MEDICAL STUDENTS VISIT SHELTERING ARMS ADULT DAY CENTER
On Thursday, March 18, 1999, a group of young medical students visited the Sheltering Arms Adult Day Center. For most of them, this was their first encounter with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia. Their apprehension and curiosity were quite apparent at the beginning of the visit. The students toured the facility and were quite impressed with the high-quality programming provided by the staff and volunteers. Next, they were given an opportunity to spend individual time interacting with the older clients.
TGIF Members at Sheltering Arms
These students were all members of the Texas Geriatric Interest Foundation (TGIF). TGIF is a medical student interest group in geriatrics and gerontology. It is a joint venture between Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and is affiliated with the American Geriatrics Society.
When asked about the experience at Sheltering Arms, Amit Shah, a first year Baylor College of Medicine medical student and the new Baylor president-elect of TGIF said the following.
My only experience thus far with patients suffering from dementia was in a hospital setting. The attitude I observed was one of only taking care of their physical/medical needs. I thought, "surely people with severe memory loss and dementia do not lose their need to feel like a human being, nor their need to feel useful and wanted?". One of the clients I met was a delightful, gracious older woman. Starting out with "small talk", I asked "So, do you have any children?" She turned with a smile to the lady sitting next to her and said, "I don't know, do I have any children? I suppose so, I just can't remember." I felt a little stupid, but I continued the conversation. I found out a lot of things in the short time I spent with her, for instance, how she loves gardening. But, the most important thing I learned about her was her great sense of patriotism. At the end of "Bible Study", we sang a patriotic song while she stood on the stage proudly waving the American flag. She was glowing with the compliments she received afterwards for the graceful way she waved the flag. Other clients I met also shared their interests and ways they contribute to the center. This experience taught me that people with cognitive impairment still need to feel useful and appreciated. It was so refreshing to see people with Alzheimer's and memory loss engaged in such stimulating activities. I commend the staff and volunteers of Sheltering Arms for helping to meet the emotional needs of their clients and thus increasing their sense of self-esteem. Overall, this was an incredible experience.
TGIF Students Being Introduced to Sheltering Arms "Clients"