“Don't be shy, give me your hand,” said Pinocchio as his puppet-maker Ercan Ansen put his hand out for a handshake.
Ansen, the 73-year-old designer of the Pinocchio puppet, hasn't been making puppets for a very long time, in fact he hasn't received any professional training either, but he spends most of his time in the woodshop, improving his skills each day. Pointing out that he can build a wooden replica of just about any toy, Ansen said that there are currently more than 30 toys in the workshop. What's unique about this woodshop, however, is that it isn't located inside an art or design school, but in an assisted living center for the elderly. The smart and happy 73-year-old explained that he first learned how to build toys and puppets after moving into the Akyurt Foundation's Assisted Living Center and Nursing Home in 2001. His collection of puppets and toys has been displayed at many social events in the community.
Located on the second floor of the woodshop is a mini second-hand clothing store, which has a variety of items ranging from shoes and purses to fur coats and fancy gowns. Gönül Buhararılar, a 70-year-old former lawyer who lived in Paris for five years, helps with keeping the shop clean and organized. Buhararılar, who likes to do her hair, put makeup on, wear jewelry and look stylish, provides fashion tips to those who'd like to buy something. Holding her head up high, she provides information about the different items in the store. Her sparkling-clean room at the center is decorated with her own furnishings, making it her own unique and personalized living space. On her wall, is a portrait of herself painted by an artist in France when she was a young lady. She has a fancy bedcover over her bed, tulle decorating her mini coffee table and a crotchet tablecloth and antique knick-knacks lining her nightstand. Her positive energy is felt through the decoration in her room. She isn't shy or hesitant to make a joke or comment and has a strong relationship with other occupants.
Many prefer to stay here
Fikriye Arıkan is another resident at the assisted living center who is full of energy. Arıkan was born in Kastamonu, a province located in the north-central part of Turkey, and used to be a midwife. She also worked at the Ankara Municipality for 22 years. “Workers at the municipality still keep in touch with me and sometimes ask for my help. A lot of times people will know me, but I won't remember them,” she said. When asked her age, she is reluctant to tell and says with a big laugh, “All my friends here want to know my age so much. I tell them, once I get a little older, I am going to wear a huge sign with my age on it.” She lost her husband and son in two separate car accidents and her sister passed away several years ago. Although her extended family has welcomed her into their home, Arıkan prefers to stay at the assisted living center, where they visit her often. She spends a few months at her home in Ankara, a few months at the facility and a few months at her summer home in Çeşme. Asked why she comes back, Arıkan said, “I am used to this place. I have friends here,” and added with a smile, “I will go to Çeşme, swim in the sea and then come back.” Her humorous comment attracts the attention of her friends sitting on the patio.
Emine Toluer, dressed in a lavender sweater and pants, jokes around with Arıkan, saying “Let's have a swimming contest between each other.” They share laughs while standing out on the patio, and Toluer starts to explain her life story. Born in Bandırma, Toluer is 85 years old and has a great singing voice. She usually sings to her friends on special evenings.
Among those sitting on the comfortable seats on the patio enjoying the nice weather and the sound of chirping birds, was Suat Arbek, an 86-year-old resident, who has been living at the Akyurt Foundation center for almost three years. Eager to talk about his personal life, Arbek explains in a low voice that he was born in Thessaloniki but raised in Ankara by a strict father. He worked at Sümer Bank's Ankara branch for 30 years. His full name is Ali Suat Arbek, but he insists that he be called Suat. Asked about his family, his aged and trembling hands go to his shirt pocket to pull out an old, dark brown wallet, the edges of which have been taped and takes out a picture of his brother, noting that he is a military officer. In his rough and rasping voice, Arbek went on to share his insights on life, noting that respect and politeness were two of the most important virtues that people needed to have. With a bitter-sweet smile, Arbek mentions that he has been waiting for his daughter to visit him at the center for some time now, but went on to say he was very happy there.
