear.
My cousin (the owners of the nursing home) also said are looking into opening an Alzheimer's unit, I'm really looking forward to that because there is so much research being done to study this disorder.
I took a picture of the calendar of events, unfortunately there are no activities planned for the time that I come, but the event coordinator said I can always read or just talk to the resident sort of what I did yesterday.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
October 5, 2012
Yesterday I sat down with the event coordinator and planned out activities for the residents. They usually wake up in the mornings around 7 am. On some mornings some church groups come in to sing or read to the residents. Then they have lunch at 11. This is the time I usually come in on Fridays, but many of them take a nap right after lunch. For the residents who don't nap, we planned to have some small activities like watch a movie, or reading. Every other Friday they will play Bingo with them in which they win prizes. The event coordinator told me I can go shop around for their prizes for things like blankets and for the women small earrings or new nail polish colors. I was thinking about buying some plants to put in front of the nursing home, because there is only grass and no flowers in the front, especially since one resident loves garden, but he doesn't speak any English so it was difficult for me to communicate with him. The nursing home is not in a attractive location, so maybe some garden work will help the place look more homely.
NEW ERA NURSING & REHAB LLC
Yesterday I sat down with the event coordinator and planned out activities for the residents. They usually wake up in the mornings around 7 am. On some mornings some church groups come in to sing or read to the residents. Then they have lunch at 11. This is the time I usually come in on Fridays, but many of them take a nap right after lunch. For the residents who don't nap, we planned to have some small activities like watch a movie, or reading. Every other Friday they will play Bingo with them in which they win prizes. The event coordinator told me I can go shop around for their prizes for things like blankets and for the women small earrings or new nail polish colors. I was thinking about buying some plants to put in front of the nursing home, because there is only grass and no flowers in the front, especially since one resident loves garden, but he doesn't speak any English so it was difficult for me to communicate with him. The nursing home is not in a attractive location, so maybe some garden work will help the place look more homely.
NEW ERA NURSING & REHAB LLC
Saturday, September 29, 2012
September 30, 2012
I really do not want to get into the personal lives of any resident, but today one lady she would always talk about her sons. Later I found out from one of the nurses that her sons don't live in Houston, so they rarely come and visit. I was really upset at her sons, I could not even imagine not seeing my parents for years.
I noticed that the nursing home does not have many activities for the resident other than BINGO, so some residents just roam around having conversations with nurses or watch TV. I'm going to ask the even coordinator to plan more activities for them. I remember when I was in high school over summer breaks, when I used to get very bored staying home all day, I can only imagine what the residents do inside the nursing home, when they don't even get to go outside without a nurse. My schedule is so busy throughout the week mainly with school and work, but these residents don't have anything to do. One lady, Ms. Rachel asked what I did last weekend, and I hadn't realized that I did not volunteer last week. When she asked me, I noticed that she really looks forward to when I come and visit, not only me but also a church group that visits on Wednesdays.
This nursing home is on the verge of shutting down, because they did keep up with some requirements and a lot of legal issues, but I really hope, all the residents find a better nursing home where there are more people visiting and more activities planned.
I noticed that the nursing home does not have many activities for the resident other than BINGO, so some residents just roam around having conversations with nurses or watch TV. I'm going to ask the even coordinator to plan more activities for them. I remember when I was in high school over summer breaks, when I used to get very bored staying home all day, I can only imagine what the residents do inside the nursing home, when they don't even get to go outside without a nurse. My schedule is so busy throughout the week mainly with school and work, but these residents don't have anything to do. One lady, Ms. Rachel asked what I did last weekend, and I hadn't realized that I did not volunteer last week. When she asked me, I noticed that she really looks forward to when I come and visit, not only me but also a church group that visits on Wednesdays.
This nursing home is on the verge of shutting down, because they did keep up with some requirements and a lot of legal issues, but I really hope, all the residents find a better nursing home where there are more people visiting and more activities planned.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
New Era Nursing Home
The nursing home that I volunteer is undergoing an audit, so I mainly helped the nurses and managers with filing paperwork. It is also undergoing some construction to make more rooms for more residents so currently there are only about 30 residents. Whenever I volunteer I make sure to visit one resident who is the sweetest lady, I have been telling her about my classes since I was a freshman when Dr. Simmons had us do a service learning project in Gen Bio II. This lady had stroke nine years ago and is paralyzed from the waist down and left half of her body, but she does not let that stop her from venturing out of the nursing home. When I went in yesterday she wanted to go eat snow cones from an ice cream truck, but since it was raining we could not take her electric wheelchair outside. Until the audit, I think I will be busy with organizing the files of the nursing home, but I'd much rather spend time with the residents.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Orientation
September 8, 2012
This week I went to orientation at the Healthcare for the Homeless. The coordinator was very welcoming and gave us a tour of the building which consisted of a medical and dental clinic. They shared the building with another organization called SEARCH which provides single-night shelter and food for the homeless. She also gave a brief overview of what types of tasks we will perform while we volunteer, which were mainly helping patients at the front desk filling out their paperwork because many patients are diagnosed with mental illnesses or do not know how to read or write. Sometimes we may also be able to shadow the doctor, which what I'm looking forward to most. After learning the important information about the clinic, I was hoping to start volunteering fairly soon, but the coordinator notified that they have no available slots currently. She did say to keep checking my email in case anything opens up. Due to the unavailability at Healthcare for Homeless, I may continue to volunteer at an under served nursing home which I've been volunteering for the past three years. New Era Nursing Home houses patients that are covered by Medicaid.
This week I went to orientation at the Healthcare for the Homeless. The coordinator was very welcoming and gave us a tour of the building which consisted of a medical and dental clinic. They shared the building with another organization called SEARCH which provides single-night shelter and food for the homeless. She also gave a brief overview of what types of tasks we will perform while we volunteer, which were mainly helping patients at the front desk filling out their paperwork because many patients are diagnosed with mental illnesses or do not know how to read or write. Sometimes we may also be able to shadow the doctor, which what I'm looking forward to most. After learning the important information about the clinic, I was hoping to start volunteering fairly soon, but the coordinator notified that they have no available slots currently. She did say to keep checking my email in case anything opens up. Due to the unavailability at Healthcare for Homeless, I may continue to volunteer at an under served nursing home which I've been volunteering for the past three years. New Era Nursing Home houses patients that are covered by Medicaid.
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