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“Do you ever sit down to pray and just not know what to say? ‘ACTS’ is a common acronym that Christians use for leading themselves through these moments. Using this well-known tool, you’ll first pray in “adoration” of God, then in “confession,” thanksgiving,” and supplication [petition].” It was used famously by Billy Graham. But it’s no modern fad, its oldest usage dating back to 1883. Many believers throughout the years, including me, have needed help knowing what to pray and how to pray it. I’m grateful that ACTS reminds us all to worship, repent, and express gratitude before we present our requests for help. It’s good practice in putting ourselves last, as Jesus would have us do (“So the last will be first…” Matthew 20:16).” Excerpt from Hosting a Bible Study by Allison Lewis Bennett, AD/TXC Source: Anchor Devotional by Haven Ministries. Oct 2016 Ed. My desire is to assist you in “Hosting a Bible Study.” I will provide the basics of studying the Bible so that you will have some foundation to be better prepared to share with your residents. Studying the Bible can help you see the hope and joy that only Jesus can bring. I hope this Truth is life changing for you as it was for me. I heard an author on the radio this afternoon describe the Bible so well--“Every story whispers His name.” I pray that you and your residents will benefit from the many resources that I have provided you with to hold your own Bible study that comes alive with the truth of Jesus Christ. Workshop Objectives: Upon completion the student will understand that the Bible is reliable and is the book inspired by God, written through men, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The student will be shown study helps to understand the Bible. The student will be able to plan a lesson with the many resources provided. Upon completion the student will be able to hold an inspiring lesson that keeps their residents engaged. The student will be provided a list of Bible study guides, devotionals, hymnals, scriptures/Bibles, ministry resources, and gospel message tools to use with their residents. Workshop Content: Bible Background Understanding the Bible Planning a Lesson Hosting a Bible Study In-room Ministry Bible Study Materials & Resources Conclusion About the Instructor Allison Lewis Bennett, AD/TXC has been involved with seniors in different capacities in Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care. She has a BFA in Graphic Design, but after a 20-year career in graphics returned to school to study to be an Activity Director. Being an Activity Director has given her an outlet to share her creativity with those who need love, attention, and someone to stimulate them mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Allison enjoys sharing her love with her residents and appreciates each special personality. She has been involved in Bible studies at her church for many years. Allison has also coordinated Bible studies for her residents with local churches, led singing, read devotionals, and provided object lessons to illustrate principles of the Bible. She has also had an in-room ministry as a volunteer in Long Term Care facilities. NAAPCC Pre-Approval #797 Enroll Now Activity Director News Update: The Georgia Society of Activity Professionals and South Carolina Activity Professionals Association... post support for the NAAPCC Credentialing Center and take stand against unethical credentialing bodies. "SCAPA has always been an organization of integrity and through many Presidents the past 31 years, has been led with the utmost professionalism and concern for Activity Professionals, with no attempts for personal gain. SCAPA has always been an advocate for fairness, the truth and for what is best for all Activity Professionals. SCAPA Board members will stand up and advocate for those rights despite the consequences. Going forward, SCAPA will not support, promote or recognize ANY organization that operates unethically or with conflicts of interest that are a detriment to the Activity profession, Activity Professionals, or that violates ethical business standards of practice." If you received malicious emails from other organizations, please disregard. Contact NAAPCC for details, we apologize. Web: www.NAAPCC.net E-Mail: office.naapcc@gmail.com Phone: (303) 317-5682 Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351 -
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The certifications recognized under CMS F Tag 680 are the NAAPCC AP-BC & AC-BC, NCCAP ADC & ACC, CTRS, OTR, and COTA. Hi, The certificate that you have is accepted and can be used towards the certification from NAAPCC . Call them and ask about your degree, they will set you on the best path, your experience counts with them.. their contact info : NAAPCC at 303-317-5682 or email us at naapcc.office@gmail.com. You can take our course if you wish, or they have an amazing text book that will assist you thru the activity National Board Certification Exam. Call them and if you need any other requirements or want to join our class, we would love to have you. ActivityDirector.org admin@activitydirector.net Its exciting to have a credentialing center that uses your experience to save you time. Dang I love the NAAPCC ! thanks Pennie
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Question , so I live in Ca and only thing required is the 36 hours.. Do you think it be best just to get the NAAP course and get certified that way? I have the 36 hours and I have a Occupational Therapy Assistant degree too. thank you -
