Fall quarter is in full swing. We have quizzes every other week and project deadlines are fast approaching.

My classes this quarter are research and geriatrics and I have to admit that of all the quarters in the program, this is the one that I dreaded the most.

I spent a lot of time in nursing homes when I was younger and from my childhood memories I went into this quarter a little jaded, expecting not to like it.

To my surprise, this has been on of my favorite quarters and it has really taught me the older generations have a wealth of knowledge and are special gems that should be treasured.

In the hospital, I feel very comfortable and confident with my schedule, the procedures that need performed and the tasks that are my responsibility.

However, a nursing home is very different. I am not providing care to an individual that will recover and return to their home. I am providing care for a person in their home.

As a younger person, the hardest concept for me was to think of a nursing home as a person’s home. These individuals are not patients but residents of a community.

With the change in my role and thought processes, I was very apprehensive and unsure on my first clinical day.

The first day was not difficult nor was there anything I had to do that was outside my ability, but I just felt out of sorts.

As the day went on I found myself enjoying spending time with the residents and was surprised at how quickly the time went. When it was time to go, I found myself thinking I wasn’t ready to leave!

As the weeks have passed, I have found myself eager for clinical day so that I can visit with the residents and enter a place where time is a friend. It is so relaxing to have the time to visit with someone without the rush that is common in the hospital setting.

There were so many activities that the nursing home had planned that I found myself hoping a resident would ask me to come along. I was truly amazed at how active the residents were.

I’m not sure that geriatrics is the place for me but I have found a new appreciation for my elders. I have enjoyed listening to their stories, meeting their unique needs and embracing new ideals about nursing homes.

Nursing homes are not a place where people go to die. They are a place where older individuals go to have an active life full of enriching experiences and people.

They are a place full of knowledgeable people that have much to offer, if you take the time to slow down the fast paced world we live in and just do some old fashioned visiting. You never know, you may be as surprised as I was to enjoy slowing life down and really enjoying the moment you’re in.

I thank God for the blessing of meeting each and every person that helped me learn the beauty and joy in growing old.

Until next time, take care and God bless!