My elective volunteering placement with Dementia Adventure UK by Magdalene Effiong, 3rd year BN Student
This experience underscored the significance of effective organization and communication in overcoming obstacles while planning, fostering meaningful interactions, and providing compassionate care in the realm of dementia support, thus enhancing both my personal and professional development.
In this earnest blog, I’ll share the extraordinary tale of my time as a volunteer with Dementia Adventure (DA) in Windermere, The Lake District in the UK. My initial intentions for an international elective placement shifted unexpectedly, guiding me toward a profoundly fulfilling role in dementia care. Within this blog post, I’ll delve into the obstacles I faced during the preparation phase, my personal encounters as a volunteer, and the profound influence and advantages of being part of Dementia Adventure, UK volunteer team.
Selecting the Placement and Dedication to the Cause
At first, I had my heart set on Nigeria as the ideal destination for my placement. However, unexpected circumstances arose, prompting me to reconsider and explore opportunities in the United Kingdom. It was during this transitional phase that I serendipitously discovered DA through the university. My choice to embark on this placement adventure was shaped by a multitude of factors. Opting for the UK offered significant financial advantages, and the one-week duration afforded me the flexibility to promptly return and attend to my parental responsibilities. Most notably, my deep-seated passion for assisting individuals living with dementia played a pivotal role in this decision. This fervor found its origins in my prior care giving experiences and a lifelong dedication to volunteering, which had been instilled in me from an early age.
Furthermore, establishing clear and efficient communication with the manager of Dementia Adventure played a pivotal role in enabling the choice of an ideal adventure destination – Windermere in the picturesque Lake District. This choice harmonized seamlessly with both my personal schedule and the prerequisites of my placement. It’s worth emphasizing that Dementia Adventure UK’s commitment to covering all expenses related to volunteer transportation, lodging, and meals demonstrates an exceptionally generous and student-friendly approach.
Overcoming Organizational Challenges
While my passion was the driving force behind my decision to become a part of Dementia Adventure, my journey towards volunteering was marked by some significant challenges. Obtaining the necessary PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) clearance, specifically tailored for use in England, it turned out to be quite an arduous endeavor, extending over a span of more than two months due to various document-related obstacles.
This situation arose because the PVG certification I had previously acquired from Disclosure Scotland didn’t automatically meet the requirements in England. Nonetheless, thanks to the unwavering support I received from Dementia Adventure UK, particularly the consistent communication and assistance provided by the Dementia Adventure UK manager, along with my own unwavering determination, I successfully engaged the services of an agency that helped expedite the clearance process.
Overcoming Nervousness and Building Connections
At the beginning of my volunteer experience, I held some concerns regarding my ability to connect with and provide care for people living with dementia who exhibited a wide range of personalities. Nevertheless, my determination remained steadfast.
As I attended the inaugural morning briefing, where both the staff and fellow volunteers convened to coordinate our activities, I was pleasantly taken aback by the strong sense of unity within the team. The camaraderie among team members warmed my heart, and I’m immensely appreciative of their consistent encouragement during my initial stint as a holiday volunteer. Their warm reception instantly made me feel like an integral part of the group.
Each day brimmed with unique moments, ranging from shared laughter and deep connections with our clients. It was the little, genuine acts of kindness that truly enriched our clients’ holiday experiences, whether it be a small gesture of goodwill or a grand surprise. These instances illuminated a culture of exceptional teamwork among our volunteer group, nurturing a supportive atmosphere that alleviated any worries or concerns.
Connecting with Clients and Their Loved Ones
Over the course of those five days, I dedicated a significant amount of energy and commitment. My responsibilities spanned a wide range of tasks, encompassing chores like tidying up, culinary duties, preparing tea, aiding individuals as they embarked and disembarked from different modes of transportation, handling equipment for loading and unloading, and playing a role in the coordination of additional activities for our clients. Simultaneously, I invested my efforts in creating memorable moments for this vulnerable group of people while maintaining an unwavering cheerful disposition. Each evening, I retired to bed weary but brimming with contentment and eager anticipation for the day ahead.
We set sail on cruises, toured museums, visiting aquariums, and leisurely wandered through botanical gardens, all meticulously tailored to cater to individuals with mobility limitations. Sharing English-style meals brought me closer to clients and their families, fostering profound connections and fostering meaningful exchanges while eliminating barriers.
The Impact of Dementia Adventure’s Holiday Volunteering and Planning
One of the truly impactful experiences during my involvement with Dementia Adventure was engaging in heartwarming renditions of old songs alongside elderly individuals, witnessing the immense joy it brought them. This encounter reinforced the notion that, when aided by joyous moments, the unwavering support of family, caregivers, and services such as Dementia Adventure’s holiday planning, people and their families living with dementia can enjoy a high standard of life. This experience not only sharpened my caregiving abilities but also granted me invaluable insights into the distinctive requirements of those with dementia. Volunteering with Dementia Adventure UK offered an irreplaceable opportunity for students pursuing careers in the healthcare sector to gain practical knowledge in dementia care, which perfectly complemented the theoretical teachings within the classroom environment.
Conclusion and Recommendation
My experience with Dementia Adventure has been a transformative journey, where I had the opportunity to put my interpersonal skills to the test while adapting to unforeseen twists in my plans. Working with clients dealing with dementia was an incredibly rewarding endeavor, and the bonds forged and the impactful activities we organized truly exemplified the remarkable benefit and influence of Dementia Adventure UK. This experience underscored the significance of effective organization and communication in overcoming obstacles while planning, fostering meaningful interactions, and providing compassionate care in the realm of dementia support, thus enhancing both my personal and professional development.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly urge educational establishments and students to join forces with Dementia Adventure in embracing this priceless opportunity. This partnership not only brings advantages to those individuals facing dementia but also elevates the knowledge and capabilities of both students and institutions, ultimately fostering advancements in dementia care within our communities.
(Photo by Tim Doerfler on Unsplash)
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