Adaptive Strategies and Techniques Without a doubt, it is important to identify whether the residents have conditions and/or issues for which staff should implement adaptations to allow the resident to fully enjoy the experience. The following is a simplified reference guide examples of specific conditions and appropriate adaptations: Visual impairments: higher levels of lighting without glare; magnifying glasses, light-filtering lenses, telescopic glasses; use of “clock method” to describe where items are located; description of sizes, shapes, colors; large print items including playing cards, newsprint, books; audio books; Hearing impairments: small group activities; placement of resident near speaker/activity leader; use of amplifiers or headphones; decreased background noise; written instructions; use of gestures or sign language to enhance verbal communication; adapted TV (closed captioning, magnified screen, earphones); Physical limitations: the use of adaptive equipment, proper seating and positioning, placement of supplies and materials (based on clinical/nursing or physical therapy referral as appropriate) to enhance: Visual interaction and to compensate for loss of visual field (hemianopsia); Upper extremity function and range of motion (reach); Hand dexterity (e.g., adapted size of items such as larger handles for cooking and woodworking equipment, built-up paintbrush handles, large needles for crocheting); The ability to manipulate an item based upon the item’s weight, such as lighter weight for residents with muscle weakness; Use of only one hand: holders for kitchen items, magazines/books, playing cards; items (e.g., artwork, bingo card, nail file) taped to the table; c-clamp or suction vise to hold wood for sanding; Cognitive impairment: task segmentation and simplification; programs using retained long-term memory, rather than short-term memory; length of activities based on attention span; settings that recreate past experiences or increase/decrease stimulation; smaller groups without interruption; one-to-one activities; NOTE: The length, duration, and content of specific one-to-one activities are determined by the specific needs of the individual resident, such as several short interventions (rather than a few longer activities) if someone has extremely low tolerance or if there are behavioral issues. Examples of one-to-one activities may include any of the following: Sensory stimulation or cognitive therapy (e.g., touch/visual/auditory stimulation, reminiscence, or validation therapy) such as special stimulus rooms or equipment; alerting/upbeat music and using alerting aromas or providing fabrics or other materials of varying textures; Social engagement (e.g., directed conversation, initiating a resident to resident conversation, pleasure walk or coffee visit); Spiritual support, nurturing (e.g., daily devotion, Bible reading, or prayer with or for resident per religious requests/desires); Creative, task-oriented activities (e.g., music or pet activities/therapy, letter writing, word puzzles); Support of self-directed activity (e.g., delivering of library books, craft material to rooms, setting up talking book service). Language barrier: translation tools; translators; or publications and/or audio/video materials in the resident’s language; Terminally ill: life review; quality time with chosen relatives, friends, staff, and/or other residents; spiritual support; touch; massage; music; and/or reading to the resident; NOTE: Some residents may prefer to spend their time alone and introspectively. Their refusal of activities does not necessarily constitute noncompliance. Pain management: spiritual support, relaxation programs, music, massage, aromatherapy, pet therapy/pet visits, and/or touch; Solitary preferences/own room or is unable to leave room: in-room visits by staff/other residents/volunteers with similar interests/hobbies; touch and sensory activities such as massage or aromatherapy; access to art/craft materials, cards, games, reading materials; access to technology of interest (computer, DVD, hand held video games, preferred radio programs/stations, audio books); and/or visits from spiritual counselors; Altering sleep patterns: activities are available during awake time. Some facilities use a variety of options when activities staff are not available for a particular resident: nursing staff reads a newspaper with resident; dietary staff makes finger foods available; CNA works puzzle with the resident; maintenance staff take the resident on night rounds; and/or early morning delivery of coffee/juice to residents; Miscellaneous; Short-stay resident: “a la carte activities” are available, such as books, magazines, cards, word puzzles, newspapers, CDs, movies, and handheld games; interesting/contemporary group activities are offered, such as dominoes, bridge, Pinochle, poker, video games, movies, and travelogues; and/or individual activities designed to match the goals of therapy, such as jigsaw puzzles to enhance fine motor skills; Younger resident: individual and group music offerings that fit the resident’s taste and era; magazines, books and movies that fit the resident’s taste and era; computer and Internet access; and/or contemporary group activities, such as video games, and the opportunity to play musical instruments, card and board games, and sports Diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds: special events that include meals, decorations, celebrations, or music; visits from spiritual leaders and other individuals of the same ethnic background; printed materials (newspapers, magazines) about the resident’s culture; and/or opportunities for the resident and family to share information about their culture with other residents, families, and staff. