Otsego County Commission on Aging Nichole Roback -This presentation will review my service learning experience at the Otsego County Commission on Aging. I will describe what the OCCOA is about and what their mission statement is, some of my volunteer opportunities and how this service learning experience will affect with my nursing career. -Service Learning is An activity that is outside of the program that is expected to enhance the students professional development (Ferris, 2007). -One of the objectives of the Ferris professional nursing program is that students will demonstrate personal and professional accountability in nursing practice by planning activities that contribute to self-growth and development r/t goals of our education in the form of Service learning. -Prior to my volunteering at OCCOA I really didn’t know what this organization was all about. I had seen advertisements for it but never really looked into it and this service learning opportunity gave me the chance to explore it and to become involved. I have completed my required hours and continue to volunteer with this organization as needed. Service Learning Otsego County Commission on Aging Nichole Roback

“The mission of the Otsego County Commission on Aging (OCCOA) is promoting the independence and well-being of the older adults of Otsego County and supporting family caregivers” (OCCOA, 2015). The OCCOA provides several different services that help the elderly population of Otsego County stay in their homes and attempt to stay as independent as possible with the support of family, neighbors or staff members of the OCCOA. OCCOA began as a volunteer organization in the 1970s, answering a need to help older adults. Operating on a small budget they began by meeting for potluck meals in an old stone recreation building . The Otsego County Board of Commissioners established the Otsego County Commission on Aging in July 1979 by using Federal and state grants. In 1989, a local millage was passed to finance further services to older adults in Otsego County and hire employees. The OCCOA constantly strives for excellence by providing the highest quality customer service by "helping and caring" for older adults in Otsego County. Today, OCCOA is one of the most active and dynamic agencies of its kind in our area.

Volunteer Opportunities The first volunteer role that I was involved in was at the Otsego Haus, or an adult day care service: The staff provide daytime care for loved ones at the Otsego Haus. Family members can bring their loved ones into the Adult Day Services Center while they go to work, run errands, do chores, exercise, participate in social activities, and/or just get the rest you need to stay healthy! Otsego Haus: Provides Supervised, protective environment Nurse on duty at all times Dedicated and caring professional staff Staff trained and specializing in dementia care, 1-to-3 staff-to-client ratio, Assistance with medications Top quality health monitoring, Dignified assistance and support with personal-care needs, Nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks Daily exercise programs Hobbies, such as gardening, stamping, music, and art Games and reminiscing Discussion groups and educational programs Holiday celebrations and birthday parties  I found this service to be very helpful to families attempting to keep their loved ones at home and protect their dignity. I was able to find out how this service works, assist with exercise class, meals, memory games and just socially interact with these clients.

Caregiver Support group In-Home services There are many other services that the OCCOA offer but the list below are just a few of my other volunteer opportunities: Caregiver Support group In-Home services Meals – They also offer nutritious meals at reasonable rates which also offers opportunities for socializing - I was able to attend a caregiver support group and it is endearing how the members help each other out with situations by offering ideas of what worked for them and how to keep their loved ones safe because they may have been through that same situation before. It also helps them know they are not alone in taking care of their loved ones – In home services which include housekeeping, personal cares, lawn care, grocery shopping etc. All services are by donation and the recipient of the service pays what they can – They also offer nutritious meals at reasonable rates and for special occasions and holidays, which also offers opportunities for socializing

Critical Reflection and Synthesis Together with the support of the OCCOA and the elderlies family they can provide a safe and dignified life at home. The work that the OCCOA does is very important to keep the elderly populations dignity intact, keeping them vital members of society. The elderly population has a vast amount of knowledge that can be shared with others if we take the time to listen. All generations deserve respect and to progress in life with dignity The elderly population would be the forgotten members of society if it was not for organizations like this. This opportunity reminded me of the importance to treat all ages with the respect that they deserve I feel I have met the Ferris State BSN Program Outcomes through my service learning opportunity by Collaborating with the director to set of my volunteer opportunities Theoretical base and generalist nursing practice both by assisting the elderly in remaining active and healthy Scholarship of practice was met using current up to date knowledge Healthcare environment by improving the elderlies health during each encounter My Professional skills were improved upon by each interaction within the organization Laurent, C. P. (2010). Service Learning. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 39(2), 135. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01102.x “The reciprocal exchange of learning positively affects the experiences of both parties” (Laurent, 2010). 

Recommendations and Conclusion I would recommend this service learning opportunity to future nursing students because it has taught me to respect the elderly population more. In conclusion I learned that the elderly population often become the forgotten members of society and deserve much more attention and support as they age. It is our responsibility to take care of the elderly as they once took care of us By completing my Service Learning I feel it is my civic duty to volunteer and help others less fortunate than I There are many different volunteer opportunities within this organization that will appeal to many different people Each day is different and exciting Organizations like the OCCOA deserve the support of the public to assisting the elderly I continue to volunteer at the OCCOA as I feel the experience has changed my life and has enriched me to appreciate others more

References Laurent, C. P. (2010). Service Learning. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 39(2), 135. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2010.01102.x Otsego County Commission on Aging. (2015). Retrieved November 1, 2015, OCCOA website, http://www.otsegocountycoa.org