I work as Activity Coordinator for an independent retirement community here in Branson, Missouri. I started this job a year ago. I am a CNA and a CMA. I was hired from within the company for this job with no experience or education for the position. Pay is about $8.00/hr, but if you consider the health ins., IRA account (they match), and the pure joy of doing nothing but good for others, this is the best job I could have asked for. I make my own schedule, have an office, eat out once a week, and see a show once a week. The facility I work for is independent so we don't have to follow the state rules. It is nice to be able to throw a wine and cheese party once a month. I am very blessed with my job and it's flexibilty!
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Salary Range For Activity Directors
Started by Raw42, Sep 08 2004 04:57 PM
226 replies to this topic
#32 Guest_Guest_mona_*
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Posted 28 December 2004 - 07:25 AM
I agree, I am the Activity Director at a Personal Care home, it is run by the
Methodist Church, I am the only person I have no staff and a very small
office, I started in April and we have done so many things, we only have
25 residents, but they are housed in three separate houses, and range in
age from 30 (mentally challenged) to 87 years old with dementia. Since I
have started we have gotten so much publication from the local paper and
this year at Christmas the donations that came in were really big compared
to other years, however no one seems to think it is because of me.. and I
know it is, the residents and their families all love me, and some said they
have never danced since coming here until I came, or never went shopping
or alot of things... howver I only make 6.50 an hour and no benefits, and
no paid holidays or vacations unit I am there 1 year. I really need more
money, any suggestions as what I could do....
Methodist Church, I am the only person I have no staff and a very small
office, I started in April and we have done so many things, we only have
25 residents, but they are housed in three separate houses, and range in
age from 30 (mentally challenged) to 87 years old with dementia. Since I
have started we have gotten so much publication from the local paper and
this year at Christmas the donations that came in were really big compared
to other years, however no one seems to think it is because of me.. and I
know it is, the residents and their families all love me, and some said they
have never danced since coming here until I came, or never went shopping
or alot of things... howver I only make 6.50 an hour and no benefits, and
no paid holidays or vacations unit I am there 1 year. I really need more
money, any suggestions as what I could do....
#33 Guest_Guest_Kelly_*
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Posted 03 January 2005 - 07:55 PM
:-) I am an AD in western PA and I think for the amount of time and effort put into my job I am way underpaid! I average 32,000 a year my assisstant AD is making currently $8.70 an hour which is very underpaid! I not only take care of planning and implementation of activities but also do much of the marketing such as hosting outside events for the community and families. My job also includes event planning within our facility(we have several rooms that we rent out such as ballroom and bed & breakfast rooms for families to come and stay or have a party for their loved ones). I also take care of transportation that requires me to make doctor appts. or any other transportation issues they might have for 120 people it gets quite overwhelming most of the time. I really don't think people know what an important part of health care that an activities department is.
#34 Guest_stella_*
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Posted 03 January 2005 - 09:00 PM
[FONT=Optima]does anyone know where I can take on line course to be a certified astivities director ?
#35
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Posted 05 January 2005 - 12:47 PM
Hi Doedoe,
Well first off I would like to say that I hope that I am never at the facility where you work because honestly, you sound like you are totally overworked!! :-o
As far as Activity Directors "getting off their butts and getting the residents ourselves", doesn't it make it easier for the aides if you just drop the residents off at the activity then you can do other duties instead of helping them.Also,I found your whole post itself to be very rude and offensive.I have never done your job, but in turn, you have never done our jobs and have NO CLUE how much time and preparation goes into to planning and implementing a recreation program and how much time we spend at home and otherwise that we DO NOT GET COMPENSATED FOR!!!! I totally understand that this business takes its toll on ALL the staff, but for you to say that we are all overpaid and essentally lazy is just WRONG. :-(
Try to have a good day. Gina :-)
Well first off I would like to say that I hope that I am never at the facility where you work because honestly, you sound like you are totally overworked!! :-o
As far as Activity Directors "getting off their butts and getting the residents ourselves", doesn't it make it easier for the aides if you just drop the residents off at the activity then you can do other duties instead of helping them.Also,I found your whole post itself to be very rude and offensive.I have never done your job, but in turn, you have never done our jobs and have NO CLUE how much time and preparation goes into to planning and implementing a recreation program and how much time we spend at home and otherwise that we DO NOT GET COMPENSATED FOR!!!! I totally understand that this business takes its toll on ALL the staff, but for you to say that we are all overpaid and essentally lazy is just WRONG. :-(
