The Octavia Waight Centre: Help Age
Belize is a home for the elderly in the beautiful, paradisaical country of
Belize in Central America. The 25
residents of the center suffer from a variety of diseases; including diabetes,
hemiplegia, and Alzheimer’s. As an active
geriatric physical therapy intern I was able to participate in the treatment of
these patients, specifically helping them with physical therapy. This has been the first time that I have worked
consistently with geriatric patients, so I was interested to see how I would
like the experience.
Being a part of the Octavia Waight Centre was not only educational but also very enjoyable. 5 hours a day 5 days a week I helped patients with therapy, and when I was at the apartment I studied to learn different things I could do that would help the residents. I learned so many things and developed skills that directly apply to my major (biology) and career choice (physical therapy). I was also able to develop relationships that I will keep for the rest of my life. Due to privacy concerns, I am unable to post the pictures that I took with the patients at the nursing home.
In addition to the therapy, I also participated in a variety of volunteer opportunities. We coached a middle school volleyball team, directed a youth summer camp at the police station, set up volunteer work at an abortion advisement clinic, and worked construction at a local school. On the weekends we explored the culture. By the end of the adventure, we had been all over the country. It was a very productive 4 weeks, and I enjoyed every moment.
