Date the Weekly Reflection was first submitted: 02/03/2020

Name: Josie Kilburn

Nursing Home: Signature Health Care Center

Date of visit:

Length of visit: 1

1. The reading for this week talked about being present with the people we are visiting at the nursing home. Being present means we leave our troubles behind, we don’t look at our watch or phone every few minutes, and we listen like a true friend. Is it difficult for you to be present with those at the nursing home? In what way could you improve?

If the residents are in a good mood, I don't find it difficult to be present because I enjoy engaging in conversation with them and listening to what they have to say. I actually find that the time passes pretty quickly when we go visit.

2. Have you met a resident or residents that you plan to visit weekly yet? If so, what has helped you to connect to them so far?

I feel most connected to the residents who like to talk about their families and their pasts. There are a couple of residents that I would like to visit again, but I'm still trying to establish more of a bond.

3. Are you able to relax while you visit people at the nursing home, or is it still somewhat scary or uncomfortable? (Be honest — most volunteers tell us it took them 4 or more weeks until they truly felt at ease.)

I realized that I still don't feel comfortable going off by myself to talk to residents just yet, but when I am with other volunteers I feel pretty comfortable.