Geriatrics
In Geriatrics (OTA 2350) we learned about the normal aging process and performance skill deficits common to the aging populaiton, and interventions to bridge the gap between performance and dysfunction. We explored physical dysfunction as it relates to the aging population and the role occupational therapy plays in health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation. We learned about the theories of aging, the aging process, common injuries and illnesses, various practice settings for OTA's within the aging population as well as intervention techniques and practices.
Service Learning: Elderly Interview
On September 16, Mianna, Lily, Katie, and I went to Cottonwood Place to interview Al Vince. Katie works at Cottonwood place as a CNA, and although she didn’t work with Al, she knew of him and heard he had served in WWII. We thought it would be interesting to hear his stories of what it was like for him to serve and to get to know who he is as a person. The interview lasted around an hour and Al’s daughter attended the interview as well to add in what she knew of Al’s life too.
Al is a 97 year old man who seems to be in good health both mentally and physically. For being 97, he has aged well. Al began his service in the army when he was 21 years old. During the war he traveled from Kentucky (where he was born and lived at the time) to Ireland for training. While in Ireland he met his wife and they sent letters throughout the duration of the war. From Ireland he went to North Africa, then to Sicily, then England, France, Germany, Belgium, and finally Holland. After the war was over he came home to Utah, which is where his family had moved to while he was away. He continued to send letters to his future wife for a year and sent for her to come to the U.S. so they could get married. They met in New York, got married, and had a happy, fulfilling life. Al owned a hair salon while he and his wife raised children. After their children had moved out, Al and his wife traveled. Al has traveled to many places and is something he loved to do. His wife passed away 19 years ago from cancer, but Al still tries to stay busy and active. He loves to do art, play golf, and spend time with his family.
I learned a lot from interviewing Al. This assignment has been one of my favorites during the program because of all the great lessons I’ve learned from it. I would have never known from looking at Al that he had served in the army when he was younger. He seems too happy and carefree to have experienced so much hardship. This opened my eyes and showed me that you never really know someone unless you ask and take time to listen.
Everyone has a story to tell that plays a part in who they are today. Finding out about someone’s story helps you not only get to know them better, but helps you treat them as a whole person. They become more than just “patient in room 213” or the old man with the glasses. Really knowing who our patients are can make the biggest difference in therapy and the outcomes we get.
For our service learning project, my group decided to make a poster telling about Al’s life for others to see. We wanted to showcase all of the things he has been through and done before the war and now. On the poster is a map showing the places he traveled during the war. Under the map we gave a brief description about each of the places Al went to explain why they are significant. We also added pictures showing Al holding his uniform, a picture of him when he was younger, a picture of him and his wife, a picture of his art table, and a picture of us so he doesn’t forget us.
We went back to Cottonwood Place on December 8 to give Al the poster, a card we wrote thanking him, and a loaf of bread. He appreciated all of it and thanked us over and over. It was so fun to see his face light up when he saw us. I know that by knowing someone’s story and getting to know them personally, you can become very great friends like we became with Al. Our hope is that when health care providers or others see this poster of Al, they will be able to see him for who he is and will treat him more personally.
Al is a 97 year old man who seems to be in good health both mentally and physically. For being 97, he has aged well. Al began his service in the army when he was 21 years old. During the war he traveled from Kentucky (where he was born and lived at the time) to Ireland for training. While in Ireland he met his wife and they sent letters throughout the duration of the war. From Ireland he went to North Africa, then to Sicily, then England, France, Germany, Belgium, and finally Holland. After the war was over he came home to Utah, which is where his family had moved to while he was away. He continued to send letters to his future wife for a year and sent for her to come to the U.S. so they could get married. They met in New York, got married, and had a happy, fulfilling life. Al owned a hair salon while he and his wife raised children. After their children had moved out, Al and his wife traveled. Al has traveled to many places and is something he loved to do. His wife passed away 19 years ago from cancer, but Al still tries to stay busy and active. He loves to do art, play golf, and spend time with his family.
I learned a lot from interviewing Al. This assignment has been one of my favorites during the program because of all the great lessons I’ve learned from it. I would have never known from looking at Al that he had served in the army when he was younger. He seems too happy and carefree to have experienced so much hardship. This opened my eyes and showed me that you never really know someone unless you ask and take time to listen.
Everyone has a story to tell that plays a part in who they are today. Finding out about someone’s story helps you not only get to know them better, but helps you treat them as a whole person. They become more than just “patient in room 213” or the old man with the glasses. Really knowing who our patients are can make the biggest difference in therapy and the outcomes we get.
For our service learning project, my group decided to make a poster telling about Al’s life for others to see. We wanted to showcase all of the things he has been through and done before the war and now. On the poster is a map showing the places he traveled during the war. Under the map we gave a brief description about each of the places Al went to explain why they are significant. We also added pictures showing Al holding his uniform, a picture of him when he was younger, a picture of him and his wife, a picture of his art table, and a picture of us so he doesn’t forget us.
We went back to Cottonwood Place on December 8 to give Al the poster, a card we wrote thanking him, and a loaf of bread. He appreciated all of it and thanked us over and over. It was so fun to see his face light up when he saw us. I know that by knowing someone’s story and getting to know them personally, you can become very great friends like we became with Al. Our hope is that when health care providers or others see this poster of Al, they will be able to see him for who he is and will treat him more personally.
Photo release for Al were obtained Dec. 3 and turned into Gabe Byars: gabe.byars@slcc.edu