Care with compassion
Another resident who says she enjoys being at the center is 85-year-old Mebrure Yücel, who has been there for two-and-a-half years. Sitting by herself on one of the benches in the corridor near the lobby with her arms resting over her wheeled walker, Yücel said her son lives in America and her daughter in Germany. She worked as an accountant for 30 years and has traveled to San Francisco, Houston and Las Vegas. She describes America as a nice country, but does not have plans to go again because it is too far. Noting that she usually spends time chatting and interacting with friends, Yücel said she was sitting by herself on the bench because she was resting.
People living at the Akyurt Foundation assisted living center are highly valued for their qualities. “You can build very big and nice places but without love, those places don't mean anything,” said Umut Çınar, a member of the Akyurt Foundation's board of directors, adding that care and compassion are strong principles for them. Noting that the health of some of their residents has improved after moving into the facility, Çınar said the reason for this was not only linked to the medical care they received but also because of the love and friendship they developed and added that “with love, anything is possible.”
Çınar has a close relationship with almost all of the residents. He has developed a strong sense of awareness about their needs and sensitivities, noting that it's important to treat them fairly and show equal attention to all of them in order to prevent jealousy. “Old people are sensitive and easily offended. For example if you take a picture of one and not the other, those who didn't have their photos taken will get jealous and hold a grudge,” he said. The moment Çınar sees one of the residents, he smiles and gives either a strong handshake or a big hug, followed by compliments, which instantly spark a smile on the elderly person's face.
Improve the quality of elders’ life
The Akyurt Foundation is not only a modern living facility providing high quality nursing and residential care, but a place where the elderly find opportunities to build lasting relationships and new talents. Nurten Berik, the center's full-time administrator, said their aim isn't just to provide a facility for the elderly but also to improve the quality of their life.
The center spans three floors serviced by two elevators and is certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It employs 25 workers, including nurses, chefs and house cleaners and has more than 100 volunteers, including doctors and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students.
With quiet hallways, wonderful wall paintings and a home-like atmosphere, first time visitors to the Akyurt Foundation's assisted living facility might mistake it for a fine hotel. But a closer look reveals hallways lined with rails, non-slip floors, private rooms equipped with emergency call buttons and many other details designed to help elderly residents to live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible. The center can accommodate up to 85 residents. While most of the rooms are for one person only, there are five rooms with two beds. Residents can choose between private or companion room accommodation.
The Akyurt Foundation was set up in Ankara's Akyurt district in 1999 by Mete Bora, the owner of one of the largest construction companies in the world, and a group of business owners. The foundation began providing assisted living services to the elderly in 2001.
Copyright© Feza Newspaper Publishing Co.
May 17, 2009
TURKEY: Seniors learn new skills, build new friendships in home away from home
.
ISTANBUL, Turkey / Sunday's Zaman / May 17, 2009
“Don't be shy, give me your hand,” said Pinocchio as his puppet-maker Ercan Ansen put his hand out for a handshake.
Ansen, the 73-year-old designer of the Pinocchio puppet, hasn't been making puppets for a very long time, in fact he hasn't received any professional training either, but he spends most of his time in the woodshop, improving his skills each day. Pointing out that he can build a wooden replica of just about any toy, Ansen said that there are currently more than 30 toys in the workshop. What's unique about this woodshop, however, is that it isn't located inside an art or design school, but in an assisted living center for the elderly. The smart and happy 73-year-old explained that he first learned how to build toys and puppets after moving into the Akyurt Foundation's Assisted Living Center and Nursing Home in 2001. His collection of puppets and toys has been displayed at many social events in the community.
Located on the second floor of the woodshop is a mini second-hand clothing store, which has a variety of items ranging from shoes and purses to fur coats and fancy gowns. Gönül Buhararılar, a 70-year-old former lawyer who lived in Paris for five years, helps with keeping the shop clean and organized. Buhararılar, who likes to do her hair, put makeup on, wear jewelry and look stylish, provides fashion tips to those who'd like to buy something. Holding her head up high, she provides information about the different items in the store. Her sparkling-clean room at the center is decorated with her own furnishings, making it her own unique and personalized living space. On her wall, is a portrait of herself painted by an artist in France when she was a young lady. She has a fancy bedcover over her bed, tulle decorating her mini coffee table and a crotchet tablecloth and antique knick-knacks lining her nightstand. Her positive energy is felt through the decoration in her room. She isn't shy or hesitant to make a joke or comment and has a strong relationship with other occupants.
