I worked at Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Center as a volunteer. I chose senior care center because I thought residents stay long time in Canada therefore I’ll be able to know about Canadian culture and learned new vocabulary.
<WEEK 1> October 12.13
I was little nervous first day whereas all staff welcome to us. I exercised, played BINGO and bocce ball in Wednesday. And I took a walk and held a music party in Thursday. I was glad that I was liked by one resident. It was challenge for me that to remember the name of residents and become familiar with them.
To be honest I was worried about the residents may not have energy yet most people have energy and they were so kind to me. Moreover I was surprised by the cheery atmosphere.
<WEEK 2> October 19.20
This week I held a birthday party for residents whose birthday is in October. I was surprised by one resident became 102 years old. I helped them eat cupcakes. Also I painted manicure to ladies. They’re enjoying fashion by changing hair style or wearing fashionable clothes. I decided to
<WEEK 3> October 26.27
I was getting used to volunteer, so I know what to do at each event. In this week I created collage with residents. I have never made it therefore I spent enjoy time. A resident who has Dementia asked many time same things however I thought it’s inevitable.
<WEEK 4> November 2.3
In this week there were nothing special, so I tried to write the name of residents and coworkers in Japanese character. Everyone was delighted and someone asked me to write for their children. It was good chance to remember their name. Also I was learned about Kamloops history by one resident. I was interested in it.
<WEEK 5> November 9.10
I could be familiar with most residents and coworkers. I faced the problem of English accent at BINGO game. My pronunciation of B and G was not clear therefore resident confused. I tried to say clearly but it was really tough.
<WEEK 6> November 16.17
I was really glad because one resident who may have Dementia remember I’m from Japan. Sometimes I can’t listen their English due to my skills but I keep asking them back and they don’t get mad, they try to tell me.
<WEEK7> November 23.24
I made Japanese foods for coworkers because it was the last day. They liked it. And I visited all residents who I talked a lot to say goodbye. Everyone said me “I miss you” and “Thank you for everything” I hard that and realized my influence. I thought I’m causing trouble because I’m not native speaker and difficult to understand what should I do. Also I tried to work kindness but I thought no one pay attention to me because I’m just volunteer. While I was thanked by many people and everyone was very sad to see me go. Then I knew that what I was doing had a meaning and I was really glad. Some of them gave me presents which is BINGO prize they got. This is my treasure.
I’m really grateful for Gemstone and miss everyone.