Try to have a good day. Gina :-)
#36
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Posted 10 January 2005 - 05:46 PM
Hi I have to agree with eveyone else that we are all unpaid. AD asst. in ohio {the part i am from} make about 7-8.50 a hour... not great.. but farther out they can make 12-15 a hour.. thats more then I make as a AD. We all desire to be paid for the jobs we do.. and that job is usually ours and alot of others peoples work that is passed to us because... we have soooo much free time!! :-P
#37
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Posted 11 January 2005 - 11:57 AM
I am currently at $14.20 an hour, but I also am the Lifeline program manager and the Employee Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator. My location is rural southwest wisconsin :-)
#38
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Posted 11 January 2005 - 02:12 PM
Hi j-l01971 (do you have a simpler name? hehehe)
where in Wisconsin? I used to live in Sheboygan and Sheb Falls
where in Wisconsin? I used to live in Sheboygan and Sheb Falls
#39
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 09:15 AM
Hi! I work in Prairie du Chien, live in Wauzeka. Prairie is about an hour directly south of Lacrosse right on the Mississippi. Sorry about the long name, you know us activity people, we have to be unique! hahaha :-D
#40
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 09:46 AM
I have to agree with gina on the january 5, 2005 post regarding the laziness of AD's and the negative sounding post of the other individual.
I also have problems sometimes with the patients coming to activities becasue they aren't brought out of bed by the cna's. I realize that there are days in which it is very busy, and those days I am informed of this so I can plan accordingly. I have issues when the census is down, there are no pressing duties, the aides are lounging around and then the patients don't attend activities. These days do not occur daily, but when they do, they are frustrating. I also hear comments like "I wish I could get paid to do crafts or play games", which is also frustrating, because we are way more than a bingo caller or a leader of crafts. I do not it let it affect my program, by being positive about the situation. Being angry and snide to others will not help at all and will get you no where but in a bad mood also. I do encourage you to speak up for yourself if you are being treated rudely. I did one day, after an aide made a comment to me about getting paid to play games, do puzzles, crafts, etc. I explained to her that I really do more than what she sees (2nd shift). She really only sees me for about an hour of my whole day. I believe she felt embarrassed that she made the comment, but I was professional and calm about the whole matter. Anyway...........
I am not sure of the rules where this person works, but I technically cannot get these patients out of bed and transfer, etc. to get to activitites, because of the facility regulations and the training and such. I could easily do this (and would be glad to) as a Home and Community Based Program Manager/QMRP, I worked in a facility for developmentally disabled children and adults for over 10 years performing every daily living task from transferring manually and with lifts, using behavioral management techniques to divert escalating situations, bathing, cooking, cleaning up waste, vomit, you name it. But, this is not my position as of now in the facility I work in, that is the purpose behind job descriptions, I believe. This person may need to reflect upon why he/she chose the profession he/she did.
Unfortunately, anywhere you work you will find things you don't care for. My suggestion for anyone is to practice self-control and professionalism. When something is thrown my way that is upsetting, I take a few deep breaths, think about it, and see how it can be turned into a positive experience. I always try to remain professional, but sometimes, I need to put on my thick skin.
I apologize for the long post. I encourage everyone to create a good day! 8-) :-D
I also have problems sometimes with the patients coming to activities becasue they aren't brought out of bed by the cna's. I realize that there are days in which it is very busy, and those days I am informed of this so I can plan accordingly. I have issues when the census is down, there are no pressing duties, the aides are lounging around and then the patients don't attend activities. These days do not occur daily, but when they do, they are frustrating. I also hear comments like "I wish I could get paid to do crafts or play games", which is also frustrating, because we are way more than a bingo caller or a leader of crafts. I do not it let it affect my program, by being positive about the situation. Being angry and snide to others will not help at all and will get you no where but in a bad mood also. I do encourage you to speak up for yourself if you are being treated rudely. I did one day, after an aide made a comment to me about getting paid to play games, do puzzles, crafts, etc. I explained to her that I really do more than what she sees (2nd shift). She really only sees me for about an hour of my whole day. I believe she felt embarrassed that she made the comment, but I was professional and calm about the whole matter. Anyway...........
