8th of February visit
Posted by CSC T.H.E. Seniors on Sunday, February 16, 2014 with No comments
It was my first time going on visitations with T.H.E.S. on the 8th of February. I had a vague idea of what may happen, but I wasn't entirely sure as to what I would be doing or how the seniors would react to a first-timer. The introductions went by in a breeze, and I was paired up with the enthusiastic Kahsuan and Zexi (a fellow sister in the same church).
We were to visit mr. T, and I was informed prior to going his house that he was visually impaired. I was quite interested regarding how the interactions and activities would precipitate in light of his physical condition. Thankfully, he was acquainted well with Kahsuan, and the Chinese New Year season had him in a festive and hospitable mood as well. Though it was my first time meeting him, he showered us with much Chinese New Year goodies and welcomed us to settle comfortably in his home.
Afterwards, we took him downstairs to enjoy his weekly coffee at the nearby coffeeshop, along with singing some CNY songs to him whilst chatting with him. It was also a valuable lesson for me as I was further educated on the essentials of interacting with people of advanced age and/or physical impairment. These included providing physical touch to assure them of your presence, as well as maintaining close physical proximity with them to establish rapport. Furthemore, Mr. T's inability to see also required greater attentiveness and consideration when bringing him round the neighbourhood.
Through this first time of visiting mr. T, it did prompt me to consider what the elderly truly require. Is it simply companionship, or helping them out with household chores, or are there other things they require considering their entry into their twilight years? This is a question that is still unresolved, but I'm sure as I continue to serve these seniors and learn from other members of the team, I would inch closer to a conclusion.
Weifeng
We were to visit mr. T, and I was informed prior to going his house that he was visually impaired. I was quite interested regarding how the interactions and activities would precipitate in light of his physical condition. Thankfully, he was acquainted well with Kahsuan, and the Chinese New Year season had him in a festive and hospitable mood as well. Though it was my first time meeting him, he showered us with much Chinese New Year goodies and welcomed us to settle comfortably in his home.
Afterwards, we took him downstairs to enjoy his weekly coffee at the nearby coffeeshop, along with singing some CNY songs to him whilst chatting with him. It was also a valuable lesson for me as I was further educated on the essentials of interacting with people of advanced age and/or physical impairment. These included providing physical touch to assure them of your presence, as well as maintaining close physical proximity with them to establish rapport. Furthemore, Mr. T's inability to see also required greater attentiveness and consideration when bringing him round the neighbourhood.
Through this first time of visiting mr. T, it did prompt me to consider what the elderly truly require. Is it simply companionship, or helping them out with household chores, or are there other things they require considering their entry into their twilight years? This is a question that is still unresolved, but I'm sure as I continue to serve these seniors and learn from other members of the team, I would inch closer to a conclusion.
Weifeng
Categories: Mr T.C.C.
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