yeah. it was 3 days full of bonding.
no, seriously.
and i think we're ready to go, aren't we guys?
=)
lets make these kids smile.
-Ai Bond. (not james bond)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Reflecting Reflections. St Luke's Elder Care Visit.
getting to film down the expressions of the youth.
getting to film down the expressions of the folks.
mixed them together, all with a smile.
add a pinch of love and a teaspoon of care.
and what you'll get is a small bowl filled with infinity servings of happiness.
that was what I saw when I view back the video I captured.
it was a great trip.
-Ai.
getting to film down the expressions of the folks.
mixed them together, all with a smile.
add a pinch of love and a teaspoon of care.
and what you'll get is a small bowl filled with infinity servings of happiness.
that was what I saw when I view back the video I captured.
it was a great trip.
-Ai.
Reflecting on visit to St. Luke's Elder Care
Well, let me the 5th person to blog abt the visit then. Haha.. do note that it has been a week since the visit on 15th March 2007.
The bright cheerful morning was greeted with a warm welcome by Mdm Agnes, the person-in-charge of the operations of the elder care centre.She gave a brief introduction abt the whole St. Luke's system, from the various branches they run and how they care for these folks. She was very friendly and articulate in expressing her thoughts of the folks and how they are in person. Nevermnd that she mentioned some folks were "naughty" and "cheeky", but how concerned she was, and still is, about them is heart-warming.. well, everyone will grow old one day.
After the intro., we headed to the gym for a view.. well, i am glad that they do have these type of equipments for the old folks to exercise with, which is open also to the community as a whole. what a better way to promote a healthy lifestyle..! I mean people of all ages should be exercising no matter what it takes cos our bodies need a stretch regularly, even you and I although we have no regular P.E. lessons anymore. The gym is also desgined as a therapy room too.. where most of the folks who have muscles or joint problems can have therapies to get better and stronger.
As what I observed from the centre, they were some ITE students-nurses who are maybe on interships at the elder care centre... well, they do need any extra helping hands to cope with the daily activities even though some of the folks there have maids to tend to them. I am glad that our Singaporean nurses can lend a helping hand at this type of centres bcos I have visited to some other elder care centres in Singapore before this, and most nurses are from the Philippines.
I shared some personal time with a couples of grannies... and boy, I need to brush up on my Mandarin. Haha.. well, I can only asked some simple questions like " Ni hao ma?". I do get some help from Xin Ning.. thanks! Oh ya, there's this Indian granny who is a Catholic, whom I spoke to. She told me her stories from her childhood days to her present days,her family members too. She experienced some hardships during the WWII and her family was brought to misery when her dad's business was just beginning to bloom.. I pray that no such war is going to happen again bcos it will only bring great misery and grief to all people with the only reason behind such war is greed and revenge. God bless this granny and all the other folks that they live such a long lives with such great experiences.. some are like 80+++ years old...
Next, we had lunch. Dicussed abt the performance. And then, it was our time to entertain them. At first I was quite shy to sing along with them (I don't really catch the Chinese songs, it was rather impromptu), then I gradually did sang as well as danced along with the folks for the finale. I agreed that the finale was the best part. The folks, mostly were moving to the tunes of Abba, I know I just had to join them. I glad we brought a smile on their faces.
Each time I visit any elder care centre or home, it always remind me again and again that we should never take our elders for granted. Children and grandchildren should always treasure moments they have with the elders and not treat them as a burden. Like I said, everyone grows old one day and no one wants to feel neglected and abandoned by their own family when they are old. We never know when they will leave our presence forever. Said and done, I hope others will share the reflections too!
Ira =D
The bright cheerful morning was greeted with a warm welcome by Mdm Agnes, the person-in-charge of the operations of the elder care centre.She gave a brief introduction abt the whole St. Luke's system, from the various branches they run and how they care for these folks. She was very friendly and articulate in expressing her thoughts of the folks and how they are in person. Nevermnd that she mentioned some folks were "naughty" and "cheeky", but how concerned she was, and still is, about them is heart-warming.. well, everyone will grow old one day.
After the intro., we headed to the gym for a view.. well, i am glad that they do have these type of equipments for the old folks to exercise with, which is open also to the community as a whole. what a better way to promote a healthy lifestyle..! I mean people of all ages should be exercising no matter what it takes cos our bodies need a stretch regularly, even you and I although we have no regular P.E. lessons anymore. The gym is also desgined as a therapy room too.. where most of the folks who have muscles or joint problems can have therapies to get better and stronger.
