Hello,
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
0
I wish to pursue a career as an Activities Coordinator
Started by WriterKay2, Jul 26 2010 10:34 AM
6 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 26 July 2010 - 10:41 AM
WriterKay2, on 26 July 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Hello,
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
Hi Paula
Yes the process of the info. can be a bit over-whelming. To start off with you will need to either be working at a faciltiy or volunteer at one once you have started the course. As there is fieldwork required & this needs to be done at a facility under a department head. If you email or call Cheryl she will be glad to help you out with any questions you may have. Her email is cabacon@activitydirector.com & the phone numner is 1-888-238-0444.
Thanks
Pennie
#3
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Posted 26 July 2010 - 01:56 PM
Pennie, on 26 July 2010 - 10:41 AM, said:
Hi Paula
Yes the process of the info. can be a bit over-whelming. To start off with you will need to either be working at a faciltiy or volunteer at one once you have started the course. As there is fieldwork required & this needs to be done at a facility under a department head. If you email or call Cheryl she will be glad to help you out with any questions you may have. Her email is cabacon@activitydirector.com & the phone numner is 1-888-238-0444.
Thanks
Pennie
Yes the process of the info. can be a bit over-whelming. To start off with you will need to either be working at a faciltiy or volunteer at one once you have started the course. As there is fieldwork required & this needs to be done at a facility under a department head. If you email or call Cheryl she will be glad to help you out with any questions you may have. Her email is cabacon@activitydirector.com & the phone numner is 1-888-238-0444.
Thanks
Pennie
#4
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Posted 26 July 2010 - 01:59 PM
Pennie,
Thank-you so much for your reply. It was very kind of you to respond so quickly.
I will definitely contact Cheryl.
Paula
Thank-you so much for your reply. It was very kind of you to respond so quickly.
I will definitely contact Cheryl.
Paula
#5
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Posted 26 July 2010 - 06:48 PM
WriterKay2, on 26 July 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Hello,
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
#6
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Posted 26 July 2010 - 07:01 PM
Paula,
I do not know much about your area, but in Texas we have the ability to find a center that will let us do a practicum at the facility and take a class at the same time. I am taking an advanced class now and my practicum is where I work. There is also a national organization that you can check on NAAP - National Association of Activities Professionals or NCCAP - National Certification Council for Activity Professionals or NCTRC - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certifification. I work with Alzheimers and from what I read you are special in the way you cared for your mother and the ideas you used, blessings for being inventive.
If you feel called to do this then I hope it all goes well and I hope you will have as many rewards as I have.
Minta
I do not know much about your area, but in Texas we have the ability to find a center that will let us do a practicum at the facility and take a class at the same time. I am taking an advanced class now and my practicum is where I work. There is also a national organization that you can check on NAAP - National Association of Activities Professionals or NCCAP - National Certification Council for Activity Professionals or NCTRC - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certifification. I work with Alzheimers and from what I read you are special in the way you cared for your mother and the ideas you used, blessings for being inventive.
If you feel called to do this then I hope it all goes well and I hope you will have as many rewards as I have.
Minta
#7
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Posted 28 July 2010 - 06:52 PM
WriterKay2, on 26 July 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Hello,
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
I am re-entering the work force after many years. (I am a 59 yr. old female) After investigating many different career options this is the job I wish to pursue.
I worked several years as an LPN. Most of my experience was in nursing homes for the elderly and mentally challenged children and adults. I did work in hospitals and clinics as well but always enjoyed my work with the seniors the most.
Most recently I took care of my mother who had Alzheimer. I engaged her in wide variety of activities. (scrapbooking, looking at family photos, doing puzzles, recording her memories, (I later wrote them out for her to pass on) and taking her to places she always enjoyed) I also helped with ADL for as long as it was possible for her.
I am a writer, voracious reader and have involved myself with a wide variety of creative pursuits. (scrapbooking, collages, ceramics)
I have found so much conflicting information as to the best way to become eligible for this position.
Are there Assisted Living facilities that provide on the job training, or working along side an Activities Coordinator while enrolled in classes, (this part is especially confusing as what classes you need to become certified) or would working as a Volunteer help?
I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide me.
Thank-you,
Paula
I reside in Mi
Hi Paula,
I am also in my 50's and had been an Activity Director for many years. I "burned out" from working long hrs and having to deal w/ mean managers & I started my own biz as an 8-note hand bell director and LOVE IT! It is a very high demand service for senior communities. You bring JOY to all of the senior groups that you work with...and you are your own boss! If you find that job training to be a 40 hr/wk A.D in a commuity is too difficult w/ too much competition to get a good job, consider doing what I do. take a look at www.shakybells.com and www.belldirectorsleague.com. Best wishes, Marcia.