Many prefer to stay here
Fikriye Arıkan is another resident at the assisted living center who is full of energy. Arıkan was born in Kastamonu, a province located in the north-central part of Turkey, and used to be a midwife. She also worked at the Ankara Municipality for 22 years. “Workers at the municipality still keep in touch with me and sometimes ask for my help. A lot of times people will know me, but I won't remember them,” she said. When asked her age, she is reluctant to tell and says with a big laugh, “All my friends here want to know my age so much. I tell them, once I get a little older, I am going to wear a huge sign with my age on it.” She lost her husband and son in two separate car accidents and her sister passed away several years ago. Although her extended family has welcomed her into their home, Arıkan prefers to stay at the assisted living center, where they visit her often. She spends a few months at her home in Ankara, a few months at the facility and a few months at her summer home in Çeşme. Asked why she comes back, Arıkan said, “I am used to this place. I have friends here,” and added with a smile, “I will go to Çeşme, swim in the sea and then come back.” Her humorous comment attracts the attention of her friends sitting on the patio.
Emine Toluer, dressed in a lavender sweater and pants, jokes around with Arıkan, saying “Let's have a swimming contest between each other.” They share laughs while standing out on the patio, and Toluer starts to explain her life story. Born in Bandırma, Toluer is 85 years old and has a great singing voice. She usually sings to her friends on special evenings.
Among those sitting on the comfortable seats on the patio enjoying the nice weather and the sound of chirping birds, was Suat Arbek, an 86-year-old resident, who has been living at the Akyurt Foundation center for almost three years. Eager to talk about his personal life, Arbek explains in a low voice that he was born in Thessaloniki but raised in Ankara by a strict father. He worked at Sümer Bank's Ankara branch for 30 years. His full name is Ali Suat Arbek, but he insists that he be called Suat. Asked about his family, his aged and trembling hands go to his shirt pocket to pull out an old, dark brown wallet, the edges of which have been taped and takes out a picture of his brother, noting that he is a military officer. In his rough and rasping voice, Arbek went on to share his insights on life, noting that respect and politeness were two of the most important virtues that people needed to have. With a bitter-sweet smile, Arbek mentions that he has been waiting for his daughter to visit him at the center for some time now, but went on to say he was very happy there.
Care with compassion
Another resident who says she enjoys being at the center is 85-year-old Mebrure Yücel, who has been there for two-and-a-half years. Sitting by herself on one of the benches in the corridor near the lobby with her arms resting over her wheeled walker, Yücel said her son lives in America and her daughter in Germany. She worked as an accountant for 30 years and has traveled to San Francisco, Houston and Las Vegas. She describes America as a nice country, but does not have plans to go again because it is too far. Noting that she usually spends time chatting and interacting with friends, Yücel said she was sitting by herself on the bench because she was resting.
People living at the Akyurt Foundation assisted living center are highly valued for their qualities. “You can build very big and nice places but without love, those places don't mean anything,” said Umut Çınar, a member of the Akyurt Foundation's board of directors, adding that care and compassion are strong principles for them. Noting that the health of some of their residents has improved after moving into the facility, Çınar said the reason for this was not only linked to the medical care they received but also because of the love and friendship they developed and added that “with love, anything is possible.”
Çınar has a close relationship with almost all of the residents. He has developed a strong sense of awareness about their needs and sensitivities, noting that it's important to treat them fairly and show equal attention to all of them in order to prevent jealousy. “Old people are sensitive and easily offended. For example if you take a picture of one and not the other, those who didn't have their photos taken will get jealous and hold a grudge,” he said. The moment Çınar sees one of the residents, he smiles and gives either a strong handshake or a big hug, followed by compliments, which instantly spark a smile on the elderly person's face.
