Week 7: Service Learning Day

During this week my group planned out the service project will be working on throughout the semester. We are going to be going to the Orem Senior Center and teaching the clients there healthy practices. We went this Friday and had the opportunity to visit with some of the people and get familiarized with the place. We did not teach anything this first time but we participated in the activities of the day. In the next couple of weeks we will be teaching proper skin care, nutrition, and oral care.

I have been surprised at the lack of knowledge some people have about their health. Because i have been learning about the body and ways to keep it healthy i think its common knowledge to everyone. I’ve realized that it's not. I especially think that those in the older adult age groups have this knowledge deficiency. Most of them, especially the women, didn't have a lot of schooling and were not taught healthy practices. Also research and technology has come out that prove some practices to be unhealthy. Because of these things i believe it's very important for those you have the knowledge to share it with others.

The three areas we will be teaching on at the senior center are important especially to older adults. Older adults are at risk for malnutrition because they don't have the means or ability to provide themselves with the right foods. The senior center we attend does provide lunch for them which is helpful but i think it's important for these elderly to know how to help their bodies. The oral and skin care aspects of are teaching are important to these older adults because their skin becomes more sensitive over time. Some may have lost their teeth or may wear dentures so it's important to teach them how to properly take care of their dentures or teach them to take care of their remaining teeth.

I have a passion for helping people. I love to take care of those in need. I believe that part of taking care of people is educating them on things they can do to prevent illnesses. Education is becoming major part of health care and will continue to be important in order to prevent illnesses. I believe we can better the quality of life in our country of we take the time to educate our patients, friends, families and neighbors about simple health practices.

I am really excited to work with these older adults because i have some interest in geriatric nursing. I really believe that this service project will help develop skills as i interact with the elderly. I believe that the people i will work with will be able to teach me a lot more about life than I’ll be able to teach them. I do hope that the lessons i prepare to teach them with help better their quality of life.