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!
Friday, November 30, 2012
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.
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