HeatherThomas

I'm new to my facility so I'm still figuring out how things work but I was off one day last week and was pleasantly surprised to find that the staff pitched in and ran activities in my absence. Such a relief to feel like I can take a day off and not be worried that my residents will be bored or unaware of planned programs. I thanked the staff up and down when I got back and they seemed to look confused at what the "big deal" was.... it wasn't like this at my other job so I feel blessed. I think that if the expectation is set that all staff are responsible for resident activities and then the staff are shown that what they do is appreciated, it will work. Good Luck! We need some staff culture change in this area.

I think it's really important to put ourselves in the shoes of the residents. Especially with new residents. It can be really scary to go to a new program, with all new people. I know that if I was a new resident I would want to be personally invited to a program I hadn't attended before and I would want to be introduced to everyone so I didn't feel like an "outsider". I work in an assisted living and I think sometimes staff members have the attitude of "well if they wanted to come, they'd just come" but that's not necessarily true. Yes, everything is open invitation. But, it takes time to learn that and it's intimidating for some. These are great pointers. I find the "buddy system" works well. I have one resident in particular that enjoys going around to get people for programs. Thanks for sharing!