Kaitlin Dilworth

Responsibilities

As a Life Enrichment Intern at Independence Village in Ankeny, Iowa, my responsibilities center around planning and leading engaging activities for senior residents in both assisted living and memory care. I facilitate daily programs such as chair stretches, bingo, arts and crafts, and themed happy hours. I also lead more specialized events like Bible studies, sip-and-paint sessions, and educational seminars. A key part of my role involves promoting participation by designing creative flyers and helping to organize special outings and guest performances. I work closely with residents to build strong relationships and ensure their social and emotional needs are met through meaningful interaction. Additionally, I assist with seasonal and holiday events, mobile activity carts, and contribute to the overall positive atmosphere of the community.

Accomplishments

My greatest achievement during my internship at Independence Village was increasing resident participation and engagement through creative, personalized programming. I consistently planned unique and meaningful activities that sparked interest, such as themed happy hours, interactive mocktail events, and mobile carts with fun twists. One highlight was hosting a sip-and-paint class where I dressed up as Bob Ross, an event that drew in residents who usually don’t participate and left many smiling and laughing. Seeing more residents involved, especially those from memory care or who are typically more reserved, was incredibly rewarding. It showed me the power of thoughtful programming and how a warm, energetic approach can truly enrich the lives of others. This experience affirmed my passion for working with seniors and helped me realize the kind of impact I want to continue making in my future career.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learned during my internship at Independence Village was the importance of adaptability and patience. Working with older adults, especially those in memory care, taught me that every individual has unique needs, preferences, and communication styles. I learned how to adjust my approach depending on the situation, whether that meant modifying an activity, slowing down my pace, or simply listening with compassion. Another important lesson was how much impact a positive attitude and creativity can have in a senior living environment. I discovered that even small efforts, like dressing up for a themed event or creating personalized flyers, can make a big difference in someone’s day.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in Human Development and Family Studies is to take every hands-on opportunity seriously, especially internships or volunteer roles. These experiences will teach you more than any textbook about how to connect with people and apply what you’ve learned in class. Be open to trying new things, even if they push you out of your comfort zone, some of my most rewarding moments came from taking creative risks with activities and events. I would also encourage students to build strong communication and organizational skills early on, as these are essential in any role that involves working with families or vulnerable populations. Most importantly, approach every interaction with empathy and patience, because those qualities truly set you apart in this field.