Day two in the old people's home!
Posted by Sarah O'Neill , Wednesday, 8 December 2010 20:33
I woke up with a very sore throat today, and Ben still felt under the weather but we soldiered on! As we got ready we both felt a little better, so got on with our day. I dropped Ben off again and headed for my time with the ‘wrinkles’! Today was a lovely sunny day so we took some of the residents on a morning walk, I pushed Molly in her wheelchair and chatted to her along the way. I felt very responsible pushing her around, as she was once fully able to get herself around, and now she was relying on me to steer her safely, and put her trust in me, not knowing where I am steering, and loosing her independence. Molly was quite used to this it seemed, but I realised how hard it must be to first be pushed around in a wheelchair and lose your independence. However, it meant she could get out and enjoy the lovely sunny morning with her friends, so I think it’s worth it! When we got back a lovely lady called Jenny took me under her wing for the day. She went in to a few of the residents rooms saying hello and just generally chatting. The residents really vary in their needs, and we went into one room, a lady called Grace, who had gone down hill recently. Her husband lives in the room opposite, and he was there holding her hand. She was so pleased to see Jenny and gave her a big hug. Jenny asked them how things were, and Grace and Cliff said she was not doing so well. She couldn’t talk very easily, and was obviously tired and in pain. She asked Jenny to do something for her, and Jenny said of course, and Grace asked her to make her feel well again, it was so sad. Poor Cliff was standing there and you could just see how helpless he felt, it was heart wrenching. I could see how much they adored each other, I found it really hard not to cry in front of them. Grace said she was worried about Cliff as he wouldn’t sit down, they were both worrying about each other, bless them. Jenny and I left and I must admit I did cry a little. I felt really silly, but Jenny was lovely and said there are lots of tears and lots of laughter here. I was so surprised by how much it affected me, but I really was watching their last days together, and seeing their love and seeing how helpless they felt, it was so sad. However, it is an emotional rollercoaster there, as the next minute you’re laughing with another resident. We met a few more, including Eddie in the sunshine unit, who is a Scot with a thick accent! Had a chat to him, and he had actually sailed out of Plymouth many years ago and knew the Hoe and all the sights, so it was nice to talk to him!
At 10.30 there was a concert for the residents, with a lady who comes in and sings for the residents, so we wheeled those that needed wheeling down, and got everyone sorted. The concert was great and made me feel very Christmassy! It was so nice to see them all enjoying it and singing along! Bronwyn, who is in charge of all the activities dressed up in a giant Christmas Tree costume, and there was also someone dressed as Santa giving out presents to all the residents. Charlotte was there and insisted I sit on the chair bit of her walker, which was so sweet of her! At the end of the concert I helped get a few of the residents back to the sunshine ward, safe and secure! I took Charlotte to her table for the Christmas dinner and then headed home feeling so pleased that I found somewhere to volunteer my time!
It’s only 2.30pm here and I must go and check on the washing. I am still feeling a bit under the weather, but will try and avoid having a nap! Ben and I are planning to go to the cinema tonight to watch Megamind which looks like fun!
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