Working with the elderlyHello, my name is Hannah Blume and I am a psychology major at Portland State University. I'm a senior here, starting the long journey to becoming a licensed mental health counselor. This summer I wanted to find a job that was relevant to my interest in helping people. Knowing the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard to find a job where I would be working with people. After some doubts and heartache, I decided working at a nursing facility would provide some much needed support during this crisis. So I began working as an activity aide at a local skilled nursing facility.
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COvid 19 challenges |
Seeing the challenges that nursing home residents face from the inside has been difficult. Our residents haven't visited with their family in person for nine months. They are discouraged from roaming the hallways, and group activities are postponed. There are no more scheduled outings, no more Thanksgiving and Christmas visits in the dining room, no more crafts in the activity room, piano music in the dining hall, or bingo to gather everyone together. We had one wave of COVID in the facility for about a month, which was scary and tragic for residents, families and employees. But I am thankful that it has passed and hopeful that we won't suffer another wave as cases have risen this Winter.
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what i do |
Since caregivers take care of the resident's physical needs, we as activity aides help take care of the resident's emotional needs. My job would normally consist of hosting group activites like crafts, games and weekly outings. Currently, I walk from room to room chatting with our residents, and asking if they need anything. I deliver coloring pages and word puzzles to those who like them, and encourage alternate individual craft projects. We play movies and comedy shows, and we have musicians who play outside the window, them holding a microphone outside, me holding a speaker from inside. My favorite part of this job is the one on one conversations, vital, as not everyone has friends or family to talk with on the phone. Having someone to talk to in the facility is important to instill trust and friendship, and to buffer feelings of loneliness. Overall, I am hopeful that we will get back to functioning normally within several months and we can resume the activities everyone has been waiting for since quarantine began.
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SOme much needed cheer |
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I make cards and sticky notes for those who need some cheering up, for Birthdays, and the holidays! They are a fun way to bring positivity back when people are feeling lonely, scared or isolated.
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