Senior citizens have ‘Aging Well’ visit to BVT
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School welcomed a group of 13 senior citizens from the Upton and Mendon Senior Centers for Aging Well Assessment Day on November 13. This annual event is a collaborative effort of the BVT Post-Secondary Practical Nursing Program with the school’s Health Services, Dental Assisting, and Culinary Arts Programs.
Aging Well Assessment Day was established in 2010 by the Practical Nursing Program as a way for its adult-learners to practice real-life application of nursing skills and theory. Area senior citizens were invited to the school for a day of assessments that included height, weight, vision screenings, home safety, nutrition, dental, and an hour-long physical performed by Practical Nursing students.
“Many thanks to the faculty, staff, students, and participants from the Upton and Mendon Senior Centers that assisted in making this year’s event a success,” said Practical Nursing Coordinator, Joann Monks, MBA, MSc, RN-BC. RMA. “Without them, this event would not be possible.”
Peggy Ivey of the Upton Senior Center, dressed in BVT purple, was ready for her dental lab visit with Caitlyn Meisner of Bellingham and Skylar Manyak of Douglas, both seniors in the Dental Assisting program. Peggy told Caitlyn and Skylar that she loves coming every year to Aging Well Day and how much she enjoyed visiting the Dental Clinic for the new dental assessment.
“It was truly an honor to be able to work with Peggy,” said Caitlyn Meisner. “The senior citizen population is one I’ve never worked with, so it was a great opportunity to be able to see the different oral conditions they may experience compared to the children I’ve worked with since being in the BVT Dental Assisting program. It was really fun to participate in the Aging Well Day and work in collaboration with our Health Services and LPN programs. It was an enjoyable way to educate our senior citizens on the importance of oral health, as well as a great learning opportunity for all of us students.”
“Participating in Aging Well Day was such an amazing opportunity. I learned so much while having fun at the same time,” said Skylar Manyak. “Meeting Peggy and being able to work with her was an incredible experience. Her bubbly personality radiated through the whole shop, and she made everyone smile. To be able to actually look in the mouth of a geriatric patient, rather than someone our age or younger was very educational.”
Lana Mars of Millville, visiting with the Mendon Senior Center, was all smiles during her assessment performed by Practical Nursing Student, Ana Carlino. Lana explained that her husband, Peter, participated last year and was happy to have her turn.
Giving back to these students and participating in this event was important to Lana. “I worked in the health field for many years at a hospital in Connecticut. Some people helped me along the way, and now I am glad to help these students in this way,” said Lana Mars.
Ana Carlino had an opportunity to engage with Lana during the health assessment. Ana and Lana found that they had a lot in common despite their ages. They both have family ties to New York and enjoy making soups and a variety of breads. As a retired senior citizen, Lana is staying sharp and fit. These days she enjoys puzzles and walking her dog, Tessa.
While Health Services and Dental Assisting students aided in the assessments with the BVT Practical Nursing students, the Culinary Arts students prepared to cater a delicious, healthy lunch for the participants that was enjoyed and served in the Three Seasons Restaurant.
“Our seniors were thrilled about their experience at BVT,” said Bernadette Denson, Upton Senior Center Department Specialist. “One of them said she was amazed by how ‘polite, articulate, friendly, and respectful’ your students were. They were really raving about every aspect of their visit, including the food.”
For additional information, visit https://www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/practicalnursing and connect with Program Coordinator, Joann Monks.