Improve the quality of elders’ life
The Akyurt Foundation is not only a modern living facility providing high quality nursing and residential care, but a place where the elderly find opportunities to build lasting relationships and new talents. Nurten Berik, the center's full-time administrator, said their aim isn't just to provide a facility for the elderly but also to improve the quality of their life.
The center spans three floors serviced by two elevators and is certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It employs 25 workers, including nurses, chefs and house cleaners and has more than 100 volunteers, including doctors and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students.
With quiet hallways, wonderful wall paintings and a home-like atmosphere, first time visitors to the Akyurt Foundation's assisted living facility might mistake it for a fine hotel. But a closer look reveals hallways lined with rails, non-slip floors, private rooms equipped with emergency call buttons and many other details designed to help elderly residents to live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible. The center can accommodate up to 85 residents. While most of the rooms are for one person only, there are five rooms with two beds. Residents can choose between private or companion room accommodation.
The Akyurt Foundation was set up in Ankara's Akyurt district in 1999 by Mete Bora, the owner of one of the largest construction companies in the world, and a group of business owners. The foundation began providing assisted living services to the elderly in 2001.
Copyright© Feza Newspaper Publishing Co.
“Don't be shy, give me your hand,” said Pinocchio as his puppet-maker Ercan Ansen put his hand out for a handshake.
Ansen, the 73-year-old designer of the Pinocchio puppet, hasn't been making puppets for a very long time, in fact he hasn't received any professional training either, but he spends most of his time in the woodshop, improving his skills each day. Pointing out that he can build a wooden replica of just about any toy, Ansen said that there are currently more than 30 toys in the workshop. What's unique about this woodshop, however, is that it isn't located inside an art or design school, but in an assisted living center for the elderly. The smart and happy 73-year-old explained that he first learned how to build toys and puppets after moving into the Akyurt Foundation's Assisted Living Center and Nursing Home in 2001. His collection of puppets and toys has been displayed at many social events in the community.
Located on the second floor of the woodshop is a mini second-hand clothing store, which has a variety of items ranging from shoes and purses to fur coats and fancy gowns. Gönül Buhararılar, a 70-year-old former lawyer who lived in Paris for five years, helps with keeping the shop clean and organized. Buhararılar, who likes to do her hair, put makeup on, wear jewelry and look stylish, provides fashion tips to those who'd like to buy something. Holding her head up high, she provides information about the different items in the store. Her sparkling-clean room at the center is decorated with her own furnishings, making it her own unique and personalized living space. On her wall, is a portrait of herself painted by an artist in France when she was a young lady. She has a fancy bedcover over her bed, tulle decorating her mini coffee table and a crotchet tablecloth and antique knick-knacks lining her nightstand. Her positive energy is felt through the decoration in her room. She isn't shy or hesitant to make a joke or comment and has a strong relationship with other occupants.
Many prefer to stay here
Fikriye Arıkan is another resident at the assisted living center who is full of energy. Arıkan was born in Kastamonu, a province located in the north-central part of Turkey, and used to be a midwife. She also worked at the Ankara Municipality for 22 years. “Workers at the municipality still keep in touch with me and sometimes ask for my help. A lot of times people will know me, but I won't remember them,” she said. When asked her age, she is reluctant to tell and says with a big laugh, “All my friends here want to know my age so much. I tell them, once I get a little older, I am going to wear a huge sign with my age on it.” She lost her husband and son in two separate car accidents and her sister passed away several years ago. Although her extended family has welcomed her into their home, Arıkan prefers to stay at the assisted living center, where they visit her often. She spends a few months at her home in Ankara, a few months at the facility and a few months at her summer home in Çeşme. Asked why she comes back, Arıkan said, “I am used to this place. I have friends here,” and added with a smile, “I will go to Çeşme, swim in the sea and then come back.” Her humorous comment attracts the attention of her friends sitting on the patio.
