My Unforgettable Internship Weeks In An Elderly Care Center
During my 8th month of residency here in Sweden, I was one of the twelve immigrants chosen to participate in a government project where we were given the chance to experience how Swedish workplaces function. We were interns for two months in one or two institutions of our preference. I had the opportunity to be absorbed in two companies, a month in a health shop and the other month in an elder care center.
Comparing the two, my weeks spent in the elderly home was more unforgettable. I must admit, I was nervous the first day --- very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. At the end of the shift, that day turned out to be a very fulfilling venture.
Elderly care in Sweden, just like in several states in the US [Hawaii elder care for example - http://www.avalonhci.com/hawaii.html] can be home-based or community-based depending on the choice of the seniors along with the decision of their families. Both are environments of dignity, respect, freedom and flexibility.
photo credit: Hawaii Elder Care
The memories from my month of stay in the facility are still fresh. I clocked in, slipped on my scrub suit and expected that the next eight hours would be filled with shattered expectations. Each day was different from the day before which made my stay there somehow, exciting.
Of course, it wasn’t easy to take care of old people but in all honestly, it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. Most days, I attended to six of them. With different needs and conditions, I had to make sure that I was able to cater to their needs and if possible, leave a smile inside their hearts. Funny as this might sound but not many of them could recall my name or from which country I came from but there was this indefinable feeling that always warmed my soul --- they had difficulties remembering my name but they never forget who I am as a person and as a friend. Just to see their eyes brightened up whenever I entered their room was such an overwhelming feeling --- always melted my heart away.
How about you? Have you ever worked or at least have had an internship experience in an elderly care home or perhaps you’re working in a health care group?
I hope that everyone is having a great day!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of http://www.avalonhci.com/hawaii.html for Bucks2Blog. All opinions are 100% mine.
3 comments
I never spent any length of time in a geriatric facility but, sadly, in my 21 years as a forensic nurse, I have had to work with the elderly who were victims of sexual assault. It's been very difficult for them - and for me. To think that one would become a victim of such a crime in their advanced years is so horrible. I only hope I provided the best, sensitive care that I could.
ReplyDeleteit's always a good experience to care for the elder, understanding their need and help them. So i am going to keep continuing this.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post! Good memories last forever with us. I am feeling very glad to know about that you receive love and care there. Care giving is a very rewarding job.It gives utter pleasure and contentment of doing something good, for humanity.
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by and sharing some love! You're lovely!
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