Reflection On Pelican Pointe Assisted Living

During my time volunteering at Pelican Pointe Assisted Living I fell in love the residents. Each one of them lived radically different lives and were unique. I lived for their stories, pointed advice, and banter. Much of the reason I began working there was because I missed my grandmother when she passed away and I had always enjoyed the company of her and her friends. Just as each member of the residential community is unique so are their needs. Of all the people that helped in achieving the best quality of life for the elderly, I resonated most with the occupational therapists.
The ones I have spoken with say that a great amount of creative thinking is required in executing the most effective treatment. For instance, a lady named Naydean that I had grown particularly attached to had osteoporosis which made it painful and dangerous for her to do many activities she had been doing the majority of her life. She is a bit of a trouble maker, fantastically funny, and is completely suspicious of everyone which is why she enlisted me in accompanying her to her occupational therapy sessions. The therapist would listen to specific troubles she would have like not being able to wash her dishes because she couldn't stand for too …show more content…
Many times I've witnessed residents near tears because they can't do what they used to be able to do. I would work with my patients in designing ways for them to still complete their tasks with dignity and confidence. Everything in life is about mindset. I can't imagine what it would be like to live with limited mobility in a residential home for the last stretch of life. The feeling of uselessness leads to hopelessness which can result in abuse of medication and suicide among the elderly. Creating away to prevent this by ensuring in my patients that they are as independent and capable as they ever where will be my