The municipality’s elderly home is visited by a group of young people every weekend. It takes place through an agreement between the company Ung Omsorg, which recruits young people for a first job with the task of socializing with the elderly. It can be about anything from baking and planting flowers to just doing crafts and talking around the tables. Tuva Lundqvist, almost 17 years old, is in her second year and is now team leader.
– This is absolutely fantastic work. Responsible, but at the same time very free. We plan what will happen ourselves and regardless of what we come up with, we are always just as popular when we arrive. The people who live here really look forward to our visits, says Tuva, smiling with her whole face.
Provides warmth and energy
The team leader often has three employees with him. The ages in the team can vary from 13 years and up. The task is simple. It’s about socializing, talking, giving warmth and energy to the older generation.
– In order to succeed, it’s always good to have an activity and here it’s only the imagination that sets the limits. Sometimes we play Fia with a push, baking is always fun and recently we watched an episode of the old TV series Macken. It was at the request of the elders. Of course we popped popcorn before. It was appreciated, says Tuva.
Creative quiz
When Alekuriren comes along on a pass, it is planned for a quiz at Fridhem’s nursing home in Surte. Country and city are appreciated. The team forms teams with each participant.
– Today we will have four categories. We say a letter and then we have to come up with a country, city, animal and a celebrity that starts with it.
The answers are both gifted and imaginative. It will be a big challenge for Tuva as a judge. When the letter “D” comes up, Ingemar, who has a long life as a sailor behind him, answers “Deutschland”.
– Haha, but it’s in German, Tuva exclaims.
– Yes, I speak all languages, counters Ingemar.
It will be an even battle and when Tuva sums up the minutes, it is difficult to tell the teams apart.
– I approved Uppland, not because it is actually a country on U, but because it was a creative answer.
The quiz creates the basis for many conversations about books, artists and how the word biscuit is pronounced. Suddenly, the young people also learn that Ulla and Pekka around the table are married.
– Wow. We had no idea about that. Tell us how you met!
– I don’t remember that, says Ulla, but Pekka is clear about one thing.
– It was love at first sight!
“You will come back, right?”
There is no doubt that Young Care is a valued feature of the municipality’s nursing homes. As happy as the residents are when the team arrives, they are just as sad when the time is up.
– The two fastest hours of the week, says Ulla and adds:
– The young people are so positive and happy. It is contagious. They are absolutely wonderful.
Even when the memory fails in the quiz, there are no sour faces.
– You have to be positive. There is no point in being grumpy, notes Ingemar.
He lingers at Tuva. He likes to tell about his years on the lake, all the exciting events and countries he has visited. There seems to be only one thing that worries him.
– Will you come back? asks Ingemar as the team heads for the door.
– Yes, of course we do. Next week we are here again.