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org The NAPT- National Activity Professionals Training Course is written and taught by Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP, DMDCP - NCCAP & NAAPCC Certified Educator. The Course Provides all the CE Requirements for Path 1&2 - NAAPCC Standards Do you have 1 year of experience in the past 3yr working with the elderly as an assistant, a director or other? Do you have a high school diploma or higher? Do you hate doing practicum lessons about tasks you have been doing for years? Do you have 8 weeks to take the National Activity Professional Training (NAPT) Class and pass the National Board Certification Exam? Do you have the MEPAP1 Course? It is accepted at the NAAPCC. Do you have money and time to throw away? If not, then the NAAPCC Activity Board Certification Path is for you! One Class, One exam, One National Board Certification. NAAPCC "The Affordable Choice" Contact NAAPCC.Office@gmail.com Phone: 303-317-5682 Let their counselors reassure you you're on the right Path to National Board Certification. "Your Experience Counts!" See if you qualify! Check NAAPCC Standards The certifications recognized under CMS F Tag 680 for Activity Professionals are the NAAPCC AP-BC & AC-BC, NCCAP ADC & ACC, CTRS, OTR, and COTA. NAAPCC Est. 2011, is the only Activity Credentialing Organization that follows the ICE, NCCA Standards for Accreditation. They are NON-Profit. Contact NAAPCC.Office@gmail.com Phone: 303-317-5682 Let their counselors reassure you you're on the right Path to National Board Certification "Your Experience Counts!" See if you qualify! Check NAAPCC Standards American Healthcare Association's Shelter in Place: Planning Resource Guide for Nursing Homes Keep Residents, Staff and Family Members up to date with this blank Covid-19 Newsletter Template. Made simply for your convenience: Step 1: Click on Button below Step 2: Fill in sections with your info. Step 3: Hit print or email. Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351
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Mrs. Pennie Please accept my condolences on the passing of Kathy Hughes I remember her falling ill during one of our weekly chat sessions. Thanks for her words of wisdom and encouragement to the class during my time as her student. I am sure she will be missed by the NAAPCC team and especially her family and relatives. No more pain, suffering and discomfort RIP Kathy Hughes Paulette Lee pygl62@yahoo.com
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Greg Bledsoe a Activity Director who now Operates 2 Foster Care Facilities ,is Launching a New YouTube Channel designed for Seniors. SENIOR TELEVISION CHANNEL Great Activity Idea .. lock down can be fun! Please check it out and give me some feedback. SeniorTelevisionChannel.com
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to all Activity Professionals - Most of you may know that Kathy Hughes has passed.Those of you who had the pleasure of being taught by her were indeed blessed, she was a mountain. Her family is gathering next week to celebrate her life at a family retreat she loved. Please take a minute to celebrate her legacy during your week, I'm sure she'll be close by... We Miss You! --- if you would like to send something to the family please email us at pbacon@activitydirector.com -
From NAAPCC NAAPCC DOES MEET FEDERAL TAG #658 NOTICE TO ALL ACTIVITY PROFESSIONALS Contrary to a notice posted 7-1-20 sent out by another organization, NAAPCC DOES meet federal Tag #658 as it is written and will post the full regulation on our website. You can also find it at the CMS website. The regulation states that CMS accepts the standards of ANY accrediting body or State Association, not just NAAP. The Training courses accepted under F Tag 680 only have to meet State approval. They DO NOT need to meet NAAP's approval or be accepted by them. NAAP is a membership organization for Activity Professionals, just as there are other organizations for Activity Professionals. No organization has the authority to approve someone else's work or decide what CMS will accept, nor is that stated anywhere in the regulations. NAAP has their own education and it would be a conflict of interest for them to approve or not approve other courses. The Creators of the NAPT course have no obligation to hand it over to anyone else for review. While NAAP is mentioned by name in one section, along with several other entities in F Tag 658, it is not an exclusive recognition, and following NAAP's name is the word "etc", meaning other organization standards are also recognized, including State Associations and Accrediting bodies, which does in fact include NAAPCC. Please be assured the information released is inaccurate. CMS has been recognizing and accepting NAAPCC certifications since 2011 and they also accept any State approved course per F Tag 680. If NAAP chooses to not promote other courses or certifications, that is their right, but they have no authority to decide what meets regulations. Please read below! The Highlighted sections dictate how NAAPCC meets the regulation. NAAPCC Standards are posted on the website. Recommended resources for manuals, etc., are also located on our website. o