After some squash tournaments and a long winter break, I am finally back home. I look forward to continue helping the residents of Chesterbrook. I’ve had some ideas regarding what I can do to help the residents not only with their own technology, but the homes technology. I am interested in computers, and like to stay up to date on new technology (such as CES 2017). I have some spare computers laying around that I tinker with. I’m hoping that I will be able to bring a computer or two to the home, and set up some sort of computer lab for residents to use. I’m excited for what I can do with Chesterbrook in 2017!
Author: alexbochenek
Helping others
After a long break, I wanted to talk about a few things that I’ve enjoyed while helping Chesterbrook residents. Some days, I come in, and I find only one resident who is waiting. Other days, I have travel to their rooms, knocking on doors and asking if they’d like help. In the end, sometimes I don’t have any seniors to work with. But the beauty of technology is that it is multi-generational. Chesterbrook has let me not only help seniors learn how to use their telephone, browse websites, and play games, but to also help staff in the home. They’re doing a fantastic job of caring for the residents. When I have some spare time, I answer any questions the secretary has. Recently, I helped her with some business cards. Even though my main goal was to help seniors, I see this effort expand to really anyone who has questions. In the end, it’s comforting knowing that I can help someone, even if it was someone who I didn’t think I would help.
My reflection
Yesterday, I worked again with Ms Sato and her phone. She had some trouble with the assistive voice, as it wasn’t playing anymore. I quickly fixed this for her, and resumed practicing entering her message box, so she could listen to her texts. As I sat watching, I thought about the people I’ve met and the things we’ve helped them with. The staff at Chesterbrook are lovely and it is nice seeing them every Saturday. Ms Ellis and Ms Brockington have been a tremendous help to us, coordinating the sessions and promoting it at the home.
Closer to my heart are the people I’ve worked with – like Ms Sato, Bill, and the Vaughns. In a time where our lives move so fast, they have let me sit down for an hour or two and relax. They have amazing stories to share, which I would have never listened to if not for those Saturday computer classes. These are the people that have shaped our present, which often we take for granted. I know I have re-evaluated my priorities after spending so much time with the residents. I’m glad that I have no been only able to teach them about technology, but they have been able to teach me as well.
Technology at its finest
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Ellen, who needed help with her cell phone. Here’s what she had to say:
“I was having trouble using my flip cell phone. I kept getting messages and I couldn’t figure out how to delete them. Alex didn’t know that I am blind too, but he helped me by using the assistive technology on my phone. He made a guide for me to use when I use my phone. Now, I can feel the buttons on my phone and have the phone tell me what they are. I can call and finally delete those messages.”
I am glad I was able to help Ellen. I was surprised to learn she was blind, but happy to help her!
A knife is a gift
I was talking to Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn after coming back to Chesterbrook for the first time. We were talking about history and how they met. The conversation quickly divulged into Mrs. Vaughn recounting how her uncle fought in the pacific. She remembers how her uncle wrote to their family, asking for a knife. It was a gift, albeit a strange on. She later found out that the knife served it purpose well – the uncle used it in the pacific, while fighting the Japanese. Can you imagine sending a knife through the mail today?
Serving the US
Recently, I was working with a man named Bill. We were setting up his preferred email app and I was setting up some basic preferences. As we were going through the news categories, Bill told me that he wanted the military section to be the primary source of his news. I asked him if he had served, and it turns out he did! He served in the pacific for two years during the Second World War. As someone interested in history, I enjoyed listening to his stories about fighting in the pacific and his experiences. It is absolutely incredible, and I am always happy to work with him.
Birthday Suprise
Not long ago, I was working with a woman on listening to a podcast about presidents, as well as reading the short bios. She told me she had a hard time hearing, so I did my best to adapt to her need. Later I found out that she recently celebrated her 102nd birthday! I can only imagine what sort of technological progress she has seen in her life. It is awesome that she is still keeping up with the times and always willing to learn something new.