Vol. 014.3 Academic Year 2011-2012AgeSong Institute Journal

AgeSong InstituteA program of Pacifi c Institute

Clinical Internship Staff 2011-2012

Nader R. Shabahangi, Ph.D., MFTDirector AgeSong Senior Communities

Pat CopassProgram DirectorAgeSong Senior Communities

Nina “Anin” Utigaard, MFT, REATExpressive Arts Trainer AgeSong Senior Communities

Lane Arye, Ph.D.Training DirectorAgeSong Senior Communities

Liz Nickels, M.A. Psy.D.Clinical Director and Supervisor AgeSong Institute, San Francisco

Suzanne Fried, M.A., MFTClinical Director and SupervisorLakeside Park, Oakland

Galia Schechter, Ph.D.Clinical Director and SupervisorBayside Park, Emeryville

Sabrina Bruno Cundiff , LCSWTransitional Living CoordinatorBayside Park, Emeryville

Ms. Olive Beatrice, AgeSong’s new therapy dog

www.agesonginstitute.org www.pacificinstitute.org

www.ehinstitute.org

AgeSong Institute, a program of the non-profi t, educational and charitable organization Pacifi c Institute, is dedicated to teaching health care professionals and carepartners humanistic, process-oriented models for working with people in need of care. We understand that a non-pathologizing, accepting and loving attitude towards elders is as important as is knowledge and skill.

In this IssueThe Flow of Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Journey Through Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meet Ms. Olive Beatrice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back On My Feet Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Flying Fortress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Snow Globe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .My Private Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yoga’s Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Peachy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In Memory of Eva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In Memory of Merci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Now You’ve Got It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Surviving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steve Polivka, LakeSide Park Intern

Stephanie, San Francisco Intern

Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director

Lucille, Hayes Valley Care Resident

Robert Shinnick, Laguna Grove Care Resident

Fred, Hayes Valley Care Resident

Alan Bowers, San Francisco Intern

Rebecca, Hayes Valley Care Resident

Grace, Laguna Grove Care Resident

Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director, SF

Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director, SF

Ruth, Bayside Park Intern

Ruth, Bayside Park Intern

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In Their Own Words written by AgeSong Institute interns and residents

I recall the first time that we met. During a meeting you approached the room, and forced open the locked door. I was shocked. It was the first incident I experienced working as an intern. I had no idea what to do, so I sat and stared in disbelief as you pushed each door to its limit before placing the stopper on the ground. What happened next, however, completely changed my perception of events. “There, that’s better,” you proclaimed. “I didn’t like the flow of things. Now it’s better. Why don’t we all come outside?”

Over the next few weeks, we grew together; like a teacher to a stu-dent, you taught me a different way to look at the world. We talked at length about the building, and how it was designed. You told me about the various things you would do differently, had you been the architect. In what some people would consider an act of aggression or defiance, you blocked the exit door with chairs. I stood by and watched as you meticulously stacked each chair into a perfect line. Once finished, you turned to me and said “There, that should help.” Little did I know at that time that you were helping spare the caregiv-ers from another resident who liked to check the alarm on the door a little too frequently. It was just your way of helping out. You showed me that sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective.

The Flow of ThingsBy Steve Polivka, LakeSide Park Intern

I recall our last session together. A small child was running around with a latex balloon, and you were more than happy to participate in a game I assume was called “Bonk” (as this was the noise you made when the child threw the ball at your head). I marveled at how con-nected you seemed. No more confusion. No more pacing. All that mattered was you and the child. I recall saying, “This little boy is so happy right now.” You gave me a look as though I was crazy. “I think, that little boy… is a little girl,” you replied, while shaking your head in disbelief.

I recall seeing you being taken to the hospital. I remember seeing you in your bed, looking peaceful as you slept. I remember getting the phone call that you had transcended this earthly plane for greater and better things beyond the veil.

Although our time together was short, I feel as though a piece of you lives within me and my work. The lessons I learned from our work to-gether were profound and meaningful. You awakened a greater sense of understanding within me. Now, whenever I feel lost, confused, or out of sorts, I have learned to take a step back and reassess the flow of things.

Her warmth and excitement filled the room when I met her. She greets me with open arms and a smile that stretches from ear to ear. “You know I used to do hair in my salon,” she whispers to me. She reaches out for my hand and squeezes it tightly. How lucky am I to be sitting with this beautiful woman. As we sit together, she shares her stories about motherhood. “You know, I only have one daughter and I love her,” she points to a picture of her daughter that rests above her bed.

