Tyler Webster '21 is an Occupational Therapy major who has always had a passion for working with older adults, which led her to the Aging Studies minor. She completed a fieldwork assignment at Beechtree, a local long-term care facility. Tyler split her time between shadowing occupational and physical therapists in the rehabilitation wing. She also participated in and ran activities with the recreation department. She has continued to volunteer at Beechtree, playing Blackjack and attending singalongs on Saturdays.
This semester, Tyler is completing an independent study for her Aging Studies minor. She is interested in the role of occupational therapy at the end of life. She is hoping to change the perception that talking about death and dying are taboo. Tyler will be facilitating a Death Cafe in April, an event at which people can gather to share refreshments while having conversations about their experiences and thoughts about death and end of life in general.
Whether it is at her home in Connecticut or at school in Ithaca, Tyler spends a chunk of her time each week volunteering at nursing homes.