As what I observed from the centre, they were some ITE students-nurses who are maybe on interships at the elder care centre... well, they do need any extra helping hands to cope with the daily activities even though some of the folks there have maids to tend to them. I am glad that our Singaporean nurses can lend a helping hand at this type of centres bcos I have visited to some other elder care centres in Singapore before this, and most nurses are from the Philippines.
I shared some personal time with a couples of grannies... and boy, I need to brush up on my Mandarin. Haha.. well, I can only asked some simple questions like " Ni hao ma?". I do get some help from Xin Ning.. thanks! Oh ya, there's this Indian granny who is a Catholic, whom I spoke to. She told me her stories from her childhood days to her present days,her family members too. She experienced some hardships during the WWII and her family was brought to misery when her dad's business was just beginning to bloom.. I pray that no such war is going to happen again bcos it will only bring great misery and grief to all people with the only reason behind such war is greed and revenge. God bless this granny and all the other folks that they live such a long lives with such great experiences.. some are like 80+++ years old...
Next, we had lunch. Dicussed abt the performance. And then, it was our time to entertain them. At first I was quite shy to sing along with them (I don't really catch the Chinese songs, it was rather impromptu), then I gradually did sang as well as danced along with the folks for the finale. I agreed that the finale was the best part. The folks, mostly were moving to the tunes of Abba, I know I just had to join them. I glad we brought a smile on their faces.
Each time I visit any elder care centre or home, it always remind me again and again that we should never take our elders for granted. Children and grandchildren should always treasure moments they have with the elders and not treat them as a burden. Like I said, everyone grows old one day and no one wants to feel neglected and abandoned by their own family when they are old. We never know when they will leave our presence forever. Said and done, I hope others will share the reflections too!
Ira =D
Thursday, March 22, 2007
St-Luke Visit
It's time for some reflections!
When I see these old folks, it made me realise I actually did not spend much quality time with my grandmother. Talking to these old folks feels like talking to my own grandmother, just that my grandmother is more fortunate, she can walk and talk properly, without aid and with the presence of her children.
Who doesn't want to spend time with their own children or family? I'm sure no matter how many friends they make at the centre, nothing beats better to have the company of your own family. This taught me, to treasure and love my parents, provide them with the love and care no matter how busy I am.
These old folks at St Luke's do exercises with the help of video tapes and a few nurses. This exercises actually help to make them more agil and active. After the video tape exercises, they were actually brought to the next door fitness centre, where most of the euipments are commonly seen in gyms.
When the old folks are back, we spent about half-an-hour talking to them, letting them know about us and us knowing about them. I get to know this por por who has 10 children and she is from malaysia. Luckily for me, she spoke mandarin, hahaha..if not I would not have known how to communicate with her.
Soon after ,lunch, we played games and had sing-a-long sessions with the old folks. They seem to be enjoying themselves. At the last item, the dance part, one por por actually dance together with us, and she is enjoying herself. Actually the old folks are more spontaneous than us, haha...we should really learn from them. Their spirit and attitude. Of course, there are a few shy ones, but mostly are very daring and sporting.
After this visit, I will definitely pay more attention to my grandmothers and parents, because it would hurt to see them in such state.
I think that's all I have for now...tata...
When I see these old folks, it made me realise I actually did not spend much quality time with my grandmother. Talking to these old folks feels like talking to my own grandmother, just that my grandmother is more fortunate, she can walk and talk properly, without aid and with the presence of her children.
Who doesn't want to spend time with their own children or family? I'm sure no matter how many friends they make at the centre, nothing beats better to have the company of your own family. This taught me, to treasure and love my parents, provide them with the love and care no matter how busy I am.
These old folks at St Luke's do exercises with the help of video tapes and a few nurses. This exercises actually help to make them more agil and active. After the video tape exercises, they were actually brought to the next door fitness centre, where most of the euipments are commonly seen in gyms.
When the old folks are back, we spent about half-an-hour talking to them, letting them know about us and us knowing about them. I get to know this por por who has 10 children and she is from malaysia. Luckily for me, she spoke mandarin, hahaha..if not I would not have known how to communicate with her.