Journey Through LifeBy Stephanie, San Francisco Intern

How lucky I am to be sitting with such a loving and devoted mother.As I listen, she points to a newspaper clipping and talks about herfar away home. “I used to live in Mexico, you know. We used to dance to the Mexican music!” She laughs with excitement.

How lucky I am to be learning about her traditions in Mexico, so lucky to be a part of her beautiful journey through life.

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Top right: Resident Ellen and Lower right: Resident Henry, with AgeSong’s new therapy dog, Ms. Olive Beatrice.

AgeSong Institute Journal Vol. 14.3

Olive Beatrice came into this world on November 22nd, 2010. Her birthdate falls on the Scorpio/Sagittarius cusp. Olive is a Boston Terrier puppy, but she is maturing quickly. Working with her on a daily basis at AgeSong has been a magical experience. The relationship she has with residents is beautiful to see.

Over the past three years, I have witnessed the therapeutic benefits of SPCA volunteers who bring their service dogs into AgeSong. Recently, Mini a regular visiting SPCA dog, was featured in the Oprah Winfrey Magazine. This inspired me to search for the perfect full-time therapy dog for AgeSong.

The Boston Terrier is often referred to as the “Gentleman’s Dog”. Originating in Boston in the early 1900’s, the Boston Terrier is a cross between the English Bulldog and the Old English White Terrier. The breed is known for their intelligence, happiness, liveliness, and kind-ness. The Boston Terrier makes a great family and therapy dog because of their ability to get along with children, adults, and other pets.

The Boston Terrier has a short coat and is therefore sensitive to tem-perature. I often have to dress Olive to keep her warm during those foggy San Francisco days. Olive has quite a collection of clothes. She tends to pick outfits that are bright in color to help spread warmth and happiness to the AgeSong elders.

Olive does what pharmaceutical medications cannot: she brings love and joy into the hearts of AgeSong residents. Although some with forgetful-ness may have difficulty recollecting the current date, location, or time, they amazingly remember Olive. I am so thankful to work in an environ-ment that encourages such amazing relationships. I look forward to continued work with Olive as we grow together as a team.

Welcome to AgeSong, Ms. Olive BeatriceBy Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director

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In Their Own Words written by AgeSong Institute interns and residents

Back On My Feet AgainBy Lucille, Hayes Valley Care Resident

The cost is going up in the world And I want to go back home Home is in Louisiana Where I have house cleaned Louisiana was my hometown I have worked in the kitchen I went for the working people I had a good job in San Mateo Cleaning and washing the dishes Got off in the evenings I’d take the Greyhound home The old bus I rode I loved that job Yeah, that was a good job I ain’t been there for years That was my job in San Mateo It has been years ago The cold weather got me But I am in a good place now Where I can sleep warm I had a pretty good husband Now I don’t see him no more But he is around somewhere I had a good living with my job I had a happy good life I want to get my old job back And work a while longer But I ain’t well now and I have been to the doctor I am working to get back on my feet again.

I flew over Italy, France, and Germany,In the skies of Europe,In dark and light.Thousands of feet above the green fields…The plane’s propellers mumbled with might.I flew in over 50 missions with my winged brothers at my side.The pilot and navigator guided us,My Guardian Angel’s wings were spread wide.At times I thought the end was near,I would pray to God, my family, and my country,But could they hear?Over the mumbling of explosions and blasts,That were, oh, so near!My flying fortress, you protected my heart,With your strength and steel,Although the years have passed by,Your love I still cherish and feel.

Flying FortressBy Robert Shinnick, Laguna Grove Care Resident and Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director, SF

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By Fred, Hayes Valley Care Resident

Snow Globe

AgeSong Institute Journal Vol. 14.3

Prince Charming and Cinderella A girl dancing with a man Circling blue and white snow Not the rose Für Elise I don’t know French I can’t speak French Are you French?It’s a Canadian Maple Leaf.What is the official flower of France?It’s German actually It’s Beethoven published 40 years after death Für EliseNot Elise but Theresa It’s not a ladyIt’s Prince Charming and Cinderella It’s Cinderella and they’re not moving either They’re standing in a whirlwind of blue and white snow Cinderella lost her shoes Her glass slippers That is a true story She lost her glass slippers Naturally they broke And she got a divorce.

