LEARNING FROM THE PAST. Psychology students listen to an elderly while she was sharing her story as part of the Psyche Care activity. Supplied photo.
A reflection by Aga Mari Nulo
Every once in a while, there are events that simply leave a happy smile in the hearts of people. We take a day or two to simply look back, unwind and appreciate the things that we can see while they are still there. Sooner or later, we will face the reality that they are gone. This is how I would describe my overall experience during the Psych Care activity, held at St Joseph’s Golden Home Inc last February 25, 2017: It was a heartwarming occasion that brought students together for a good cause. It may not be the flashiest event like the ones we see on the Internet, but the students succeeded in making the elderlies feel like they are still valued.
Psyche Care was an immersion activity organized by the Xavier University Psychology Society (XUPS). The event could be used as a stepping stone for practical applications, whether it may be social interactions or simple observation of behaviors. It holds a plethora of opportunities to actually apply what the students have learned from the class in the real world.
It was a sight to see the students gathered together to make the elderlies not just feel special, but actually remember that they are indeed special. There were food, retro music to fill the atmosphere, a chance to sing and dance with the elderly, a moment to listen to the stories of the aged, and many more. Students also gathered to listen to the talks about the lives they have lived. Some spoke about great wisdom they learned during their adventures. Others made the students feel kilig as they shared about their personal romantic lives. The most noteworthy accomplishment that has been achieved was the fact that the event was a huge success. It was then all topped off with an excellent performance by Xavier Ateneo talent Muriel Lomadilla.
STORIES OF LOLA. Psychology students listen to an elderly while she was sharing her stories as part of the Psyche Care activity. Supplied photo.
As for the institution itself, St Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation Inc or Home for the Elderly was established on September 5, 2003. It is a non-profit organization registered under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), guided by the Board of Trustees under the watchful eye of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. For the processes within the establishment, members of the Missionary Congregations of Mary (MCM) are the key people who plan for the smooth daily living of the elderlies under their care.
At present, the Home for the Elderly houses 16 elderlies (three males and 13 females). They have a kind staff composed of 15 people.
For those who are interested in donating, the institution accepts monetary assistance, food, toiletries, such as soap, toothpaste, medical equipment, and vitamins, among others. Donations are gratefully accepted for the purpose of making the remaining days of the elderlies as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.∎
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY. The Psyche Care is an immersion activity organized by the Xavier University Psychology Society, a heartwarming occasion that brought students together for a good cause. Supplied photo.