I am not sure of the rules where this person works, but I technically cannot get these patients out of bed and transfer, etc. to get to activitites, because of the facility regulations and the training and such. I could easily do this (and would be glad to) as a Home and Community Based Program Manager/QMRP, I worked in a facility for developmentally disabled children and adults for over 10 years performing every daily living task from transferring manually and with lifts, using behavioral management techniques to divert escalating situations, bathing, cooking, cleaning up waste, vomit, you name it. But, this is not my position as of now in the facility I work in, that is the purpose behind job descriptions, I believe. This person may need to reflect upon why he/she chose the profession he/she did.
Unfortunately, anywhere you work you will find things you don't care for. My suggestion for anyone is to practice self-control and professionalism. When something is thrown my way that is upsetting, I take a few deep breaths, think about it, and see how it can be turned into a positive experience. I always try to remain professional, but sometimes, I need to put on my thick skin.
I apologize for the long post. I encourage everyone to create a good day! 8-) :-D
#41
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Posted 13 January 2005 - 09:18 PM
Hi! I work in an assisted living home for memory care in NY. Our building has the capacity of 52 but only are half filled. I get paid $15/hr and I do everything from programs to paperwork. I have an assistant, but she's only there when I'm off to keep programs running 7 days a week.
#42
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Posted 16 January 2005 - 09:35 AM
;-) Hi everyone...In Texas, the pay is from $8.00 to $10.00. I worked for 8.00 for six years. Then I finally got a raise to 10.00. That is not enough, but I love my job. So I do it. We are very underpaid. My families and others love me, and I deal with alot of residents, like social workers do. I don't get paid for that. I wish it would all change for AD's. We need more, but if you work for a coropation like I do. They will not pay you, what you deserve. Oh well. Life goes on.
I do love all my resident's, all the families, I deal with. God will reward me some day. Later....actpro...in Texas
I do love all my resident's, all the families, I deal with. God will reward me some day. Later....actpro...in Texas
#43 Guest_Guest_Debbie_*
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Posted 17 January 2005 - 11:03 AM
HI there I am an activity director in Ohio. I have been in the activity profession for 10 years now and I am making around $11 an hour but that in no way compares to the love the residents bring to my heart. AD and AAD are defintely underappreciated and most of the time taken for granted for the work that we do by our employers. But the residents are the true joy in our jobs and they should always be our number one priority!! Good luck to all of you and Happy National Activity Professionals Week. You are all appreciated for the work you do!!
#44 Guest_Stacie_*
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Posted 17 January 2005 - 01:44 PM
In respose to a couple of postings: I'm the DOA in our LTC facility (which is connected to a hospital), I've been here, not quite 10 years & am a CTRS - my hours rate is $18.36. (Rural Minnesota - very happy w/ my salary, I might add). My aides start (w/ no expierence at $8.51/ hour & go up from there.) I do have an assistant at $14.60/ hour, but she has been here, well, frankly, longer than dirt, & I wish I couple pay her more!
In response to the posting regarding the laziness of Activity Professionals, I don't even know where to start. My first thought is, what is the current situation in that facility for activity personnel? Maybe it's a dept. that needs a boast or re-vamping? Around here, the staff KNOW they need me & my staff & truely appreciate all we do. We are the people you aides call when you have a resident who is agitated, restless, crying, angry, bored, etc. I'm not familiar w/ that situation, but I have activity staff in the building 7 days a week, including holidays! We are here before 8 a.m. to help serve breakfast, we help serve snacks, noon meal, & coffee in the afternoon, but our day does not end there. I also have staff that help transport to supper, serve supper, & transport from supper. (This is along w/ all the bingo calling we do! ;-) We also provide an activity at 7 p.m. in our facility. My staff work on Saturdays & Sundays, & holidays (2:30 - 7:45 on Sundays & holidays). So I really take offense to the comments that we don't work weekends, holidays, etc.
Sorry I've rattled on, but I just don't think that individual has a clear picture of what an assesst to the facility the activity staff can & should be!!
