Just Act Natural

This week we had a lot of fun here at the Sunshine Terrace. We celebrated Utah's pioneer heritage on pioneer day, got in touch with our artistic side on Balloon Painting Day, and had a hot dog roast on National Hot Dog Day. Can you believe that there is a National Hot Dog Day?

Me, the volunteer coordinator, teaching about leather work.  

Two of our residents enjoying paper doll making on Pioneer Day



We made scones to go along with the Festivities on Pioneer Day. 

Painting with Balloons filled with... well paint.

Jackson Pollock would be proud, though I don't think our work of art will sell for as much.

A representative from Gossner's foods teaching us how they make cheese. He said that processed cheese is the hot dog of the cheese world.  Whatever leftover cheese they have is thrown into a big pot. He didn't know it was National Hot Dog Day. 



Cheese Curd Samples



One of our residents eating the cheese curds. She noticed how it squeaked in her teeth as she chewed.

I am amazed at the volunteer turnout we had this week. I am always so impressed that people will take time our of their busy day to come help us, but I know that the rewards they get from service are far greater than the amount of work they have to put in.

This week I had one volunteer who was brand new to Sunshine Terrace, express her concerns on how she should work with the residents. She was uncomfortable with what to say and how to talk with them. This is a common concern among first time volunteers. I hope I can give you a few pointers on how to be a better volunteer.

Many of our residents are hard of hearing, in wheelchairs, or have disabilities of some sort. Remember that our residents have many of the same feelings as you when meeting a new person for the first time. The simplest solution to learning how to act around residents when you are first volunteering is to act natural.

Many volunteers use a "fragile voice," as I like to call it, when talking to residents for the first time. The new volunteers talk to our residents as if they were going to break, or fall over at the mere sound of their voice. Just speak with them as you would with any other adult person you are meeting for the first time.  Sometimes you may have a difficult time understanding what a resident is trying to tell you. Never be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves, even if you have to ask them to repeat it a few times. It's better for them to repeat what they are trying to say than for you to nod your head and pretend like you understood them.

If you are asked by a resident to do something for them and are unsure of how to respond, just ask someone in Recreational Therapy and they will help you know what to do. Asking questions is always a great idea when you don't know what to do.

In time, as volunteers get used to how things work at a place like the Sunshine Terrace they will also learn how to act and speak around the residents. You can laugh, joke, and tell stories just like you would with an old friend. Tell stories and ask questions; our residents love it when you ask about their interests, family, and former occupations.  Most of them have lived full and wonderful lives as well and they love to interact with new people.

I hope this helps those who are a little nervous with helping for the first time. Just like everything in life, volunteering takes practice and you will get better and better at it the more you practice. So come visit us and help out. We are excited to have you.

Hands

             In the fifteenth century there were two brothers. Both brothers had a dream to one day study art in Nuremberg. Because they belonged to a family of eighteen children it was nearly impossible for their father, despite his successful business as a gold smith, to pay for their art education.  Understanding the great cost associated with studying art in Nuremberg the brothers devised a plan. While one brother was away studying art the other would work in the mines to pay for the education. They flipped a coin and the younger brother won.
            So the younger brother went to Nuremberg and began his studies while the older brother faithfully worked four long years in the mines to support his younger brother. By the the end of the fourth year the younger brother was already making a good living with the commissions he completed and he had established quite a reputation with his oil paintings. When he returned to his home his father threw a celebratory fest to honor his now famous son, the artist.
            At the close of the dinner the younger brother rose to toast his brother who had worked in the mines for four long years to support the artist through his education.
             "And now my dear brother, it is your turn. I will begin working to support you through your studies in Nuremberg," Said the younger brother holding his glass up high to toast.
              His older brother simply looked at him with tears in his eyes and said, "No... that time has passed. During my four years working in the mines I have smashed almost everyone of my fingers and now my hands are so full of arthritis that I cannot even hold glass to return your toast."
              Because of his older brother's sacrifice Albrecht Durer was able to create some of the most beautiful paintings in the world. To honor his brother's sacrifice Albrecht Durer painted his brothers hands. He entitled the work, Praying Hands.

Praying Hands by Albrecht Durer

                  Saturdays are Spa days in the Memory Lane Wing here at the Sunshine Terrace. Early in the morning we gather our female residents to paint their nails and converse with them one on one. Today I couldn't help but wonder what these hands I was working with used to do. Many of them were mother's hands; many worked long hours to support a family and others worked to teach children in school. No matter whose hands I worked with, those hands told a story. Now many of them are crippled with arthritis and other problems, but they are still wonderful hands.
                   We have many activities her at Sunshine Terrace to keep hands and minds active.

                With each activity I have noticed something very remarkable about some of the hands here at the Sunshine Terrace. Some of our residents now lack the ability to do much for themselves any more, but they still come to activities to socialize with their peers. At these activities other hands help them participate. Many of these hands come from our wonderful volunteer force, but many also come from the residents helping other residents.

                Just today I witnessed as one resident in a wheelchair went to fetch a glass of water for another resident who couldn't do it for herself. The next thing I knew, the first resident lifted the cup of water to her friend's lips and patiently helped her drink from the cup.

               When I commented on how nice it was, the woman with the helping hands simply stated, "Well, she would have done the same thing for me if she could. I am her friend."

                 There are many wonderful hands at the Sunshine Terrace. They have experience and life in them. I am grateful to witness them in action each day I come to work.