melanietapp

I was in Activities for 5 years (5 years ago) and a lot of things have changed since I was in the game. I started back in December, and I'm looking for new Activity Participation Forms to encorporate. I'm not a fan of the forms my building is using. They were created by a former director. I've looked at Med Pass forms and like them.. but feel like there should be a space to write in specific items. What you are you all using? Are you creating your own? Are you using a standardized form? We currently put a copy of our calendar in the chart and highlight the resident's participation, as well as fill out a form. I do want to continue the highlighting method for our use, because it makes it so easy to see who is doing what. However our "legal" charting forms, I'm not happy with. Help!! feel free to email me samples of what you are using! mtbrighton@bellsouth.net

My social worker and I are trying to work up a Group Meditation type activity for our residents. From my research, weekly meditation is more beneficial for dementia patients, but we will see how it goes. There was an article in this month's creative forecasting in regards to meditation and nursing home residents. Our vision is a spa type environment. Dimmed lights, soft music, meditation, hand massages, scent therapies, chair yoga.... Has anyone tried anything similar to this? The benefits of meditation and mindfulness techniques in seniors are incredible. However, most all of the "techniques" are in books ranging from $49 +. I'd love any feedback I could get in regards to what you've done, what you "think" might work. We are scrambling trying to get some ideas together to launch this next month. Any Ideas? Also any ideas on what to NAME this activity for the calendar? Something that sounds enticing to attend!! Thanks! Melanie from Madisonville