21 replies to this topic

[kmbreid]

caringforyou, on Jul 5 2007, 12:15 PM, said:

Hello. I hope you had a great 4th. I have been working with the elderly and helping out in activity programs. I just wanted to say that I think that the activity book with ideas that work would be a great source for Activity Directors and Facilities. Because people are running out of great ideas. People also need activities that enhance and stimulate the residence mental, physical, and spiritual abilities so they can feel great about themselves no matter what limitations they are facing. Great Idea!
I also had a question. I'm looking into going forward in the activity coordinator and program industry. I had a concern about one issue. Where can you find great entertainers that actually enteract with the residence at activity time and what is a accurate budget to hire or pay entertainers or singers. Also how many times to hire them a month without going over budget. Everyone does things different. I need I guess like your book; new ideas that work. hahahahahahaha! Thanks

Hello, call other facilities and find out who they have. Most entertainers work in a round of places each month. I look for ones who get the residents to sing and dance the norm is piano player, slide show presenter, pet performer visits, readers, magician , special events harpist, violist. Residents really love kids who sing from local schools. Singers, music players here in upstate ny get $50 readers $10-$25,slideshows,pets $25- $40 . special events no more then $75 some retired folks from the senior centers volunteer and we give a donation to them. Same with family members who may have a talent. Birthday music singers once a month to where the slideshows or piano players if you want once a week can be good. I usually only had each person 1 time a month. They can add up to once a week if you have a lot once a month. one a week is 4 cost a month. 2 performers a week is 8 costs a month It all depends on what your facility will put as priority . My admst. was very supportive with funds for entertainment separate from my activity budget. Best of luck

[jennb54]

DLouise, on Jul 14 2008, 11:26 AM, said:

Hi Gina.... with over 35 years in Therapeutic Recreation, administration and teaching, I have found that AD's are looking for "how to"....
How do I teach this...? How do I lead a large group?..... What can I offer that is new and fresh? .... I will send you a few ideas that I have found to be successful... if you like. (Great name by the way.... it is my daughter's name!!!)
Dorothy P. M.S., CTRS, NHA

[jennb54]

hi
I would like to see more quick and easy activities that are in reproducible format and large print to accomodate those who are vision impaired. Spend a lot of time copying and enlarging print for my residents.
More examples of life stations would also be useful.

Bennie

[browndeborahlp]

gina, on Jun 24 2005, 04:05 PM, said:

Hi All,
Well, most of ya know me, and if not my name is Gina and I have been doing activities for over twenty years now and have two websites,Activity Ideas that Work and Activity Chat and I am a moderator on this site.I am in the process of geting a few books published that I am working on and I had an idea for one and want your opinions.....What do you think of a book with "Activity Ideas that Work" with ideas from different directors from all over the states and countries? I am working on an Alzheimer's activity book and Assisted living activity ideas as well.Please let me know what you think and if you have a particular activity idea that has worked well for ya and would like to be in the book( with full credit ) please send them to me at:crazee_g2004@yahoo.com.
Also, I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks!
Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-)

Hi Gina, unlike you the activity field is new to me. I've being doing this for about a year now. In dealing with alzheimers especially the later pahse when they are totally dependent on others for care, I find that incuding them in group discussion and other low physical activity functions seems to stimulate them more mentally than one on one visits. Even those residents that are aphasic and geri-chair dependent seems be more attentive in groups that is if you include them in the activity. I find that calling there names and touching them at the same time is especially of good benefit during discussions. For example, I might say "Mr. Brown did you know that we are planning a party?" I will simutanueously be touching him. I watch theirface for signs of a response and usaully their eyes will light up or a slight twitch of the mouth can be noted.

[Jen]

Gina, One of the things I look for in building my work library is some truly practical & doable, but unique ideas. What puts me off from purchasing is cost. A special event that we do is a Christmas Pageant starring the residents. There are no speaking parts beyond a narrator reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 & then Matthew 2 which includes the 3 wisemen. Our choir of residents sing traditional Christmas carols in between the action of the cast coming in. We borrow costumes from an area church. This program never ceases to get me choked up & other staff feels the same way. The reisdents are so proud of themselves & it's very meaningful for the families. Good luck on your books!

[azz10]

Hi Gina, I am a activity director in TN I think the best book that could be written in activity's is one for administrators and corporations on time issues activity directors face often I feel that there is a lot of time spent on residents who are up and attending group activity and partys and not enough time for those residents who are 1:1 or in rooms. 10 Min. 3x per week is not enough time to do something truly meaningful with a very sick lonely person in there room however that is the only time most activity departments have most of activity is spent on big out of room groups, small interest groups and activity which helps with falls etc. for example if you do 5 1 hour group activities and 2 30 min. activity a day and take off for lunch ( you cant visit at meal times at my facility that is from noon til 1:30 it leaves little time for in room activity. I have been to many siminars and confrences and met lots of activity directors from around the world this is a problem that all struggle with it is a problem I have always struggled with and a book of possiable solutions and sample schedules for both small and large facilitys is something I would buy.

[Joelle]

Hi Gina, I am a Life Enrichment Coordinator at an Assisted Living/ Memory Care Community. I have used your Activity idea's that work website, you have lots of great idea's. I would be interested in a book with some new idea's. Especially for our M.C. unit. I am also always looking for idea's for men. Seems like they are a little more tricky to find their specific leisure interest. What made you decide to become an Activity Director? What type of setting do you work in? It is always nice to visit with other activities directors and share idea's.

Joelle