1.) Provide a summary of the action you are planning and how are you going to start.
To start volunteering at care centers, my friend Valeriya and I are going to reach out to varying different types of care centers. We plan to choose a few primarily in our area, possibly some that are easy and convenient to show up to and email them. In said emails we will introduce ourselves, what we wish to achieve with them, how we plan to learn and help the caregivers or supporting staff. Hopefully, after reading they will allow us to work with them and we will we be able to start. Furthermore, we both expect not to be able to assist in clinic or care programs, as we are unexperienced and young, but we are prepared to help with social and recreational activities or operational roles. Such as helping in games like bingo, arts and crafts, board games, card games and music engagement.
2.) One lesson in the talk is that ‘Everything is complicated’. Please reflect on this and provide some examples to support your reflection. Can you explain some of the complexity that you will face in your action?
After listening to the interesting talk ‘The Elephant in the Room’ by Alison Stuart, I have realized that there will be some challenges in this action that we might face. First off, we understand that as people are complex and we will need to work around and adapt to many problems. For instance, some people might not enjoy playing games or some of the activities that they will encounter. Their reactions and character traits will differ, some will become timid, overjoyed or even angry. And we must aim to empathize and accommodate their individual needs making them feel comfortable and seen. Not only that, but there could be other challenges, like working with caregivers. When working with them we must understand the way function, fully taking into account their schedules, responsibilities, limitations and rules.
3.) Is this action sustainable? Provide some specific examples to support your reasoning.
From where I sit this action is totally sustainable and meant to last. In explanation, we plan to make strong relationships with care workers and the residents, creating a positive and happy vibe when we come to help. Also, as stated we are willing and mean to adapt when needed, meaning when problems come in the way we will stay flexible and continue to assist to the best of our capabilities. Additionally, when writing these updates in the blog posts we can understand what is going well and what needs to be changed. Overall furthering a good and stable future in volunteering in the care centers.
4.) Is this action providing opportunity? How will you ensure you are making the positive impact that you intend?
This action is providing a positive impact for everyone. In volunteering with people in care centers we will be able to help them and their care givers because we will be giving the extra hand to provide bigger care. In turn letting the residents get more help if needed and the attendants some extra time for themselves or harder and more important tasks that have been left unattended. On the other hand, this also provides a positive impact on us. We get to have our own experiences and view in health care. Helping us decide if we would want to choose this path in the future. Overall, our action leaves a positive traces for everyone!
