Gowin Parc

Gowin Parc in Mattoon, Illinois

Kady Ball

I volunteered at a place called Gowin Parc in Mattoon.  I use to work there, but I still volunteer.  Gowin Parc is a home that specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care.  I did my hours in one 6 hour shift on the weekend.  It actually really helped them since they were short on staff this weekend.  Gowin Parc not only is a permanent home to the residents, but it also has an adult day care where some of the residents go home with family members at the end of the day. 

                I got to help the activity director take the residents to church in the morning.  One of the most important concepts I got to see firsthand was how hard it is to help the elderly, but also let them keep their dignity.  The church we went to was told ahead of time that we would be coming for worship and everyone understood during the service.  Sometimes the residents couldn’t sit still or needed to use the bathroom.  Many times they had to be redirected or just go for a simple walk.  After church, I helped out mainly in the kitchen with food preparations.  We cooked for around 54 residents and staff members.  I got to learn firsthand how some of the residents had special diets which included puree foods or thickened liquids.

                Jason and Teresa Gowin are the owners of the facility.  Their facility is unique because it actually did feel like a home rather than just another nursing home.  It’s very family oriented, and the owners stopped by and had lunch with some of the residents and family members visiting.  They also had brought their four children, so overall it was a nice experience to eat with them. 

                Gowin Parc does a wonderful job at trying to keep its residents active.  Usually twice a week they go to the Lifespan Center, Douglas Hart, the mall, or church.  I know the company is involved a lot with the Alzheimer’s Association, and participates in many of the fundraisers for that association. 

                Volunteering and working there really shows that Alzheimer’s disease can happen to anyone.  Even though I don’t work there I still like to go visit and spend time with some of the residents and staff.  I’ve gotten to know a lot of the family members in the area that have family there, and I think it is a rewarding feeling knowing that I take time to spend with the people of that facility.