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Garfield Neurobehavioral Client Helps Pets
March 27, 2006
By Anjahni D., MA, Social Service Coordinator, Garfield Neurobehavioral Center
Garfield Neurobehavioral Center (GNBC), in Oakland, is different and unique from other Telecare programs. The residents who live in the long-term facility suffer from some type of brain injury, cognitive impairment or dementia related to mental illness. GNBC is a long-term locked facility. Many of the residents who live at GNBC are limited in their ability to have community contact. Still, the staff at GNBC uphold Telecare’s mission to help residents realize their full potential. The staff at GNBC work hard to help residents find ways to have the best quality of life that is possible within the facility. When there is the possibility we try to help residents connect with the community outside of GNBC.
Paul, Kazuko, and FriendOne example is that of Paul, who has been a resident at GNBC for many years. With his wife and children living out of state, it has been difficult for him to connect with the community in the way he did prior to living at GNBC. Paul’s social worker Kazuko K., who has been with Telecare since August 2004, has been working closely with Paul to find to be part of the community in a way that helps him socialize as well as give back.
In November 2004, Kazuko contacted the local chapter of the SPCA to see about the possibility of Paul volunteering there. For the past year and a half Kazuko has taken Paul to the SPCA one to two times monthly to help out the animals at the shelter.
Paul’s volunteer work has been a success. Frances Chen, the Volunteer Coordinator of SPCA, said about Paul’s volunteering: “It’s a chance for the animals to spend quality time outside their cages. Volunteers are the main source of affection and socialization for the animals.” Both of those things are crucial to the success of adoption.
Paul’s time with the animals plays a role in this. It also has other benefits. “I feel so relaxed here, “ says Paul. “It brings such a joy to my heart. I had a cat for 14 years and coming here helps me remember being in the community.” His social worker said of the program, “Paul smiles a lot more when he is here. So few of our residents can go outside. Paul gets to not only help out but to also communicate and socialize with the other volunteers.” Kazuko added that, “Paul lost so much in his life. Going to the SPCA helps him to remember the good times from his past, it helps him stay connected to his memories.”
Paul feels the same way. “I have so much energy and I have to do something. This makes me so relaxed when I get back to Garfield and it helps me remember my own life”.
Both Paul and the SPCA are looking forward to an on-going relationship for some time to come.
