0. SCI Project: EVIM Seniorenzentrum
Key Learnings – Spring Term 2017

1. EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings
Dorothee Koch
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.

2. EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings
Patrick Bommers
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

3. EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings
Ole Bick
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

4. 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

5. EVIM Seniorenzentrum Walluf – 3 Key Learnings
Livia Berlien
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

6. 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!