SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Initially, viewed the program with skepticism,
passivity, reluctance, fear. Don't be discouraged. Take time to learn about
their sensitivities and fears. In so doing, a relationship is developed.
Seniors need time to build trust in you and the usefulness of your program.
Some Seniors were afraid and skeptical because, unbeknownst
to me, the word "memoirs", in their minds, conjured up only sad
memories. They were uncomfortable delving into those areas. It was important to
change the term to "highlights of your life" and assure them they
could avoid writing about troublesome issues. With this assurance, they became
more receptive to the idea of writing. To establish rapport and become a
familiar face in the centres, attend as many teas, potluck suppers, lunches,
tenant meetings, and bingos as possible. Always carry flyers and examples of
small stories produced by other groups. Keep the emphasis on writing small,
happy highlights.
Illness and holidays occur for individuals at varying
times; consequently, it is important to teach skills in self-contained units
which can be completed in a single session, yet repeated at another session
when the need arises.
Although space and tables and chairs were available in
all centres, it was necessary to be self-sufficient in supplying the following
travel kit:
- portable whiteboard and pens
- flip chart paper, pens
- masking tape
- cassette recorder and blank tapes
- writing paper, pens, pencils, erasers
- stapler
- sticky notes
Sometimes, the initial hesitation of Seniors to relate
parts of their stories may spring from a seeming lack of interest shown by
their family members in the past. It is natural for younger family members to
sometimes "switch off" when elders begin the, "When I was a
boy/girl..." stories. Little do we realize our seniors could be
internalizing and generalizing, "I don't have anything interesting to
say." This was a statement made many, many times during the inception of
the program. Through writing and sharing, the Seniors gradually realized the
value of recording their unique experiences. Family members, in fact, showed
great interest in the positive outcomes of the writing program.
Many seniors love to "tell" their stories.
This is an important part of the process, but be firm about using the
"telling" as a catalyst for writing, not as an end product in itself.
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