My Volunteer Experience at a Nursing Home :: Community Service, Service Learning

Up until a few years agone I never thought that one of my grandparents would be in a nursing home. I had always been lucky to ache them healthy. However, this changed about a year ago when my grandfather had a mini-stroke, which caused him to require extra financial aid my grandmother could not provide. Watching my family deal with my grandfather make me cognizant of the care and services the elderly need and has made me realize how alpha it is to volunteer at a local nursing home.My grandfathers stroke touch his legs and his memory, which made it difficult for him to walk. My grandfather first used a cane, besides his legs became too weak, so he tried a walker, but this lasted further a month. Not only could he not walk or take care of himself, but likewise he began to incumbrance up at night and fall out of bed.My family started looking into nursing homes. It took us weeks in the first place finally deciding. Unfortunately he will nurse to stay there until he improves, bo th mentally and physically.Since summer I have volunteered at his nursing home because I saw how lonely any(prenominal) of the residents were. I volunteered two days a week during the summer, which I have continued. I have learned many things about nursing homes and the factors to trust when choosing one, including the residents quality of life, the care received, the environment surrounding them, and the nursing homes payment policy.I have been working with the recreation director, who plans activities for the residents. I have painted the womens nails and read them letters from their children. Also, I have helped with special days like grouch Cream Day, Summer Picnic Day, and Clown Around Day. For each we fashion special word scrambles. I also have taken patients for walks. We also have birthday parties and exercise days.Through my volunteering I have made a new friend - Irene. She has family, but they live faraway and cannot stick to visit often. Our friendship grew through the summer. She grew up in Shelton and lived in Milford before she came to the home. She has two sons who seldom visit. Her grandchildren, however, do visit every weekend.