Amanda Riedell:
I am working at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, IL. I am mainly going to be working on a floor with a concentration on physical rehabilitation. People who have had accidents, surgeries, or illnesses stay here before

Iowa City Students: L to R: Amanda Riedell, Kim Anderson, and Jennifer Lott

going home in order to get stronger and more independent. Along with physical rehabilitation, emotional health and coping skills are regarded highly as an important piece of recovery. Half of the floor is a registered nursing home and must follow the state rules and regulations of a regular nursing home. I will be involved in discharge planning, team meetings, individual counseling, and group counseling. The main age population I will be working with is over 65, which is beneficial to me because I am hoping to work with the older population upon graduation. At this practicum I am learning about different illnesses, accidents, and social issues that affect many older people and their families. I am also discover! ing the many community resources available to assist older people as they strive to maintain their independence. Throughout the year, I hope to receive a variety of experiences that will benefit my future professional career as a social worker.

Kim Anderson:
The mission of Elder Services is to enhance the quality of life of older persons by providing affordable, high-quality home and community-based services in Johnson, Iowa, Washington and Cedar counties. The entire staff is dedicated to helping older residents remain in their homes and always has new and innovative ideas for better serving the unique needs of the elderly population. As a practicum student I will be working with case management, conducting assessments and coordinating services for the frail elderly. I also have the challenging opportunity to independently write a Faith in Action grant. Elder abuse, mental health issues of the elderly, Alzheimer's and dementia, and specific issues related to elderly living in rural areas are just a few of the topics I will be able to learn about. A portion of my practicum experience will also be spent with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which is sponsored by Elder Services. RSVP recruits people age 55 and over to volunteer in their communities. Overall, Elder Services is providing me with a wide range of experiences and opportunities for learning that focus on the aging population. This experience will be invaluable to me in my future career as a gerontological social worker.

Jennifer Lott:
The mission of Iowa City Hospice is to provide patient-centered palliative care and services to anyone affected by a terminal illness. Hospice offers care throughout the dying and bereavement process to patients, families and their loved ones. The agency provides physical, emotional and spiritual support using an interdisciplinary team composed of medical professionals, social workers and chaplain services. In this internship, I will have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, provide patient and family support, attend support groups, and shadow all disciplines within the agency. This agency provides a wonderful opportunity to work with diverse professions to provide the best end-of-life care to patients and their families.

Cecelia Kent:
Mercy Hospice, an arm of the Mercy Home Health Services Department, is administered by Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Mercy Hospice includes both inpatient and home hospice services. The inpatient hospice facility has 12 beds and is located in Johnston, Iowa. The home hospice program is available to terminally ill patients and their families throughout Des Moines and its surrounding areas. The responsibilities of a Mercy Hospice social worker encompass the provision of advanced evaluative, preventive, therapeutic, and personal care services to assist in meeting the complex psychosocial needs of terminally ill patients and their families.

Mardi Barnes:
My advanced practicum is at the State Department of Elder Affairs. The objectives of this state department are to provide advocacy, educational and prevention services to older Iowans so they can find Iowa a healthy, safe, productive and enjoyable place to live and work.

Joel Wulf, LISW, is the Legislative Liaison to the State Department of Elder Affairs. During this practicum placement it will expected that I will function as a legislative liaison working collaboratively with other agencies such as AARP on a macro and mezzo practice level. Practicum expectations are learning government, policy making, and advocacy techniques.