What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Creative Engagement Specialist
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
I fell into the field by accident; started working in Assisted Living while going to college and fell in love the older adults I was working with. I felt connected to the residents on a level where age didn’t matter! And I have worked in the field ever since!
How has your job changed in the time you’ve worked at Aging Wisdom?
I have learned so much from my colleagues since I started working at Aging Wisdom. I feel more confident in my ability to work with different abilities and create solid connections with my clients. I feel very connected to my colleagues at Aging Wisdom as well, and I know I can reach out to anyone for help if needed, and they would jump right in to help. It’s wonderful to feel supported in your work environment!
What do you love about your job?
I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives. I love being able to create moments of joy for our clients, and create outings centered around each specific person and what brings them joy- which in turn makes me love my job more and more each day.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
There are many moments I am proud of and would consider a success story that. It is hard to pick just one!
One success that comes to mind is when I was seeing a client with advanced dementia and when I would come to visit, she and I would try to get out of the building to get some sunshine or walk to a coffee shop to get a treat. Shortly after I started visiting her, it was advised that we do not leave the assisted living facility, as the client might not want to return. When I came to her apartment, I quickly realized she was back in a time where she was a student at UW and was living in the dorms.
This is where I really learned the importance of “meeting them where they are”. When I arrived, my client thought I was a fellow student at UW, and we sat in her apartment on her couch resting before “studying”. We talked and laughed about falling asleep while studying, and clothing styles of the times, and soon she was ready to take a nap. Although we didn’t leave the building, we still laughed and joked and it was a successful visit!
Another moment that comes to mind is when I worked with a client who was previously an art historian. She had advanced dementia, and didn’t talk that much when I first started visiting with her. I would bring different Impressionist art books and go through them with her during our visits, and slowly, she began to respond to me and the art. She noticed details about the art that I never saw- and it was truly remarkable.
We formed a great connection over the time with spent with her, and I will never forget how she made me laugh- even when she didn’t say a lot to get her point across. I was so proud, and honored, that over time she felt comfortable speaking to me. Although it was difficult for her to communicate, we understood each other. I washed her eyeglasses so she could see the art better, and she showed me how important light and color are in the Impressionist paintings. It was a success I will never forget!
What motivates you?
Continuing to create moments of joy for my clients and being able to make a difference in their lives. I love connecting with my clients, and I am always striving for being able to help others and bring them to places they will enjoy, and creating a community for them to thrive in.
