Elder Advisory Team - Day 4 - Titanyen

We had a new team member join us today, her name is Kathy. We are so happy she is here! Our time is now complete in Titanyen...

We spent another whole day serving the beautiful Elders of Titanyen. We assessed 13 Elders today at Fleri. The activities were much the same but seemed better organized than yesterday. We saw Mariannie, Charitable, Antionette, Anchola, Altesse, Mariedeloude, Lauremise, Marieterez, Camisane, Pierre, Marie Pierre, Marie Loude, and Aloude.

After our assessments and time of serving, a few of us went to deliver a cane and some reading glasses to a couple of Elders. They were so happy. Altogether I think we were able to bring reading glasses to four Elders and it was so awesome to watch them be able to see close up! It made them very happy!

We stayed and had pizza from Fleri, then made our way home in some brutal traffic! Now, it is time to relax and chat about our day. We all need some good rest. We will be ready for our very last serving day tomorrow.

Each night we have been going over all of the Elders we saw that day, and we talk about their current condition and needs. Tonight, we shifted, and it was much needed. We did Healing Haiti's traditional Word Of The Day. I will leave you with our words...

Stewardship - Don

Overwhelmed - Marni

One Thing - Joy

Being Present - Tracey

Peace - Jordan

Frustration - Melanie

Preparation - Melissa

Tenacious - Katie

Everyone one of our team members cares about each other. It was so good to be able to talk through how we are feeling and take time to support each other. 

Sweet Dreams! Marni

Elder Advisory Team - Day 3 - Fleri Day 1

 What an incredible day! 

Today was extremely busy. We had 11 Elders join us today at Fleri in Titanyen. Fleri is a bakery and restaurant in the village of Titanyen. It is a great meeting location for our Elder parties and gatherings. 

Today we saw Felice, Charite, Flerisciane, Charlitude, Marie Pierre, Elithane, Vergilie, Telicia, Vergilie, Fidelcia, and Dieufort.

Today Jd and Joy completed nursing and physical therapy assessments. I had help with social history updates from Melanie, Melissa, Katie, and Tracey. The Elders worked on making name cards and greeting cards with the help of Katie, Don, Melanie, and Tracey. Melissa was a rockstar washing hands and feet, giving massages and painting nails. Don laminated name cards for the Elders to take home so they could practice writing their names. We had a "sensory table" that was a big hit! The Elders especially loved the play dough and some slime that my sweet neighbor, Addie, made. We had pate, sugar pastries, and spaghetti lunch for everyone and the Elders had bread and goodies to take home. 

Even though we are exhausted, it doesn't even compare to the exhausting life our precious Elders live. Most live in tin shanties or small wood structures. There is no electricity, no air conditioning, sometimes no windows... They are incredibly HOT! They don't ask for much and they work so hard just to maintain life.

We listened to their stories, we heard how they are feeling, we asked what they wanted us to know. 100% of our Elders asked for prayer for their health before anything else. They did not want to list their needs, they said God knows and he will provide. 

We looked at a few homes today that are in need of repairs. One of our Elders had a recent fire and has damage to her home. She also lost some storage bins and clothing. 

I have to say, this team is simply awesome! Everyone looks around to see what is needed and they are not afraid to jump in to help. We are all "doers" and very little direction is needed. This is not an easy week, it is very busy and very hot. I am so blessed they all wanted to be here.

Our friend and final team member, Kathy, arrived to Haiti today. She will spend a couple days with us as well and this makes our hearts so happy!

Love - Marni

Elder Advisor Trip - Serving Day 2 - Second day of elder home visits

 We returned to Titanyen today to continue our home visits for our most vulnerable elders.  We were able to visit Guerline, Eliphet, Ophane, and Rosette.  

After our first visit with Guerline, we went to visit Eliphet,  and were able to take her to see where her new home is being constructed.  She was excited to see the progress on her home, for which has been patiently waiting.   We then were able to meet up with Dr. Fabian, who is one of the physicians working at Hope Clinic.  He attended our home visit to Ophane, making recommendations for him. After a visit to Rosette,  we were able to do quick follow-up visits with 2 elders seen yesterday to change a bandage and have Dr. Fabian check in with Edmund.  

We then took a much-needed break at Fleuri, where we were able to spend time with Dr. Fabian to discuss cultural implications for medical care, particularly in the elderly population.  He was able to give great insight.  He then expounded on why Lebron James is an overall better player than Michael Jordan, or any other player in NBA history :) 

On the way back to the guest house, we were chased by darkening skies, and the rain opened up JUST as we unloaded the tap-tap.  It was a very refreshing rain, and cooled off the air a bit. 

Tonight, we did "case conference" on all of our elders seen, and made potential recommendations and further care plans to improve their quality of life.  While discussing the elders, some of our team members did mending of clothing and a sheet that we'd picked up yesterday, and will be returned to the elder tomorrow.

Tomorrow's plan is for an elder event with nursing & therapy assessments, health education topics, and lots of fun activities for the elders.  

Until tomorrow, 

Elder care team member Joy (and blog by committee)

Our Team

Eliphet's current house

Eliphet's current house

Eliphet's new house