I haven't written nearly as much as I'd hoped to. Not having internet/computer access while I'm at the internship makes it difficult for me to remember to update. My goal is to do better this week and write at least two more times.
So, my internship is going really well now. I know a lot of the residents well and know a lot of their routines so that I am better able to help them get where they need to be throughout the day. Also, I've figured out what types of things that I can do when there isn't anything on the schedule. The first week and a half, I was walking around trying to figure out what exactly I was expected to do during those times. For me, it was also awkward because the residents didn't recognize me yet and didn't understand why I was trying to get them to participate in activities with me. Some things that I have been doing include reading The Tennessean to residents that can't see well enough to or just like to hear someone else read to them and be able to participate in a discussion about the article afterwards. I have also played several board and card games with residents, done crafts and simply had some good group discussions.
Last week was my first time planning an event by myself. I had to plan an event for the severe dementia patients -- the ones who can only follow very simple directions and usually like to put things in their mouth. So, I found a really neat idea that involved cool whip, food coloring, paper and paintbrushes! I made paints by mixing the food coloring and cool whip. We gave residents paper and paintbrushes and showed them how to do in the hopes that they would follow our lead. They did!!!! And they really seemed to enjoy it. One of the residents started talking a lot (which is very rare for her) and two residents enjoyed a plate of food-colored cool whip while painting. It was truly a success because the group that we targeted hardly gets to truly participate in activities because they take so much individual attention. It was a wonderful experience seeing them have fun and knowing that I played a part in it. Daniel agreed that the activity was a success and plans to do it again in the future.
Yesterday, I modpodged the paintings and hung them up in the activities room for everyone to see!
One thing that hasn't been going so well is my time shadowing the OT. Either I'm busy or she's not working with a patient that I can shadow. I've barely gotten to shadow since the second week. I am still continuing to check everyday when I'm available and hopefully I'll be able to get some time in.
Another thing that I have been sort of concerned or frustrated with is the diets of the residents. They eat A LOT. I don't necessarily mean quantity wise. For instance, we have ice cream social on Tuesdays, Morningside bakers (where we typically make a sweet) on Thursdays, (Krispy Kreme) donuts and coffee and social hour (with wine, punch and a mini-meal) on Fridays. That, along with meals at 8am/9am, 11am/12pm, and 4pm/5pm that always come with dessert, is slightly concerning to me. Possibly since it is an independent and assisted facility instead of a nursing home, they have less control over the 'cliets' diets. They just give them as many options as they can.
Anyways, that's all I have this morning. I'll have to head to work soon. I hope to update again very soon.
Cheers,
Megan
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