Volunteering is important wherever you are in life because it gives a sense of giving back to the community as well as worldwide. It gives you a feeling of accomplishing and making a change whether it be something small or big. I volunteered at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Normal, IL. I had never really worked with patients that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or different cases of Dementia before. I was walking into this care center open minded and ready to take on any challenges and just enjoy my time there to be able to get the most out of this experience.
The sector was focused on senior perspective. I enjoyed this experience greatly because it was very eye opening. Throughout the day, I was in the activity room with all the patients and they had an itinerary for their entire day to keep them busy and active. I helped organize the arts and crafts with the worker and distributed them out. She had me take the age range on the arts and crafts off because she said some may take offense if they noticed it was for 2-6 years old’s. One thing that all the patient’s did enjoy was playing trivia. I had a book that had a variety of categories to choose from for example there was one about riddles. For example I would read “What came first, the chicken or the (blank).” They all screamed out egg, which made me laugh because they were all so exited to answer. There was also topics that I would ask “What are some things you would keep in your purse/wallet?” Many of them said debit/credit cards, cash, ID, etc. which were all right, but I got the answer of debit/credit cards about 10 times within the span of 3-4 minutes. All you can really do is say good job and let them know their answer was good. At first I thought this was all just to keep them busy and not be bored because they are their 24/7, but then I realized it was more than that. The purpose for doing these activities was to keep their minds active and thinking constantly.
From when I first walked in, I noticed the building was very secure and kept very organized. I was able to get a tour once I was buzzed into the space. The lady told me that the layout of the senior living home was based on how far along in the stages the patients were. They kept those who needed more assistance in the back and those who could move around independently in the front. They had a sun room, dining area, quiet room, activity room, and movie room, they had a variety of things for them to do. Depending on where the patients were they would need to be wheeled into the room or lunch/dinner etc. There were a handful of workers walking around and assisting those to the bathroom, etc. I did notice some of the patients as the workers if they were staying over night or if someone else would be coming in, so they have workers all around the clock.
Through this experience, I really learned to not take anything for granted. I always try to visit my family in Mexico, and I like to live in the moment and enjoy the time I have with them because as sad as it sounds, you never know if it could be your last time being with a loved one. There was this lady who was so shocked when her son who was probably in his 40’s come visit her, she even asked him if there was a special occasion or something, and her son answered no. When this happened, I got to thinking how many family members actually come visit the patients here at the care center. Another lady got upset and started yelling out “get me out of here, I can’t stay here anymore” because the lady visiting her was leaving. I definitely feel a lot of people here stories. but never actually see it first hand and it is hard to see, and deal with.
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