Soon after ,lunch, we played games and had sing-a-long sessions with the old folks. They seem to be enjoying themselves. At the last item, the dance part, one por por actually dance together with us, and she is enjoying herself. Actually the old folks are more spontaneous than us, haha...we should really learn from them. Their spirit and attitude. Of course, there are a few shy ones, but mostly are very daring and sporting.
After this visit, I will definitely pay more attention to my grandmothers and parents, because it would hurt to see them in such state.
I think that's all I have for now...tata...
St. Luke Elder Care
Ah! My first reflection on the visit to St. Luke ElderCare in Clementi. I guess this is rather long overdue ya...
The trip to St. Luke ElderCare has been a rather fun and enjoyable trip I should say because having grandparents staying with me makes it all easy for me to communicate with the old folk's there. Despite still being unsatisfied with how old folk's are being treated on the national platform for work, I think that they do enjoy rather good care from the government but i think what they would actually like is some form of recognition for their ability to work however thats another issue.
Well I guess after I went there, been thinking lots throughout the whole day. Ms Agnes mentioned that there are some old folks, that are there, who used to be successful people when they were in their late 40s. It was a sudden stroke of thought that ensued into a long continuous chain of thought about why people work so hard or even come to a point of having to even backstab others to climb their way up and to get riches. Well I guess overall the visit has got me thinking on several social issues that Singapore actually faces now.
Hmm... Thats all for now i guess...=)
-Jie Ming
The trip to St. Luke ElderCare has been a rather fun and enjoyable trip I should say because having grandparents staying with me makes it all easy for me to communicate with the old folk's there. Despite still being unsatisfied with how old folk's are being treated on the national platform for work, I think that they do enjoy rather good care from the government but i think what they would actually like is some form of recognition for their ability to work however thats another issue.
Well I guess after I went there, been thinking lots throughout the whole day. Ms Agnes mentioned that there are some old folks, that are there, who used to be successful people when they were in their late 40s. It was a sudden stroke of thought that ensued into a long continuous chain of thought about why people work so hard or even come to a point of having to even backstab others to climb their way up and to get riches. Well I guess overall the visit has got me thinking on several social issues that Singapore actually faces now.
Hmm... Thats all for now i guess...=)
-Jie Ming
Visit to St. Luke's Elder Care
Alrite...i guess this will be my first reflection to mark the start of our 'serve journey':)St.Luke's Elder Care is in no way synonymous to the usual old folks' home that we know about, this is a point worth emphasising...i feel that it is more like a neighbourhood RC area where the elderly comes a few times a week to mingle around and lead a more healthy, enriching and engaging life.
They do exercises twice a day, in the morning and afternoon to keep their limbs nimble. Some of them also went to their 'elderly gym' for light workout so as to keep fit, but i guess that is not the right place for bodybuilders, haha:p
St.Luke's Elder Care has some therapy sessions catered for the elderly too, such as music therapy, singing therapy, games therapy and so on...all these activities are planned from one motive..."just to make them happy" as quoted from Agnes, the manager:)
This visit is special in a way because it does not make me feel sad or depressed at the end of the day......well, because the folks are generally lively and fun-loving, even more so than myself...everyone had their share of fun in that day, i am sure!!
Another good thing about this pre trip visit is that i got to know more of this group of us, like Aloysius, Alvin, Ding Zhi, Fiona, Hui Hui......yup, nice to meet all of you=) Bonding Camp is just round the corner, and we will get to know each other better then...
Okie, i guess i shall keep my post at this length for now, but b4 that...i just heard this quote from the television "倘若不幸的人走不出来，我们这些有福的就该走进他们的世界"......that's what we are here for, rite?
Feel free to leave your comments:)
They do exercises twice a day, in the morning and afternoon to keep their limbs nimble. Some of them also went to their 'elderly gym' for light workout so as to keep fit, but i guess that is not the right place for bodybuilders, haha:p
St.Luke's Elder Care has some therapy sessions catered for the elderly too, such as music therapy, singing therapy, games therapy and so on...all these activities are planned from one motive..."just to make them happy" as quoted from Agnes, the manager:)
This visit is special in a way because it does not make me feel sad or depressed at the end of the day......well, because the folks are generally lively and fun-loving, even more so than myself...everyone had their share of fun in that day, i am sure!!