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In Their Own Words written by AgeSong Institute interns and residents

By Grace, Laguna Grove Care Resident

Peachy

I feel peachy Pink as peaches Oh, she is peachy today!But I am locked out And have to get at the two latches to get in A lot of responsibility Too much for her Without help Her brother too far away to be bothered The canary was singing on the porch Such a pretty yellow canary with a splash of black Picking up crumbs in the living room And going back to the cage above I miss my canary My husband admitted he liked him So did the cat Even the cat was good to the canary The cat and my husband became good friends They baby-talked to each other A lot of company, but a lot of work.My dad made us a beautiful canary cage My dad repaired shoes and cooked too!Life is so peachy!She is fine…she is peach today!

There are those nearby lands that are known to me by looks;Yes, those mountains, the rocky coasts —seen many times from a distance.These lands are partly discoveredOr perhaps discovered again.

There are those lands, not so far,That they are completely unknown.I have heard them spoken of —The crystal lakes and curious inhabitants.These are undiscovered, yet not completely unknown.

Then there are the distant lands —the ones in my own soul.These unknown, undiscoverable places.Places I live in without seeing, without hearing.They are my undeciphered home.

By Alan Bowers, San Francisco Intern

My Private Lands

The chant,The breath,The stretch,The twist,Giving me strength,To move forward.All are pieces,Of the ultimate peace,As I trek to completion.

Yoga’s TreeBy Rebecca, Hayes Valley Care Resident

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AgeSong Institute Journal Vol. 14.3

By Grace, Laguna Grove Care Resident

We have been working together for a few months and he is on my mind even when I am not at AgeSong. I wonder if he notices my concern. So many people care for him, but he is still struggling. In my own heart I resolve to continue seeing him even if he doesn’t re-member me or notice who I am. At Thanksgiving I encounter him and his brother leaving for the weekend. His brother comments to me: “I don’t know how you’ll survive without him over the weekend and I don’t know how he’ll survive without you.” This little remark touches me — perhaps I do matter to him in some way.

By Ruth, Bayside Park Intern

Surviving

She is sitting in the common room and there is Jazz playing on the CD player. I sit next to her, but we exchange no words. I smile and she looks at me. Together we let the music drift over us. I know the words and I sing them to her. She moves her hand, I move mine in the same way. She recognizes what I am doing and I am excited. Perhaps she will tell me something through her movement! She starts doing various “primping” motions (fixing her hair, playing with her nails) I do this with her for a while. Then I realize that my expectation to communicate has made her self conscious. I stop looking at her, and follow her gaze to my cup sitting on the coffee table. We observe the cup for a long time. Gently I look back to her and she very slightly raised her shoulders as if to say, “Now you’ve got it.”

By Ruth, Bayside Park Intern

Now You’ve Got It

Merci you are my teacher of peace You loving and cradling your baby so softly Sometimes awake and sometimes asleep Bright blue eyes full of wisdom A heart as grand as your smile Walking through Hayes Valley Care Suspended in your world with your gorgeous style You reminded me of a beautiful pink tinted cloud Floating softly above the sea Fiery sunset in the background You are a reflection of love and peace to me.

By Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director, SF

In Memory of Merci

You are such a beautiful individual Your bright blue eyes and warm smile You came to my cooking, gardening, and art groups With your enthusiasm and intellectual style Your spirit is as golden as the sun Your heart is as bright as the stars Your love and kindness flows like a river You have such loving supportive sons, friends, and family You danced the streets of Hayes Valley daily We took walks toward the park in the fog You bundled, nestled, and warm Wrapped in a leopard patterned scarf Your smile gleaming through the soft fabric Eva you are a graceful lady.

By Steven Pappas, Assistant Clinical Director, SF

In Memory of Eva

Our Vision: The generous fi nancial support from individual donors and organizations allows Pacifi c Institute, through its elder care program AgeSong Institute, to improve the quality of life for Elders and their families served by our residential elder care communities. We are committed to using our communities and programs to help educate the next generation of clinicians, care professionals and therapists in a new approach to elder care that views aging as a resource and not a liability, and to provide valuable research and community outreach that is changing the face of aging. Pacific Institute is a 501(c3) tax exempt charitable organization.

624 Laguna St. San Francisco, California • 415.318.8670 • www.agesonginstitute.org • www.pacificinstitute.org

AgeSong InstituteA program of Pacifi c Institute

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The staff of AgeSong at Laguna Grove San Francisco. Top Row From Left To Right: Alexa, Demetrio, Enrique, Genesis, Mila, Nancy, Emma, Wilma, Aylen, Jenny. Bottom Row From Left to Right: Alberto, Oscar, Ovet, Nancy, Gabriella.