F658 GUIDANCE §483.21(b)(3)(i) “Professional standards of quality” means that care and services are provided according to accepted standards of clinical practice. Standards may apply to care provided by a particular clinical discipline or in a specific clinical situation or setting. Standards regarding quality care practices may be published by a professional organization, licensing board, accreditation body or other regulatory agency. Recommended practices to achieve desired resident outcomes may also be found in clinical literature. Possible reference sources for standards of practice include: • Current manuals or textbooks on nursing, social work, physical therapy, etc. • Standards published by professional organizations such as the American Dietetic Association, American Medical Association, American Medical Directors Association, American Nurses Association, National Association of Activity Professionals, National Association of Social Work, etc. • Clinical practice guidelines published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. • Current professional journal articles. Our credentials are recognized by CMS under F tags 658 and 680. If you have any questions or concerns please call the office at 303-317-5682 or email us at naapcc.office@gmail.com. We're here to assist you in any way we can. NAAPCC NAAP Credentialing Center 17840 Weymouth Ave, Parker CO 80134 United States You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. Unsubscribe
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The team at NAAPCC are a gift to the industry! Cheers https://www.facebook.com/NaapCredentialingCenternaapcc/ -
Become Activity Professional Board Certified (AP-BC) with : NAAPCC offers the most comprehensive and direct path towards CMS Approved Activity Professional Board Certification there is. The National Association of Activity Professionals Credentialing Center (NAAPCC) was formed in January of 2011, they are the most trusted independent body exclusively for the purpose of credentialing Activity Professionals that meet the standards and requirements set forth by the Center. They are the only credentialing body for Activity Professionals that follow the standards set forth by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). All Activity Professionals will need to successfully pass the competency exam to be issued a National Board Certification. This certification meets The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) State Surveyors for Regulation F680 listed in the surveyor guidelines for Skilled Nursing Facilities, Adult DayCare, Assisted Living, Long Term Care, and Dementia Care. Certification Levels Career Growth Ever dreamed of one day becoming an Activity Consultant? Perhaps you would like to become an Activity Educator. The NAAPCC Certification Paths make career growth obtainable for all. Grow as your Experience Grows! (AP-BC) Activity Director - Board Certified (AAP-BC) Advanced Activity Director - Board Certified (AC-BC) Activity Consultant/Educator - Board Certified Certification Simplified NAAPCC Board Certification utilizes your work experience and streamlines your required coursework into one all inclusive course so that you can reach your career goals sooner! Note: Degree Holders If you have a Bachelor's Degree or Higher you don't even need to take the an additional course (refer to Path 1 under AP-BC)! Your experience hours and level of education supersede that requirement. The National Activity Professional Training Course (NAPT) Our NAAPCC Approved Training Course begins the 1st Tuesday of every month. It is completely online to accommodate the ever-changing world we live in and your busy lifestyle. This is the most up to date course curriculum that is designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to run the best activity department you can. The course is laid out in an easy to follow format, allowing you to work on it when it is convenient for you throughout your week. Exciting Live Webinars and interactive chats connect you with the some of the top experts in your field and allow for peer networking. Activity Professional Certification Made Simple. Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351
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CMS UPDATE- Nursing Home Visitation Read Full Document Visit CMS.gov American Healthcare Association's Shelter in Place: Planning Resource Guide for Nursing Homes Keep Residents, Staff and Family Members up to date with this blank Covid-19 Newsletter Template. Made simply for your convenience: Step 1: Click on Button below Step 2: Fill in sections with your info. Step 3: Hit print or email. Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2020 Activity Directors Network, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351
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Hello Everyone! My name is Luke. Information from the instructors and students of "Activity Director dot net" have really opened my eyes. I've been working as a programming assistant for 5 months. I love it. I come into it from a background in music. I have my Bachelors. Most of my work is done in the memory care unit. I also work once a week with Assisted Living. I find that I enjoy both settings, but my personality is more geared toward memory care. I've learned here at work, and through this course, that you need to take a different approach to memory care: more sensory programs, and less noise and distraction. Let me know if you have any pointers for memory care. Thank you!
