Reflection Essay: Kate Mischinski

Abe’s Garden Dementia: Connections, Causes, and Preventions

Through my experience at Abe’s Garden, I learned about the need for senior care. This venture reinforced my commitment to becoming a nurse. Prior to completing the active service, I sought not only to experience the personal relationships nurses form but also the demanding labor the profession entails Since childhood, I was drawn to nursing, but I never had the hands-on expertise to fully understand why I felt it was my calling. Therefore, for my Senior Service Scholar Project, I chose to serve at Abe’s Garden, an assisted living residence for seniors, where I volunteered in the memory care unit. This organization aims to “establish a replicable model for senior life that is focused on brain health, wellness, and purposeful living” (Abe’s Garden Community) Because of this service, I researched the ongoing causes of dementia and possible avoidances one can take to prevent the onset of this disease.

From June 2022 until the beginning of 2023, I partnered with Abe’s Garden several times a week and participated in various activities. Some days, I would color or complete puzzles with the residents, while other times, I gave manicures or called out Bingo numbers My purpose was to simply bond with the patients and bring positive energy and a warm smile into the building. One would be amazed at how far a friendly conversation can go for many of the members’ spirits. While each resident gave rise to my passion and curiosity, one woman, in particular, truly taught me the impact caring for others can have: her name was Ann Wells. Mrs Ann was a fireball, a light, an angel, and most importantly the first resident I connected with at Abe’s Garden. When I first met Mrs. Ann, her lively persona radiated from her. I discovered she used to teach at Ensworth, and we bonded with ease. I would catch up with her weekly, hearing of new memories she desired to share or life lessons she wished to preach. I cared for her when she needed it; whether it was guiding her to her room, or bringing her water, I acted as a provider in many senses. Unfortunately, on September 17th, 2022, she passed away due to an unexpected Covid-19 outbreak in the facility. Even though Mrs. Ann may not have remembered me, I will forever cherish her contagious smile, warm heart, and sweet words. She (and Abe’s Garden) helped me further realize my purpose in this world - to care for others as a nurse

Every time I served, there were two nurses- Katie and Larina- who have become two of the most well-respected people I have ever met. They both have patience like no other and spend countless hours ensuring they provide quality patient care. Larina worked over several holidays and made light of any situation that came about; that includes when the entire memory-support unit flooded on Christmas Eve! Katie knew the members of Abe’s Garden like the back of her hand and always gave her full effort to create personalized engagement for the residents. I am so grateful to have such outstanding role models for my future in medical services.

After serving over 35 hours at Abe’s Garden, I better understand the value of healthcare and the many challenges those with memory loss face. Although dementia is a damaging and unfortunate disease, I have seen, in a deeply personal manner, that there is so much more to a person than this illness. I have also found that through exposure to this agency, I ventured outside of my comfort zone and explored different sides of myself that I never knew existed. Thank you, Abe’s Garden, for such a remarkable learning experience!