Activities with Conchita

This month has been a very difficult for me. On top of working full time and having six classes, I first encountered an infection which last for two weeks and also had my wisdom teeth pulled. Needless to say, last week I was able to go and visit with Conchita. I arrived and visited with Conchita, we sat together and talked about how she thought I reminded her of her daughter because of my long blond hair. Conchita is a big fan of cross word puzzles, so we sat together and worked on one. As I have mentioned before, Conchita really likes to stay active. She enjoys taking walks around the facility and participating in the Tai Chi and yoga classes offered. The classes that are offered are not like regular classes that one might think of. They are adjusted to level that make it easy for elders to participate. It came time for Tai Chi, so I joined Conchita in the class and participated in the exercises that she enjoys. It was really nice to interact with her on a level where she feels comfortable. It was also nice to see her in an element where she interacts with her friends. I am very impressed with this facility.

This particular sunrise was built two years ago and looks fantastic. I was so surprised to learn about all the activities that are offered. There is a daily schedule of planned outing or activities that residents can really choose whether or not they want to participate in. Activities include: physical fitness and exercise, baking, brainteasers, bible readings, Gim Rummy and checkers club, traveling club, geography, club, classic movie nights, cards/games, gardening, arts and crafts, music appreciation, and live entertainment. In addition, from my observing I have learned that Sunrise provides more of a relaxed environment where residents can come and go as they please. Sunrise is assisted living, they are really there just to assist not take over your life like a skilled nursing facility. I also thought it was very interesting that residents are allowed to drink their alcoholic beverages as well as smoke their cigars. In fact there is an actual designated area called the “vestibule room” where the men can go and smoke their cigars and drink their scotch. For the women, there is a hair salon where woman can enjoy getting their nails done as well their hair.

On this day, after visiting with Conchita, completing a crossword puzzle, and participating in Tai Chi; we decided to walk one of the house dogs. On our walk around the facility, Conchita continued to tell me about your seven children. She mentions almost every time I see her about her six boys and one daughter. She is pretty sharp for a 91 year old woman. When I first met her I was extremely impressed with her cognitive ability and her memory. I was so impressed, I went home to my parents and told them all about how intelligent she is and I really didn’t feel like I was talking with a 91 year old woman. However, as time went on I began to notice that she has trouble remembering what she has already told me. For example, every time she sees me she says the same thing. Also, within one conversation she will say the same thing at least 4 or 5 times. Its hard, but I just pretend like it’s the first time she is saying it to me. After our walk, Conchita felt tired and retired to her room for a nap. About an hour later, Conchita came out of her room. After her rest, we participated in some baking activities. I liked this a lot because it was something fun for me to do while interacting with her. At the end of our visit, Conchita showed her appreciation for spending time with her. When I left, I felt really good about myself. At first I was very skeptical about volunteering at an old folks home so to speak; but after my first couple of visits, I really started to enjoy it.