Best Friends

         I, along with the others in my service learning group, am very excited to be volunteering at the Best Friends Day Center. Best Friends is an center that houses assisted living residents during the day that have dementia ranging from early to late stages. Those with dementia experience a decline in their mental capabilities and progressively lose their ability to function normally in their daily lives. When I heard about Best Friends, I knew this was something I've had zero experience with. I chose it because I believe I can learn the most from it.  

We will be playing games with the residents,
much like what is shown in this picture.

         My first impression of Best Friends was that it seemed to have a welcoming atmosphere, as it should. We spent a good part of our time there filling out forms, and once that was over we got to enjoy ice cream that the people there decided to share with us. After we were given all the information about what was expected of us, we then headed into a big room where all the residents were. This room is used for all of their daily activities, and today they were playing a game called "two truths and a lie." While we didn't get to join in on that, we heard that it was a lot of fun. Later on everyone was sitting around in a circle and they were singing songs out of a book. All of the volunteers joined in and we sang with them. Some of the residents there have absolutely beautiful voices, it was a treat to listen to them. I could also tell that they really enjoyed it because we must've sang at least fifteen songs. But it was all enjoyable and the two hours we spent there seemed to fly by. I was surprised when it was actually time to leave.

         Best Friends is the only adult day center in the central Kentucky region that is geared toward dementia care. I spoke with Ms. Harkless, who is one of the people in management there, and I could tell that she takes great pride in the work she does for these people. She took a lot of time making sure that we understood that we were there to give our time to the residents. We dedicate our time to giving the residents a positive daily experience. I look forward to regularly going back and getting to know the people there. I think I will enjoy the activities and games that they have. More importantly, I think that I will learn a lot from my time spent here with these great people. 

-Cassadi