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Dear Mapleluv09: Why not use this time to reminice about the last time it rained and how bad it was, or when the last time there was a major snowstorm this late in the year. Try to find something online about where you live and what the weather was like on a particular day or if there was a particular storm or heat wave.

What I am asking is when an activity assistant starts to work in this field how do they know who to visit and for how long? I think that I came up with an answer in that he/she should look at the care plan and discuss this with the activity coordinator and then make a list of who and when they need to visit. Is this correct? Thanks

How does the care plan and the assessment generate a list of tasks for the activity assistants to do with the residents?

Hi Irene: My name is Cathy and I can certainly understand what it is to be young, naive and full of energy. But even now I am old, naive and full of energy as well. I could tell you a story about when we had karoake. I was up in front singing with one of our nurses when she had to leave to take care of something. She gave me the other microphone. I honestly looked around for a second for someone else to sing with but when no one wanted to, not even the residents, I kept on singing along. One of our resident's who was 104 at the time looked to one of the aides and said 'save me!' she came and took the microphones from me and I have never sung since. But I am still in charge of the sing a longs!

I have not had much contact with tube feeders. At this time we have one or two but they have not been off of their tube feeding for a long time. I try to go in to give them 1:1 time. I usually try to talk to them, let them talk to me if possible and read letters. Touch and aromatherapy seems to go a long way for one of them as well as music that is soothing. Now one of them was never really interested in music so I don't bring any music in. I usually sit with him and talk to him about his wife, family and what is going on i the news. He is very happy. We only talk for about 5 minutes but it is a good quality 5 minutes. Cathy

Hello there! My name is Cathy and I am currently taking the MEPAP1 course so that eventually I can get my activities assistant certification. I have worked as a CNA, RA, med tech and now as an activity assistant. I have been a 'jack of all trades' but now want to settle down and stay in one place for a while. I enjoy working as an activity assistant becasue it is the one time that I can truly be a part of a resident's life. I can read, talk create a relationship with a resident and generally enjoy them and learn from them.

Hello, my name is Cathy and I am taking the MEPAP1 class this time around and here is an idea: I have been taught to write something like this: Resident enjoys music programs, family and friend visits and outings. Resident has been coming to current events and has particapated in the quetions and answer period. Staff will encourage resident to come to other activities during the week. I hope this helps. I try to be concise and to the point so that there is no question when the note is read as to what the resident likes or dislikes. Cathy

Hi there! I am just beginning the MEPAP1 class and one of my assignments is to answer and help if I can. Well, here goes an idea: You have the ROTC coming in. Is this during lunch or dinner? If so, if you have some flags or ask the residents to make some decorations for the tables such as flags, and then ask some family members who may be coming in to help the residents get to the meal. Ask some of the dining services or if there is someone who works on the holiday that helps with you to oversee the activity for that day. I think if you can get a volunteer or two for that day that would be good. Then have the ROTC ceremony during the meal so everyone is in the dining room and have someone read a list of the veteran's residents and staff that are being honored that day. Hope that this helps. Cathy