News Summary
Nursing students from Galen College of Nursing participated in engaging activities with seniors at the Doris Griffin Senior Center, strengthening their patient care skills. The event included fitness classes, health monitoring, and social interaction, benefiting both the students and the senior participants. By fostering a sense of community, the center emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical well-being among seniors.
San Antonio, Texas – Nursing students from Galen College of Nursing recently engaged in a hands-on experience with seniors at the Doris Griffin Senior Center, enhancing their patient care skills through interactive activities. The event, which took place on May 19, served as a valuable opportunity for both the students and the senior participants.
The Doris Griffin Senior Center, located at 6157 NW Loop 410, is a community hub dedicated to the well-being of seniors aged 60 and older. It operates in partnership with the City of San Antonio and the WellMed Charitable Foundation. The center is open and free for all eligible seniors and can be contacted at (210) 780-7444.
Activities at the Center
During their visit, nursing students participated in a wide array of activities designed to promote fitness, creativity, and social interaction among seniors. Activities included games like Rummikub, dance aerobics led by instructor Mo Garcia, choir classes, and wellness checks. These engagements aimed to foster a sense of community and encourage active lifestyles among older adults.
Nursing student Ali Smith noted the impressive fitness levels of the senior members while participating in the dance aerobics class. The engaging atmosphere of the class emphasized the importance of maintaining physical health through enjoyable exercises.
Health Monitoring and Education
In addition to fitness activities, nursing students performed vital health checks which included monitoring blood pressure and offering health advice tailored to the seniors’ individual needs. This personal interaction underscored the significance of understanding each senior’s healthcare requirements, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care.
The Doris Griffin Senior Center plays a crucial role in providing a safe environment for seniors to remain active and socially engaged. Services include daily meals, a variety of exercise classes, educational workshops, and social events, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its members.
Importance of Emotional Well-being
Peaches Hall, the manager of the center, emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional and healthcare needs of seniors. Effective communication was highlighted as a key component in delivering quality care. The interactions between nursing students and seniors provided significant insights, allowing students to challenge their preconceived notions about aging and to appreciate the active and independent lives many seniors lead.
Participants in the center’s fitness classes are diverse in age, with the youngest participant being 60 years old and the oldest noted at 83 years old. Many seniors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with nursing students, describing how these interactions could reshape perceptions about aging and the realities of senior lifestyles.
Community Engagement and Support
Operational since December 2014, the Doris Griffin Senior Center has served over 8,000 members, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences among seniors. The center has consistently provided support and a place for older adults to connect, underscoring its repute as a vital resource for the well-being of seniors in San Antonio.
By offering a variety of services and fostering relationships among its members, the center significantly contributes to addressing the unique emotional needs of seniors, reinforcing their importance to the community.
The involvement of nursing students in this environment not only enriches their educational experience but also serves to enhance the overall well-being of the seniors, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.
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Additional Resources
- News4SanAntonio: Fun Activities with Doris Griffin Senior Center
- Wikipedia: Doris Griffin Senior Center
- ExpressNews: San Antonio Nursing School – Galen College
- Google Search: San Antonio Nursing School Galen College
- KSAT: Convoy of Hope Keeps Thousands of Senior Citizens Fed During Holidays
- Google Scholar: Convoy of Hope
- ExpressNews: SA Lights – Peaches Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Peaches Hall
- KSAT: Free Classes Around San Antonio Teach Older Adults Technology Skills
- Google News: San Antonio Technology Skills Classes
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