On July 18, 2017, the faculty and students participating in the Belize study abroad program had the opportunity to spend some time with the staff and residents at Octavia Waight Center, an elder care facility. The students had the opportunity to visit with the residents and learn their life stories, benefiting from the wisdom and insight shared by their new friends.  This is a mutually beneficial activity for the residents as well.  The sharing of ones life story is an important developmental activity for older individuals.  The students also gained insight into the effects of neurocognitive disorders (dementia) due to various etiologies and the challenges for caring for individuals with varying severity.

The facility has very little resources and funding, but they are doing amazing work.  Students were provided a very contrasting perspective of what an elder care facility entails, compared to those they had visited in the U.S. There is a freedom and openness to Octavia Waight.  Residents have shared rooms and have the autonomy to move about the grounds.  Some leave the grounds as they please, as long as they write down where they are going in the record book.  Every week they take all of the residents by bus to the river for a picnic and outdoor recreation.

There are three resident dogs and four cats that provide animal therapy to the residents.  The center also provides recreational, occupational, art, cooking, and music therapy to their residents, unofficially.  These services are provided by the dedicated nurses and technicians.

During our visit at the Octavia Waight Center, we were able to restore a greenhouse on the grounds that the residents were not able to use due to safety concerns.  This allows those who enjoy gardening another activity they can now engage in safely, at their leisure.  Many of the vegetables that are grown in the garden are used in the preparation of meals by the residents who enjoy cooking.  One of the residents uses the peppers to make her homemade hot sauce that she then distributes to other residents and visitors.  The visit was inspiring and left a lasting impression on all that were involved.  We will continue to build our relationship with the Octavia Waight Center and support the efforts and effect they are having on the community.