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View this email in your browser Turmoil has certainly visited the world over the last year and it has thrown systems that have been in place for years wide open and exposed areas that are working and areas that are in need of massive social change. One of these areas is in the care of our elderly. Activity Directors have been shifted into the forefront of this pandemic within the walls of your facilities. Your importance in maintaining peace and stability in the lives of those you serve has never been more evident as you are each being called upon to perform tasks that you would have never thought possible only a few months ago. The flip side to upheaval is the renewed ability to put the pieces back together in a better way. I am sure you have thought of many areas over the years that could be improved upon or had many ideas of things that could be introduced that would be game changers. I think now is the time for us to all come together as a profession and start working towards some of these changes for the betterment of all. In light of this shared mission, I wish to dedicate today's Activity Corner to looking at some of the ways we can move in that direction as a team of loving individual's working on improving the industry. NOTE: Some of these ideas will not be possible to implement in the current situation we find ourselves in. However, these are ideas that can be worked towards over time and perhaps the planning and groundwork can be laid now. Be the Change... Activities are so much more than just activities. The way we spend our time determines the thoughts we have, the feeling we feel, the strength of our immune system, our overall longevity and the direction of our energy. What could be more important then that? There are many activities that you universally offer that are pertinent to your communities, such as faith-based activities and crowd pleasers, such as BINGO and trivia. However, you can dig even deeper and insert activities that can truly inspire and transform the inner and outer world of your residents. These activities may share some universal threads, but in order to uncover your specific direction you must include your residents in the discovery process and then build programming around it. Some areas that are proven to enhance the lives of all people, regardless of age, are: Family Health Faith Nature Community Personal Sense of Responsibility Let us look at these in turn to get a better idea of how you can enhance them through your strategic activity planning. Family Ask anyone with any level of true life experience what matters most and you will undoubtedly here family at the top of the list. These are our people, our tribe. Without them all the money, success or materialism in the world means nothing. How can we bring family into the picture more? We must appeal to the residents' family members by creating programs that entices them to make time for it. We need to create something that brings value to both the resident and the family. The resident's family members are extremely busy and involved in the busyness of middle age and this is somewhere we can help. Here are some ideas to get you going: Family Volunteer Day- Bring the kids and teach them the importance of volunteer work. Share stories or videos of the difference that can be made. Offer a certificate of achievement to each participating member so that they can take pride in being of service. Family Night- Host a fun monthly event that offers family activities. Plan movies, plays, carnivals, etc. Bring in a balloon animal artist or caricature artist... Something that offers excitement for the children. Focusing on the children is what will bring everyone together. It is a shared goal for the children to have fun. Well Being Lectures- Invite experts in well being topics to come and speak with your residents and family members. Choose a topic that you feel would be most helpful for your residents. Perhaps a lecture on brain health, forgiveness, preparing for death, loving communications, etc. Any area that would benefit both the residents and other participants. You want to generate open discussion. You could even have your Social Worker make some time to work with the families as a service. There can be many hidden resentments that could have built up throughout a lifetime that you may be able to facilitate a healing for. Achieving this would free your resident and their families. Health A Healthy body feeds a healthy mind and vice versa. A snack laden with sugar in the morning could inadvertently lead to agitation in the afternoon. The body processes chemicals in ways that directly affect well being. This can be easily seen in new bodily systems, such as those of a child, but they are there for us all at any age. Health makes us feel better, which leads to more empowered thoughts and actions. Consider how unstoppable you may have felt when you attempted a healthy new program. The key, and the tricky part, is maintaining this routine. There are ways you can commit to revamping your program to focus on healthy body, healthy mind. Some ideas are: Create a Wellness Program- Have your residents design and wellness program that commits to the well being of the entire facility. This may mean you all commit to healthy snacks during activities, that you offer a wellness associated activity 3 times a week, time spent in nature is incorporated weekly, invite different members of the community to start walking programs, host varied workout routines, discuss health issues, etc. There is so much that can be included with your dedication to making it a part of your planning. Language- There is much that can be