Another good thing about this pre trip visit is that i got to know more of this group of us, like Aloysius, Alvin, Ding Zhi, Fiona, Hui Hui......yup, nice to meet all of you=) Bonding Camp is just round the corner, and we will get to know each other better then...
Okie, i guess i shall keep my post at this length for now, but b4 that...i just heard this quote from the television "倘若不幸的人走不出来，我们这些有福的就该走进他们的世界"......that's what we are here for, rite?
Feel free to leave your comments:)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Reflections on St'Lukes
Okie! Let me start the ball rolling (besides Mr Lim) on my reflections on St'Lukes.
The day started of with an introduction by our very friendly host Ms Agnes, who was very patient with us. She also brought us around the home and I found the place actually very conducive for the old folks. When I was there, it surprised me when I saw quite a few maids there to help and take care of their own "PoPo"/ "AhGong". This was because I had the initial queries of whether there was anyone from St'Lukes to personally escort the old folks to the home? And the old folks are pretty well taken of with the maids there to help out. I found that they were very friendly and fun-loving and loved talking to the old folks; laughing and joking with them. Some of them can even speak in their dialects.
And there was this PoPo whom I spoke to, she accompanied her husband (with assistance with their maid) who was about 80+yrs to the old folks home. And I thought that that was so sweet of her and the act acompanying her husband to the home shows that she still cares for him and loves him. *awww so sweeet*
One difficulty faced while interacting with the old folks was mainly trying to express my words in thier dialect. After the visit, I felt that I should brush up on my Hokkien! So that it'll be easier to communicate with them fluently in future.
I would also like to reflect on my management on that day. I feel that I have MANY rooms of improvements to make. And it is quite challenging for me to lead cos I haven't lead before. That day was the first time a teacher gave me the responsibility to lead, well of course other than being group leader for my table during primary school. Hahaa. But it was a very good opportunity given and I guess I made some mistakes, but I'll learn from them yea! So if there's anything you think I am doing wrong or what just tell me! I'm open to opinions! =)
Also, I would like to thank KaiXin, Pow Wee, Denise, Wen You and everyone who helped me out that day!! Wouldn't have been a success without them!! =D (uhh. sounds like I'm an Oscar winner sae..ok. not funny.)
Ok. Don't want this post to become a novel. Sooooo.. overall, I really enjoyed my day there and bet the old folks were too! Things started a little jerky at first, but all's well ends well! Especially loved the 3min disco-party finale for the old folks ya!
dancing queen feel the beat on the tamborine~~~~~
/Shuyan
The day started of with an introduction by our very friendly host Ms Agnes, who was very patient with us. She also brought us around the home and I found the place actually very conducive for the old folks. When I was there, it surprised me when I saw quite a few maids there to help and take care of their own "PoPo"/ "AhGong". This was because I had the initial queries of whether there was anyone from St'Lukes to personally escort the old folks to the home? And the old folks are pretty well taken of with the maids there to help out. I found that they were very friendly and fun-loving and loved talking to the old folks; laughing and joking with them. Some of them can even speak in their dialects.
And there was this PoPo whom I spoke to, she accompanied her husband (with assistance with their maid) who was about 80+yrs to the old folks home. And I thought that that was so sweet of her and the act acompanying her husband to the home shows that she still cares for him and loves him. *awww so sweeet*
One difficulty faced while interacting with the old folks was mainly trying to express my words in thier dialect. After the visit, I felt that I should brush up on my Hokkien! So that it'll be easier to communicate with them fluently in future.
I would also like to reflect on my management on that day. I feel that I have MANY rooms of improvements to make. And it is quite challenging for me to lead cos I haven't lead before. That day was the first time a teacher gave me the responsibility to lead, well of course other than being group leader for my table during primary school. Hahaa. But it was a very good opportunity given and I guess I made some mistakes, but I'll learn from them yea! So if there's anything you think I am doing wrong or what just tell me! I'm open to opinions! =)
Also, I would like to thank KaiXin, Pow Wee, Denise, Wen You and everyone who helped me out that day!! Wouldn't have been a success without them!! =D (uhh. sounds like I'm an Oscar winner sae..ok. not funny.)
Ok. Don't want this post to become a novel. Sooooo.. overall, I really enjoyed my day there and bet the old folks were too! Things started a little jerky at first, but all's well ends well! Especially loved the 3min disco-party finale for the old folks ya!
dancing queen feel the beat on the tamborine~~~~~
/Shuyan
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