-by engaging the elderly
FINAL YEAR students pursuing a degree in Social Work at the University of Guyana got a firsthand look at how Domestic Violence can affect people’s lives by conducting a study on the subject as part of their studies. The target population assigned them for this intervention was the elderly, and as such they opted to work with residents of the Palms, since it is the only State-run facility for the aged here. 
They gave as their reason for choosing this particular institution their recognition of the government’s limited resources, and the notion that by working with them, they would be better able to address the residents’ needs.
Their goal: To foster better relations/interaction among group members and the target population, as well as among members of the target population itself.
This was done through planned activities to educate and empower the target population on the issue of Domestic Violence, and clarify any misconceptions they may have had on the subject; to gain information from the target population about issues that affect them most (the elderly population in general), and use this information to advocate for change on their behalf.
The exercise was held during an eight-week period, and sessions were conducted twice weekly, on Thursdays from 10:00 – 12:00hrs and from 14:00–17:00hrs on Saturdays. It was facilitated by six group members (Sandra La Rose, Sherene Warren, Michael Gilgeours, Jessica Small, Mareesa Gossai and Ravina Ramesar), and benefitted twenty residents.
Activities took the form of games; a tour to the Splashmin’s Fun Park; reading of the daily newspapers to the residents and engaging in interactive discussion on topical issues occurring both locally and internationally. They also sought to address some of the social ills/problems currently plaguing our society.
These sessions were created and conducted in a fun-filled manner, taking into account the cognitive and physical capabilities of the residents. Much emphasis was placed on ensuring that all the residents were able to participate meaningfully.
At the end of the intervention, as a form of the group’s appreciation for their participation, each resident was given what is called a ‘care-package’ which contained such essential personal hygiene items as deodorants, powder, cream, bath soap and wash rags.
One can well say that in retrospect, the intervention was beneficial to both the residents and members of the investigative group, since both parties were able to impart what little knowledge they had in each other, and to learn new things in the process, particularly from the discussions they had over time. 
A notable benefit for the residents from the interaction was the highly interactive session which allowed them to build social relations and social networks within the institution as a substitute for the social support they lacked from relatives and friends.
As group member, Sherene Warren observed: “We have decided to highlight, through the print media, not primarily our project but to sensitize the general public on some of the little things they can do to bring some happiness to the lives of our senior citizens who have made immeasurable contributions to our country.
The elderly, she said, “is one of our most valuable and vulnerable groups in society; they are seldom remembered when projects are implemented, and they are often consciously or unconsciously neglected. 
“All they ask of us is to treat them with dignity, and include them in our social interactions. We are therefore encouraging every member of society to make a commitment to adopt an elderly person, who they will undertake to visit, and engage them in some form of social activity.”