Gowin Parc: Memory Care Community (Liz Ogunro's Volunteer Experience)

1. I volunteered at the Gowin Park: Memory Care Community in Charleston

2. The service activities that were demonstrated within the facility definitely reflected the concepts that were learned within FCS. The elderly are a group that are very disadvantaged and need a great deal of help. They have difficulty taking care of themselves and going about their day-to-day routines. Having a facility like this in place will help them greatly in gaining a sense of independence and security.

3.   I was able to volunteer with my fellow classmate Marquita, and while we were there we helped out with the elderly residents at the facility. Based on our first impressions, the facility was very nice. It was really well decorated and felt welcoming.  We spoke to quite a few residents as well as some of the attendants that were looking after them. We got a chance to sit down and converse with them and also got a chance to see how life was like for them there. First thing we did was get to know a very sweet and engaging woman who charmed us with her witty personality. She had a very good relationship with the other residents and the attendants as well. We also had an interesting conversation with the manager on duty, and she told us of her experiences on the job how she acquired the many positions she had.What she said really hit me and also reassured me that I was on the right path in my career. We then were able to help out with brunch when the time came. Both Marquita and I helped feed some of the residents at the dining tables, and I had the pleasure of assisting a woman who really appreciated my help. While being in the midst of these fascinating individuals, it’s was interesting to see how they all interacted with one another. There were some who enjoyed each other’s company but at the same time, there were others who wanted nothing more than to be left alone. I found this part of my experience very entertaining! As our time came to an end, both Marquita and I had the opportunity to get to know some of the residents even better when we took a tour of their rooms. There were so many pictures of the residents when they were young and them with their families. Overall, this was a very interesting experience.   

4. The services this facility, and others like it, provides is truly beneficial to the community. It helps by giving a sense of security to both their elderly residents as well as their family. They are able to thrive in a community that sees them as individuals with their own personal needs and wants.  

5. I really enjoyed this assignment. I like helping people out when I can and doing so is very fulfilling. I’m typically the kind of person who spends my time with children as oppose to the elderly but after this experience, I’m definitely a lot more open-minded to the idea of incorporating gerontology to my list of interests.