 Heritage Healthcare is a local nursing home Valdosta, Ga. They care for the elderly of all types, from independent to one’s that need nurses at all times. Heritage Healthcare creates a home-like environment for residents and also keeps them healthy and active. With the large staff of registered nurses, cafeteria workers, and custodians they make sure the residents are well taken care of.

 An experiential educational method in which students participate in an organized service activity meeting community needs and reflecting on the service activity in such a way as to: › develop critical thinking skills › develop an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

 While volunteering at Heritage Healthcare I was the mentee of the activities director. I helped her conduct activities such as bingo, arts and crafts, and board games with the residents. As well as activities we also did one-on-one’s with residents who were not in an active state. We would go to their rooms to interact with them. We did things such as read to them, watch their favorite shows, and talked with them about their interests.

Taking the blood pressure of a resident.

Helping a resident reach for a book to read during reading time.

Logging in activities that took place during a one on one with a resident.

Helping a resident to get comfortable in bed for her famous daily naps.

Watching a favorite television show with a resident during her scheduled one on one.

 In doing my service learning hours I was taught extremely valuable life long lessons. I saw that the elderly just want to be treated normally and not as children. They want assistance only when they need it and like to do things for themselves. It was a great experience working with them and I would do it again.

 Making a difference in the community.  Giving the elderly the independence that they strive for.  Giving back to the community  Life lessons