inferred to through use of language, accurate or not. Try and be hyper aware of the language you may be using when conversing with your residents. We all need to be told that we matter and to be encouraged to reach beyond what we believe is possible. If you believe in your residents strong enough and long enough that will begin to change how they feel about themselves. Use encouragement with everything you do. Build activities around self-worth and love. Post affirmative message and visuals around the facility as constant reminders. A facility full of love will take off and create more outward and inward love then you can even imagine. Faith The world can get incredibly heavy if you believe you are meant to take it all on by yourself, this is where faith comes in. This is where strength is built, and comfort can be found. However, the traditional faith model that is mostly utilized in out facilities does not always address every individual's needs for faith. Faith comes in all shades of love and therefore your programming must reflect this level of inclusivity if it is meant to have an impact for all. For this reason, we must understand the faith of each of our residents and determine how to serve those needs. Some of our residents may not have faith or follow religion. They must be included as well. Aside from religious activities that involve different religions we can bring faith in by other means for those that are not served by that model. Some ideas include: Positive Psychology- Introducing activities that are meant to boost positive psychology can increase faith in oneself and faith in the world. The Dalai Llama has been quoted as saying that his religion is happiness. This may resonate with some of your residents. Faith in Oneself- Faith helps to explain the unknown and offers the idea that the strength to overcome is within. This can be done through many means, not just a specific doctrine. Try and create activities that are somewhat challenging so that the resident can build confidence in themselves. You could pair residents together and have them offer support to one another. You could have residents reminisce about past hardships and review how they were able to overcome them. There are many ways that faith in oneself can be nurtured. Consider what experiences you have had that showed you your strength and try to utilize your own personal lessons. Nature Nature can slow us down and connect us to the reality of life. Nothing is as serious as it seems, and nature reminds us of this. It literally grounds us and helps alleviate the cloudy thoughts floating around in our psyche. Notice how the birds live in the moment. Reflect upon the strength of the trees or the power of water falling from the sky and nourishing and cleansing all. Notice how the seemingly weaker plants (ie the grass) can bend without breaking through the most powerful of storms. A powerful way idea to consider this connection is: Earthing- Earthing is simply placing your bare skin in contact with the energy of the Earth. This means you dig in the dirt with your hands or you place your bare feet on a patch of Earth. This contact facilitates an ion exchange that is incredibly important to the health of our body, minds and souls. Create an Earthing Zone outside of your facility that encourages contact with the Earth. Community We all know that community involvement is key to keeping our resident's morale up. The tricky part is keeping the community as excited and passionate about this exchange as possible. Somehow you must find a way to keep your community programs fresh and alluring. Perhaps you can invite the community to share some of their hobbies, you could host a mentor program, or Adopt a Grandparent, you could host recycling drives or neighborhood watch groups or yard sales, etc. Maybe you can host a fundraiser that will provide a playground area on your facility's grounds that would be open to all the children in the surrounding community. There is a way to bring the two worlds together and the exciting part is using trial and error to get there. Set your intention and you will be shown the way that works best for who you serve. Personal Sense of Responsibility This is a biggie for us all. We all want to feel needed and useful. Incorporating ways for this to happen may be a little tricky in an environment where most needs are already provided for. Some ways that personal responsibility may be enhanced are: Pets- Caring for a pet goes way beyond simply keeping busy. There is an exchange of love and gratitude between the two that is so healing. The pet could be a bird or fish tank. It could be a small coy pond or an outside cat. Check with your facility to see what is possible and then enlist your residents to help care for the pet/s. Making a Difference- Your residents have the benefit of a long life well lived and can see the bigger picture better then most. Ask them for ways that the facility can be improved upon and encourage them to be a part of the solution. This may look like giving residents free space to air grievances, or weekly group counseling sessions. It might involve giving residents more freedom throughout their day or offering more snacking options. Allowing residents to vote on things such as weekly programming, or the meal one day a week, or the movie selected, etc. There are so many areas that could involve them and their opinions that would help them to feel personally responsible for the well being of every resident. You can even create an advocacy program where a resident helps to serve another resident that is less able to advocate for themselves. There are so many options. What you do is so much more then host activities. You are directly responsible for the mental well being of each and every resident and that is no small task. But the good news is that you don't have to do it alone. We can all pull together, residents included, and change the world! We can all wake up with a renewed passion and common goals that transform the status quo. You are needed now more then ever, and we believe in you and the power you have within. We invite you to write us with your thoughts and ideas and passion! We want to be involved and help you, the game changers, as much as we possibly can. The world is wide open and ready, and we know you are too. www.ActivityDirector.org - 1.888.238.0444
