—- UPDATE —–  Given the rise to Level 3 Travel Advisory I am preparing to depart Peru and go to Argentina.

Welcome to my Peru page! I am excited to inform you of the work that I have been up to! Below are just a couple of photos of my first few days in Peru. I learned so much from my last country on how culture impacts care outcomes. During my time in Peru I will be spending a month volunteering at two nursing homes one in the morning and other in the afternoon. I am taking a course on caregiving as well with the University of San Pablo. I plan to travel to other nursing homes as well during my time here to understand other culture norms. On August 26th Peru celebrates their older people and I am excited to work with multiple nursing homes to execute this fun day. 

This week I had the opportunity to help some men shave their beards. It was a very eye-opening experience. This reminded me that at any age it is important to still go to a hair salon. Every older person should have the opportunity to go to a hair salon if they prefer. This reminded me that nursing homes need to have an area designated for hair. I also was reminded how the lack of resources impacts the quality of life an older person lives. For example, when I had to shave these men we were shaving using soap and water and with razors that were two blades which can easily cut. I was able to bring to the nursing homes new razors with 5 blades and shaving cream. However, this does not fix the problem, but trying to find more sustainable ways where community members can help with such costs. 

Meet my friend Raul who is 72 years old.  He is unable to shave and I was helping another man who was blind. I took my time ensuring that I am able to shave them properly. 

Site #1: Asilo Lira: http://www.hermanitas.net/

This is a nursing home with ~100 residents. They have separate quarters for male/female residents. They also have seperate floors depending on the person’s needs. The facility is run by 10 nuns and some outside help. They depend heavily on their faith and what others are able to provide. During my time there I thought about how we can make sustainable ways to have the community interact with this nursing home. For example, how can we partner with local hair salons or other organizations to donate shaving cream and/or razors. 

They have open areas where people are able to roam freely. They also have a barbershop, dining area, gym for therapy, and various open spaces to gather. 

 

Site #2: Hogar San Vincente De Paul

I will update this more once I have spent a week there. I LOVE this facility given the joy and love that they foster here. They called me their American grandson. I developed a plan here where we have everyday a different activity. For example, one day we might be doing exercise, another day dancing, another day singing, another day drawing, and then another day having a race. I am excited to keep growing and learning more. This facility offered me an insight on how I can communicate with someone who does not speak English or Spanish. Some of their members speak Quechua and I was able to have them participate in activities  by playing traditional Quechua music.  It felt incredible thinking about how music can be used as a tool to communicate. Additionally, thinking about ways were we are able to break down language barriers while simultaneously upholding one’s culture. 

I had the opportunity to celebrate birthday’s and be celebrated at this nursing home. They call me the grandchild of San Vincente and the American grandchild.  I dressed up as Mickey Mouse to celebrate with them! 

Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2257776664507730

Main Takeaways: 

Tentative ideas from my limited time here (Pending Update): Religion in Peru is very important. The two nursing homes I visited are run by nuns who are both nuns and nurses. They do all the heavy lifting for the facility and they find patience and strength from their belief in God. I was amazed by this idea of how powerful faith can be for the caregiver and the residents. Some residents told me that they kept pushing forward through their decline given that they had another day given to them by God. I was also very touched by how some people mentioned that although physically the person my not be present or understand, they are spiritually with us and our souls are celebrating.  

Nursing Homes Might Think About Including:

• Hair Salon 
• Open Patios 
• Gardens 
• Dinner tables with different life-style choices 
• Religious space to practice