SCI Project: EVIM Seniorenzentrum Key Learnings – Spring Term 2017

EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Dorothee Koch 24032705 EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Appreciate the small things! Be happy! Be patient! The visits showed me that one must appreciate all the small things in life in order to be happy rather than focusing on big goals and moments only! The elderly enjoy little things such as playing board games with us or having their coffee break once a day. Hence, small gestures which take us only little time can bring joy and happiness to people in need. Many of the elderly did experienced the war or other tragedies in their life. However, all of them stayed positive and believed in better times. A positive and happy mind-set is the key to stay happy and healthy through good and bad times Always remember that there is good in life. The project taught me to be patient! Be patient with the elderly since they need more time to do physical and mental activities. Be patient with other people you interact in order to make you and others feel more comfortable. Patience helps to release stress and to feel more balanced.

EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Patrick Bommers 24032705 EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Life is a gift! Gratitude of health Fulfilment of service The experience of death, reminds us young people that life is a gift Life is not purely about work. One can easily forget the significant things such as family and friends Mental disorder of senior residents make oneself appreciate one’s well being and simultaneously evokes a call to help seniors in such a difficult state of living In society people always give and receive help Service provides a balance for an individual. Especially in times where one is self centred

EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Ole Bick 24031795 EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Learn from the elderly Try to build friendships Take the perspective of the elderly Having deep discussions with seniors is a two way street -> Listening and learning can help you explore new horizons The seniors might be slower in their thinking due to their age or diseases, however, the experiences they gained during their life time are often incredibly valuable Friendships between generations are very valuable for both the seniors as well as for us students Most seniors have little to no contact to their friends from the past due to diseases, isolation and death The seniors still deserve to have a fruitful social life even though this is difficult at times The elderly might see things very differently from how our generation sees them, however this does not necessarily make their point of view wrong We might have to accept that seniors have a different set of values compared to our generation While I don’t believe that the seniors are always right, their opinions should still matter and help us question our opinions on a daily basis

Being aware of value conflicts! Lucie Wagner EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf Key Learnings Being aware of value conflicts! employers do not feel responsible for long-time employees once they retire not enough nursing staff for increasing number of seniors Appreciating the small things in life! focus not only on big goals, but also enjoy the small pleasures value your own time and how you spend it Getting out of your comfort zone! getting in touch with persons out of your peer group uncovers new perspectives and ideas doing something unusual that has an impact for others makes you feel good afterwards

EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Livia Berlien 24032681 EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings Relationships are everything ! Do it for the Moment ! Always stay positive ! Relationships will stay forever One needs to feel supported and loved to stay positive Keep that in mind when making life changing decisions It can be just as valuable! Think about the others and try to put yourself in their situation: is it helpful to reach for a long-term goal, or is it better to do something to make that specific moment better? A positive mind-set is the key to a long and healthy life Always see the bright sides of life, it will help you get through the bad times Personal Tragedies will happen, but those times will pass, think about the positive aspects of your life! Try to regularly reflect on your achievements and best memories

Family & Friends The Elderly The Retirement Home Hannah Giebelen Seniorenzentrum Walluf – Value Conflict Why is Nobody Willing to Tackle the Issue of Insufficient Care, Although, Everyone is Aware of it? Family & Friends The Elderly Overworked and underpaid care personnel Shortage of care personnel Institutions resist to improve working conditions The Retirement Home No time to care for the elderly by themselves Shirking their duties Only rare visits or calls Feeling lonely Receiving insufficient care Living a monotonous life Convince even more people to engage in social work to beautify the life of the elderly!