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Resident Council Hi, anyone have a good resident council form, we have one at my facility but my new admin would like me to create one with a resolution slot for the concerns. Our previous social worker and I formulated one which was working. This new one said its too much to do but I thought Social Services helps with Concerns and council . She was just let off easy now i have to do the council and grievances
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Dear Students, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved instructor Kathy Hughes. She was our loyal instructor for 11 years and we have grown exponentially due to her expertise and passion for the Activity Profession. Kathy's whole life was her students and it showed. She dedicated herself to her classes, to attending conventions and furthering her knowledge for the benefit of all. We already miss her dearly. Due to Kathy's passing all courses will be placed on hold until July 7th while we initiate some big changes that we feel will benefit our students and the entire industry. We will be updating all of our curriculum to meet the standards of the National Association of Activity Professional Credentialing Center (NAAPCC). They are the choice of Activity Professionals for Board Certification and are the only credentialing body for Activity Professionals that follows the standards set forth by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NAAPCC offers an all-encompassing certification to assure an individual is well rounded and prepared to work in any long term care, adult day program, assisted living, in-home program, senior centers or retirement community. Becoming Board Certified demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and ability to provide high standards within any geriatric setting. NAAPCC follows FTags 658 and 680 and is accepted by CMS. We feel this transition is more pertinent then ever as the world is being rapidly changed by our shared experience with the COVID Pandemic. This new process will allow you to move more seamlessly and easily through the certification process, it will reduce the out of pocket cost and allows your hard earned experience to count towards your certification, eliminating the need for in person Practicum work. We see the changes happening in our industry and our so excited to be a part of this positive movement. We invite you to call (1-888-238-0444) with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have. We will be sending regular updates and calling each one of our active students to personally discuss their path forward so that this transition is as smooth as it can be. We wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support and we appreciate your patience while we make these necessary changes.
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Hello everyone My name is Sherrington Rolle , I'm new to this network forum, I was taking the MEPAP course for certified activity director for my facility. Due to COVID-19 I need to finish up my last part of the final packet. I really enjoy working with the resident.
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Everyone is invited to a chat tomorrow evening Friday June 19th at 7:30 pm central/8:30 pm eastern to complete Final Practicum Pack assignment Professional Development. Hope to see you there!
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Hi.. we have a new CEU Author on Activitydirector.org/classroom, Gloria Hoffner, and she has written a course called "Science for Seniors" .. amazing stuff . If youre looking for a different type of Activity... this is the best Ive seen. Gloria has been doing Science projects for the elderly for years, she has books and how-to's and Now .. a NCCAP preApproved CE Course.. Check it out ... Please report back and share... thanks Pennie
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Did you finish the course?
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Do you guys have any fresh and new quarantine ideas? I am doing Hallway Bingo, coloring, painting, we are polishing nails and reading books already. What are you guys doing that is different?
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What types of activities are you doing with them other than hallway Bingo?
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Hi Kristen, I am definitely new to this site but I am not new to being an AD. What kind of advice?
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I am not new to this forum but I wanted to stop by and say hello. Would anyone be willing to give me some advice on being a Director? I'm new to this role, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!
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Hello my fellow friends! My name is Shellie and I am Life Enrichment Director at Carriage Inn Senior Living in Lake Jackson, Texas. Our community has Independent, Assisted and Memory Care and boy....it can be overwhelming at times. I have 2 assistants plus myself.