Emine Toluer, dressed in a lavender sweater and pants, jokes around with Arıkan, saying “Let's have a swimming contest between each other.” They share laughs while standing out on the patio, and Toluer starts to explain her life story. Born in Bandırma, Toluer is 85 years old and has a great singing voice. She usually sings to her friends on special evenings.
Among those sitting on the comfortable seats on the patio enjoying the nice weather and the sound of chirping birds, was Suat Arbek, an 86-year-old resident, who has been living at the Akyurt Foundation center for almost three years. Eager to talk about his personal life, Arbek explains in a low voice that he was born in Thessaloniki but raised in Ankara by a strict father. He worked at Sümer Bank's Ankara branch for 30 years. His full name is Ali Suat Arbek, but he insists that he be called Suat. Asked about his family, his aged and trembling hands go to his shirt pocket to pull out an old, dark brown wallet, the edges of which have been taped and takes out a picture of his brother, noting that he is a military officer. In his rough and rasping voice, Arbek went on to share his insights on life, noting that respect and politeness were two of the most important virtues that people needed to have. With a bitter-sweet smile, Arbek mentions that he has been waiting for his daughter to visit him at the center for some time now, but went on to say he was very happy there.
Care with compassion
Another resident who says she enjoys being at the center is 85-year-old Mebrure Yücel, who has been there for two-and-a-half years. Sitting by herself on one of the benches in the corridor near the lobby with her arms resting over her wheeled walker, Yücel said her son lives in America and her daughter in Germany. She worked as an accountant for 30 years and has traveled to San Francisco, Houston and Las Vegas. She describes America as a nice country, but does not have plans to go again because it is too far. Noting that she usually spends time chatting and interacting with friends, Yücel said she was sitting by herself on the bench because she was resting.
People living at the Akyurt Foundation assisted living center are highly valued for their qualities. “You can build very big and nice places but without love, those places don't mean anything,” said Umut Çınar, a member of the Akyurt Foundation's board of directors, adding that care and compassion are strong principles for them. Noting that the health of some of their residents has improved after moving into the facility, Çınar said the reason for this was not only linked to the medical care they received but also because of the love and friendship they developed and added that “with love, anything is possible.”
Çınar has a close relationship with almost all of the residents. He has developed a strong sense of awareness about their needs and sensitivities, noting that it's important to treat them fairly and show equal attention to all of them in order to prevent jealousy. “Old people are sensitive and easily offended. For example if you take a picture of one and not the other, those who didn't have their photos taken will get jealous and hold a grudge,” he said. The moment Çınar sees one of the residents, he smiles and gives either a strong handshake or a big hug, followed by compliments, which instantly spark a smile on the elderly person's face.
Improve the quality of elders’ life
The Akyurt Foundation is not only a modern living facility providing high quality nursing and residential care, but a place where the elderly find opportunities to build lasting relationships and new talents. Nurten Berik, the center's full-time administrator, said their aim isn't just to provide a facility for the elderly but also to improve the quality of their life.
The center spans three floors serviced by two elevators and is certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It employs 25 workers, including nurses, chefs and house cleaners and has more than 100 volunteers, including doctors and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students.
With quiet hallways, wonderful wall paintings and a home-like atmosphere, first time visitors to the Akyurt Foundation's assisted living facility might mistake it for a fine hotel. But a closer look reveals hallways lined with rails, non-slip floors, private rooms equipped with emergency call buttons and many other details designed to help elderly residents to live as safely, comfortably and independently as possible. The center can accommodate up to 85 residents. While most of the rooms are for one person only, there are five rooms with two beds. Residents can choose between private or companion room accommodation.
The Akyurt Foundation was set up in Ankara's Akyurt district in 1999 by Mete Bora, the owner of one of the largest construction companies in the world, and a group of business owners. The foundation began providing assisted living services to the elderly in 2001.
Copyright© Feza Newspaper Publishing Co.
