1.) Where are you with your action?
So far, in our action we have been able to tour The Madison and get an introductory of how things work and what we will be able to do. To add some context, in The Madison there is around 6-8 different neighborhoods spread across three floors, each separated into categories with different difficulties, like memory. We have met many different volunteers like us, workers and nurses that have shown us the ropes, and we hope to continue volunteering even after finishing this action. Thus far, we plan to volunteer Tuesdays and weekends to help with different recreational games like bingo and talking to the residents that don’t have many visitors. In doing these tasks, we hope to bring a smile to the members faces and providing a positive environment to everyone around.
2.) What are some successes that you have had? What are some challenges that you have faced?
In doing this project we’ve faced a few challenges, but overcame them. Notably, we have had some communication issues and that carried over to the current days. We were set to start last Tuesday, May 12, at around 3:30. Valeriya and I arrived on time and were able to locate everything smoothly, but unable to find the manager, Kathleen. We waited in the lobby area for around an hour until other staff members were finally able to locate her. This caused us some stress because we were in the dark and lost, scared if our communication was wrong and we were wasting everyones’ time. Furthermore, something hard that we faced is getting familiar with customs and rules in their handbook. Some of their regulations and some general ones were to be calm, respect privacy, don’t assume, don’t gossip, wear modest clothes and closed-toed shoes and don’t accept gifts (1).
3.) What are you doing next and why?
To continue this project we plan to ask some questions and games or activities to entertain the residents. For instance, we want to ask open ended questions that the occupants will feel comfortable with and entertained by like: Do you enjoy reading? What kinds of books? If you could eat one food forever, what would it be? What’s your favorite holiday? etc. We want to be light hearted and deviate from sad questions. In addition, we will help out with group games like bingo or trivia assisting when residents become confused or tired. Equally, we want to prepare games like puzzles, jigsaw, crossword and card games, something fun and easy to do and understand. Also, we want to bring activities like books to read to them, or drawing.
Source(s):