In response to the posting regarding the laziness of Activity Professionals, I don't even know where to start. My first thought is, what is the current situation in that facility for activity personnel? Maybe it's a dept. that needs a boast or re-vamping? Around here, the staff KNOW they need me & my staff & truely appreciate all we do. We are the people you aides call when you have a resident who is agitated, restless, crying, angry, bored, etc. I'm not familiar w/ that situation, but I have activity staff in the building 7 days a week, including holidays! We are here before 8 a.m. to help serve breakfast, we help serve snacks, noon meal, & coffee in the afternoon, but our day does not end there. I also have staff that help transport to supper, serve supper, & transport from supper. (This is along w/ all the bingo calling we do! ;-) We also provide an activity at 7 p.m. in our facility. My staff work on Saturdays & Sundays, & holidays (2:30 - 7:45 on Sundays & holidays). So I really take offense to the comments that we don't work weekends, holidays, etc.
Sorry I've rattled on, but I just don't think that individual has a clear picture of what an assesst to the facility the activity staff can & should be!!
#45
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Posted 17 January 2005 - 04:58 PM
I work in an Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care in Dallas, TX. There are 70+/- residents. I have been an AD for almost a year (have worked with senior and develomentally challenged people for years). My first position as an AD was in Independant Living and I made 11 an hour, part time. A place owned by the same company hired me part time as an activity assistant and driver for the same pay...how can an assistant and a Director (even though it was the same person) make the same? Whatever, right...
The job I have now with AL and Alzheimer's Care pays 15.50 an hour full time with wonderful benifits and education reimbursment. I do not have an assistant but we keep wonderful volunteers coming back every day and on weekends (coordinating volunteer schedules is a big part of my job). There is also a part time driver. We have activities 7 days a week and at night. The AL and Alzheimer's callendars are seperate.
It is company policy that EVERYONE, aides, directors, ....everyone.... do activities. Even the OT and PT do activitiies. Everyone has a special talent, right? I have found this to be the hardest part of my job. I personally like to do the activities myself but have supplies to order, paperwork, outings, entertainers to book, research to do on future activities, networking with ither ADs for ideas, department head meeting to sit thru (even if they have NOTHING to do with your department), family councels and support groups to hold, and so on.... not to mention different activities going on at the same time so everyone is doing something and one on one visits and such. I am not complaining. I do not want to leave at the end of the day, I like being here, as I am sure we all do.
I think it is very disrespectful that an aide would speak to a director in such a way...to call you lazy. Would that aide talk to the Healthcare Director or the Exec Director that way? I never think that I am above anyone but professional respect and courtesy should always be shown. I would never call an aide lazy, I know all of the work they do...I was an aide at one time. I would respect his / her position just as he /she should respect ours. If that person "I wish I could get paid to do crafts or play games"...well get off your tail end and do what needs to be done to get a job as an Activity Professional....but be assured that you will get a job doing so much more than "crafts or play games".
Tiff
The job I have now with AL and Alzheimer's Care pays 15.50 an hour full time with wonderful benifits and education reimbursment. I do not have an assistant but we keep wonderful volunteers coming back every day and on weekends (coordinating volunteer schedules is a big part of my job). There is also a part time driver. We have activities 7 days a week and at night. The AL and Alzheimer's callendars are seperate.
It is company policy that EVERYONE, aides, directors, ....everyone.... do activities. Even the OT and PT do activitiies. Everyone has a special talent, right? I have found this to be the hardest part of my job. I personally like to do the activities myself but have supplies to order, paperwork, outings, entertainers to book, research to do on future activities, networking with ither ADs for ideas, department head meeting to sit thru (even if they have NOTHING to do with your department), family councels and support groups to hold, and so on.... not to mention different activities going on at the same time so everyone is doing something and one on one visits and such. I am not complaining. I do not want to leave at the end of the day, I like being here, as I am sure we all do.
I think it is very disrespectful that an aide would speak to a director in such a way...to call you lazy. Would that aide talk to the Healthcare Director or the Exec Director that way? I never think that I am above anyone but professional respect and courtesy should always be shown. I would never call an aide lazy, I know all of the work they do...I was an aide at one time. I would respect his / her position just as he /she should respect ours. If that person "I wish I could get paid to do crafts or play games"...well get off your tail end and do what needs to be done to get a job as an Activity Professional....but be assured that you will get a job doing so much more than "crafts or play games".
Tiff
