Alzheimer unit

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Nov. 16th-45 minutes
I started out this trip with a less than pleasant attitude today, it had been such a long day, and the day was only half over, and when I got there I was informed that we would be doing ROM exercises (Range of Motion) and manicures. We went to the Alzheimer’s unit, and that was special. Most were asleep when we came in, it was right after lunch time, and so we offered our services to the few just finishing up their lunch. One sweet little patient had just set down her fork, we started her exercises, and all she did was smile at me while I helped her move. I hadn’t realized how much they are starved for attention, especially in that building. I had never noticed it from that perspective. I’ve always been the caregiver, busily running from one patient to the next. I have never been able to slow down enough at work to see it as clearly as I did today.I left feeling a lot better, not only about coming, but about myself and what I can contribute. Some days I feel like I'm wasting oxygen, that I'm not helping anyone, and that has been the biggest thing that has changed in my life since volunteering here.

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