Date the Weekly Reflection was first submitted: 10/02/2019

Name: Sophia Sanchez

Nursing Home: North Florida Rehab and Specialty Care

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.

The first gentleman we visited was from Virginia. We talked about the weather differences more up north compared to Florida. One thing I thought was interesting is that he has been to Las Vegas for a nine-ball competition. We visited a woman next. She was sitting up in a chair waiting to get showered but mentioned how she had been waiting all day. She told us that she used to fish all the time because she grew up near a lake. She also got a perfect score in bowling before she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

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?

Since there were three of us in the room, we were able to keep conversation flowing pretty nicely. There were brief pauses, but someone would quickly think of a new topic to talk about. I enjoyed learning a little about the residents as well as the facility. Hearing different stories and opinions was an eye-opening experience .

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 comparable to the nursing homes I have visited before. The staff is usually busy, and the residents are often quiet at first. I did not see anything surprising or anything that made me uncomfortable. Listening to the memories and stories that the residents had to share made the experience enjoyable for me.

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 think I might be remembered by both of the residents we visited today. If they don't remember me my feelings would not be hurt. After all, it was only the first time speaking to them. I think seeing the residents laughing and smiling during our visit is proof that we are making a difference in their lives.