Anisha Das, senior in neuroscience, plans to enlist UAB student volunteers to serve as personalized computer skills tutors for residents of Birmingham’s Highland Manor assisted-living facility.
“My grandfather came from India to stay with my family in the U.S. when I was 9 years old, shortly after my grandmother’s passing,” said Das, who hails from Portland, Oregon. “Because I was in the process of teaching myself Hindi, and it was my grandfather’s second language, I began to spend my free time practicing Hindi with him. In return, I taught him computer functions that he would find useful in his daily life such as the Internet, email and video chatting to keep in touch with family back in India. Learning from each other helped us develop a long-lasting bond.”
The experience also led Das to begin volunteering in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities so she could gain experience in the health care field.
“People in these facilities are particularly vulnerable to feelings of social disconnectedness and loneliness,” she said. “I tried to make the most of my time with the residents there and teach them new skills such as playing the piano or using a computer. Many of them communicated to me that they loved to learn new skills and it gave them a newfound sense of purpose.”
Das’ project, Building Bridges, will expand on that insight. It will use technology to facilitate interaction between college students and the elderly, Das explained. “In addition, we hope that the residents gain some useful skills that will empower them in their daily lives.”