One of the things I get to do here in Belfast which I’ve never done before is make home visits to people who aren’t able to get out much. Most of them are older people in nursing homes or in their own apartments with family members looking after them. I was excited about doing it because I think that people need other people around them. I know how much I hate it when I’m alone for just an afternoon or evening. I can’t imagine going days or even weeks without having someone visit you.

Making home visits is honestly very trying for me. I didn’t know any of these people before visiting them and many of them don’t hear well or can’t understand much of what I am saying to them. Combining that with my natural awkwardness doesn’t make for very many long conversations. I’ve had to learn a lot of patience (which is something that, unlike awkwardness, does not come naturally to me) and look for small successes when visiting. For many of the people I visit, who have severe health problems, I feel helpless to do anything for them. But I was lucky enough to have Doreen, our church Deaconess, take me on my first home visits and introduce me to the people. She did a great job showing me how to relate to the people and find the positive behind each visit.  For many of the older ones, I’ve found that asking about their past – such as their work or their military service – helps get them talking and gives them some pride while doing so.

I’ve also been amazed by how much work some of their family members put into taking care of them. I’m normally visiting with a person for thirty minutes and, by the end of it, I am drained because it is so difficult to communicate. Most of the family members who are living with them have full time jobs, working at least 40 hours a week. Then they come home and spend the rest of their day taking care of their family member. I have no idea how anyone could have the strength to do it. They are just amazing people.

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