Instead of hosting an activity, I observed my mentor and the techniques he used to host a 2 hour game of Hangman. Yes, it was very tedious at times, but altogether fun. My mentor had the residents choose topics and it was pretty hilarious watching the residents get active and participate. Whenever a new word was put on the board, Joe would ask for vowels and the residents would be shouting, "I...E...A...Y!" (Funny how they considered "Y" as a vowel.) The residents guessed words from numerous topics ranging from government, all the way to topics like traveling. At times they would give up, but in the end they always guessed the word.
I'll be seeing my mentor again next week and we discussed that I will host activities then.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tea Time
Today, I visited Aegis for 2 hours. I had a good time playing trivia, conversating, and serving tea and cookies.
My mentor was sidetracked and busy with residents and their doctor's appointments, so I worked with another activities director, Christina. I observed her communication styles and compared it to Joe, my mentor. Both of them incorporate compare and contrast examples into the activities to get residents thinking. After some time, I was able to lead the afternoon activity. I played trivia with the ladies. I was actually very shocked at how much they could remember. The trivia ranged from all sorts of subjects. We got into a very interesting conversation once we were on the topic of Government. Some of the ladies could remember off the top of their heads who they first voted for during their first presidential election. Again, it is amazing how far back their mind can take them even with the disease.
After trivia, I served tea and cookies to residents in the Assisted Living side. The ladies who I had been playing trivia with were so sweet and patient. They even complimented me on my serving skills. (I had to throw it out there that I currently work at In N Out Burger haha). Surprisingly enough, they knew what restaurant I was talking about. After helping everyone, I noticed that one of the women I had been playing trivia with was getting a little restless. She was complaining about not being catered to and she opened her tea bag and spilled all the herbs all over herself. The consierge then informed me that she was a new resident who had just moved in yesterday. She really isn't aware of what she's doing. It's very sad, but the only thing one can do is help them out.
It was an interesting visit today. I enjoyed it a lot and I think it had to do with the fact that I hosted the activity this time. Watching the residents is one thing, but actually communicating and having an open coversation with them is another. Hopefully I will be seeing them more often next week.
My mentor was sidetracked and busy with residents and their doctor's appointments, so I worked with another activities director, Christina. I observed her communication styles and compared it to Joe, my mentor. Both of them incorporate compare and contrast examples into the activities to get residents thinking. After some time, I was able to lead the afternoon activity. I played trivia with the ladies. I was actually very shocked at how much they could remember. The trivia ranged from all sorts of subjects. We got into a very interesting conversation once we were on the topic of Government. Some of the ladies could remember off the top of their heads who they first voted for during their first presidential election. Again, it is amazing how far back their mind can take them even with the disease.
After trivia, I served tea and cookies to residents in the Assisted Living side. The ladies who I had been playing trivia with were so sweet and patient. They even complimented me on my serving skills. (I had to throw it out there that I currently work at In N Out Burger haha). Surprisingly enough, they knew what restaurant I was talking about. After helping everyone, I noticed that one of the women I had been playing trivia with was getting a little restless. She was complaining about not being catered to and she opened her tea bag and spilled all the herbs all over herself. The consierge then informed me that she was a new resident who had just moved in yesterday. She really isn't aware of what she's doing. It's very sad, but the only thing one can do is help them out.
It was an interesting visit today. I enjoyed it a lot and I think it had to do with the fact that I hosted the activity this time. Watching the residents is one thing, but actually communicating and having an open coversation with them is another. Hopefully I will be seeing them more often next week.
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