Nathan Sheffer
Miami University
Summer 2016
“I highly recommend the Ohio Department of Aging Scholars in Aging program to anyone seeking professional development and professional networking with knowledgeable professionals and experts in aging.”

My summer internship was spent working at the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter located in Toledo, OH. My previous work experience at an Alzheimer’s focused nursing home led me to choose the Alzheimer’s Association in order to experience serving community based adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our chapter serves 24 of the 88 counties in Ohio and works closely with the Area Agencies on Aging and the Ohio Department of Aging. The Alzheimer’s Association provides many services and programs to older adults with Alzheimer’s or related dementias and their family members. I had the experience of working in various areas of the association, including but not limited to; early stage programming, professional education, respite services, health fairs, Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising, care consultation, helpline, and support groups. The professional staff at the Northwest Ohio chapter is very experienced and willing to help students who are eager to learn.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship has been the relationships I have fostered with my coworkers and other professionals in Northwest Ohio. I was given the opportunity to network and meet a variety of professionals in the aging community, all of whom have been unpredictably supportive and willing to assist in my learning experience and career development. The professionals in the aging community of Northwest Ohio truly work hard and support one another to provide the best services and care to older adults in the area. The relationships I fostered and the treatment I received will not be forgotten, and will be passed along to future scholars.
Ohio Department of Aging Scholars in Aging program is an excellent program for anyone who wants to learn from experienced professionals in the field of aging. The program allowed me to network with other students who were completing internships and learn about other organizations and agencies serving older adults. The program also allows scholars to network with ODA staff and learn about innovative programs and services, as well as best practices in a changing aging environment. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking professional development and professional networking with knowledgeable professionals and experts in aging. I thank the Ohio Department of Aging and OAGE for the opportunity to participate this summer!

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