 The Sister of Our Lady of China Social Welfare Foundation has teamed up with 7-Eleven Convenience Stores to launch a very special coffee shop in Chiayi County, providing internships for seniors with dementia an opportunity for social interaction with the public. On the morning of August 1, three such ¡§Aunty interns,¡¨ the eldest having celebrated her 101st birthday, began their inaugural service wearing nostalgic dresses popular in their youth, their work attire accented with a colorful scarf, smiled cheerfully as they brewed coffee and took orders from their enchanted customers. With young attendants nearly, ready to provide any needed assistance, the scene was lively and warm.
The attendant have received special training to assist these ¡§Aunty interns.¡¨ They were required to wear special glasses and gloves that simulate the limited vision and slower mobility and dexterity that afflict us all as we reach old age. At the grand opening, the public was invited to try on the glasses and gloves to appreciate the efforts these courageous interns put into their work. With personal experience of the challenges the elderly face as they interact with the world, they gain empathy to help others with physical and mental challenges. Together, old and young form a working relationship of trust and understanding. It is truly heartwarming to see these ¡§Aunty interns¡¨ gain confidence and satisfaction from greeting and giving service to their appreciative customers.
One of the ¡§Aunty interns¡¨ had been confined to a wheelchair when she first arrived at one of our community day care for seniors with dementia. With the help of the social workers and the care staff, her physical strength gradually returned and she decided to participate in the oldest intern program in Taiwan. Her family members have noticed she has become more lively and talkative since starting the internship. This is an a welcome change from her previous emotional irritability and social withdrawal.
With a fixed schedule for these elders to go work at the store every week, to learn to brew coffee and make tea eggs, this internship has become a driving force for changing social expectations of the elderly. |
| Date¡G2019-09-16 |
| Back |
