Date the Weekly Reflection was first submitted: 01/19/2020
Name: Lauren Kilburn
Nursing Home: Signature Health Care Center
Date of visit:
Length of visit: 1
1. Tell us the names of the nursing home residents you visited, and in a few sentences describe one interesting thing that you learned about each.
I visited Mrs. Fiore and I learned that she worked at a naval shipyard in Connecticut. She told us a story about touring a submarine and going underwater in the sub.
2. During your visit with these residents, did you run out of things to talk about? If so, how did this silence make you feel? What were some of the highlights of your visit?
I did not run out of things to talk about with the residents because I stayed with the group while visiting. A highlight of the visit was meeting the other volunteers, all of whom were very welcoming and friendly.
3. In a few sentences, describe the atmosphere at the nursing home. Did you see anything that you found surprising? Was there anything that happened that made you uncomfortable? What things helped the experience to be enjoyable?
The atmosphere of the nursing home was very quiet and slow-paced, as many residents were preparing to go to bed after dinner. I did not notice anything particularly uncomfortable or surprising, although the nursing home appeared more run-down than I expected. The experience was made more enjoyable by the staff who all seemed friendly and by the other volunteers who showed us around.
4. Do you think you’ll be remembered by any of the residents next week? If not, does that bother you? What things help you to know you are making a difference whether or not you are remembered?
I probably will not be remembered by the residents next week because I was only there for an hour and it was my first visit. It does not bother me because I understand that it will take time before that happens. I know I am making a difference if it seems like the residents are enjoying talking, regardless of if they remember me. Seeing how familiar the residents are with the other volunteers shows how much of a difference visiting can make, it just takes time to form a connection.