Life Enrichment Internship

Hoosier Village Retirement Community

As a Life Enrichment Intern in the Health Center at Hoosier Village, I learned how to support the emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of older adults through intentional programming and personalized engagement. My internship goals centered on gaining experience in activity planning, conducting resident assessments, and understanding how enrichment services fit into overall care plans in long-term care settings.

By the end of my internship, I had strengthened my communication and time management skills, learned how to create monthly activity calendars, and supported special events that brought joy and connection to residents. Most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the role of compassionate, person-centered care in enhancing quality of life. This internship was really special to me, and I am really thankful for my supervisor at Hoosier Village for allowing me to learn from her.

Primary Responsibilities

Planned and facilitated daily activities for long-term care residents
Conducted intake and quarterly assessments for residents in the Health Center
Assisted in developing personalized care plans
Maintained accurate resident participation records
Helped coordinate and lead special events and holiday celebrations
Collaborated with the Life Enrichment Director and interdisciplinary team
Built meaningful relationships with residents to enhance quality of life
Adapted activities for residents with varying cognitive and physical abilities

Personal Development

Communication with residents and interdisciplinary staff
Time management and multitasking
Activity planning and execution
Resident engagement and relationship building
Conducting resident assessments and contributing to care plans
Documentation and record-keeping

Academic Connections

My coursework in the Health Services Management program played a big role in preparing me for my internship. In PBHL-H375 (Management in Health Services Organizations), I learned about leadership styles, team dynamics, and organizational structure, all of which helped me navigate my role in a professional setting. PBHL-H120 (Health Care Delivery in the U.S.) gave me a foundational understanding of how long-term care fits into the broader healthcare system.

During the internship, I saw how flexibility and emotional intelligence were just as important as following procedures. While my classes often showed the importance of structure and policy, real-life situations with residents required compassion, quick thinking, and patience.

Looking back, I wish there had been a course that focused more on geriatric care or life enrichment programming. That kind of targeted knowledge would’ve made me feel even more prepared. Still, my academic background gave me the tools to adapt, grow, and make meaningful contributions during my internship!