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  • DUC Service-Learning Program

  • Dominican University of California

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    Senior Access

    For my second day at Senior Access, I was able to talk more members. During the morning Coffee Social, I briefly spoke with some women about their pets at home, and then one woman began to worry about her dog. Even though an assistant and I reassured her that her dog was safe at home, she did not trust us. This anxiety over her pet affected her mood intensely. I did my best to reassure her that everything was okay, and tried to change the subject, but she was quite sad and told me she no longer felt like talking. I respected her and gave her some space.

    One of the assistants told me that this happens sometimes. She also said that I should not take such occasions personally, as this is a result of their disease, and that she would forget about it soon. Sure enough, the same sad woman was smiling and chatting once the usual Tai Chi class got started.

    It was painful to see how much distress the woman was in over her beloved pet. This experience gave me a new perspective on those who suffer from dementia/ Alzheimer's as those patients can feel so happy in one moment, anxious next, and then go back to being happy like nothing happened- because to them, nothing did happen.

    Gave 2.00 hours on 09/22/2014 with Senior Access
    GivePulse profile picture of Bonnie Howe Bonnie Howe  9 years ago
    I'm glad that the staff person / assistant could interpret this woman's anxiety for you. Even though the woman quickly cycled between anxiety and being happy or calm, you saw that this is an aspect of the suffering of Alzheimer's pts. And to be with them as this happens also draws you into the suffering. It IS suffering. Do you sense that you are still willing to be present with them in that kind of suffering, even though it is painful for YOU as well, at some level? That is, it is unsettling to witness this kind of confusion and an empathic person can't help but pick up on the other person's anxiety. But then it is the Other who is truly anxious -- not you. You can be the steady one who helps her redirect her thoughts and attention. Then that is when you begin to practice the moral art of medicine.
    Senior Access

    This was my first time at Senior Access, and I was rather apprehensive because I wasn't too sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw and experienced.
    I first had a short orientation with Michelle, who educated me about the program and what I would do as a volunteer. On this first day, I had minimal contact with the members because Amy, the Activities Director, had me doing organizing some files and doing other simple tasks for her. When I did get to socialize with the members, I engaged in small talk and noticed that just a little bit of human interaction can go a long way with these members. One woman, loved to talk. She talked about everything from her dog to her husband- almost non-stop. I was satisfied with my first experience, and looked forward to going back with the hope of getting more opportunities to talk to the members.

    Gave 2.00 hours on 09/15/2014 with Senior Access