From the first level of care all the way
to end of life Hospice visitations, students
in psychology and human services offer
comfort and support to the chronically
and critically ill in private homes, assisted
living centers, nursing homes, and treatment centers. They also experience
every aspect of administration, from
financial (Medicaid, Social Services,
budgeting), to admissions (interviews
with families, intakes, follow-ups for
new patients, discharges), nutrition and
management and state regulations.
Selines Torres interned at Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties over the summer and is continuing as a volunteer until she graduates in May. Since completing her extensive training, which Hospice requires of all volunteers, Selines has been providing companionship and caregiver relief to patients and their families in their homes, and attends bereavement groups. Debra Epstein, Director of Volunteers, says, "Patients enjoy Selines because of her youth and her sincerity." Selines, who also assists Debra in administrative tasks, has seen the amount of work it takes to open the new Hospice residence, scheduled for this fall.
In addition to receiving an administrative overview of a middle level assisted living facility, Bridget Hall and Emily Kermani assisted in regularly scheduled activities and developed close ties with consumers at The Avalon in Wappingers Falls. Bridget also initiated a social discussion group to encourage self esteem and friendship, and designed a computer class to enable consumers to better communicate with their families and friends. Theresa Marie Mulligan, Assistant Director, says, "Interns are always welcome here. It's enriching for patients to talk to different students. Each one brings their own perspective."
Sharon Devasia and Lauri Savo interned this summer near their homes: Sharon at Port Chester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Westchester County; Laurie at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton, CT. According to Laurie's supervisor, Irene Scheld, Laurie experienced "a conglomeration of everything." Laurie also attended a seminar, Depression and Aging: The Interface of Mood, Mind and Maturity, by nationally known author William Cone, Ph.D.
On the Mount campus, the Dominican Sisters of Hope invited two students, psychology major Shannon Newirth in the spring, and nursing major Alexa Sagar in the summer, to assist Linda Reiss, Activities Director, in planning and organizing engaging activities for sisters who are ill and elderly. Shannon and Alexa visited with the sisters, assisted them in reading, writing, crafts and music, and accompanied them on walks and trips to stores and movies.
Pictured at right: Kelleigh King shares a picnic lunch with Anne Reis at The Johnes Home in Newburgh. As a result of her internship, Kelleigh has been invited to join the Johnes Home staff this fall. "It's never boring. I'm always learning something new - more than I ever thought," she says.
The Division of Social Sciences
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