ympmickey

Cut backs are a horrible thing!!!!!!!! Is there any way you can empower any of your residents to lead an activity, or to do a job? I am also im Ohio and have a 100 bed facility, and use to have 3full time and myself. I now have a 25 bed Alzheimer Unit plus the 100 and have 1 full time for each side. I have empowered some residents to pass out mail, newspapers and even when some of them get together to play cards i put it on the calendar as card club. i have also cut back on the #of evening activities we used to have 4 with 2activities each eveing. We now have 3 and 1 activity each eveing so that both sides can have a program. All i have to say is wait until the people who are making the cuts become elderly, or frail and need the assistance in an LTC facility--what goes around comes around. It's called KARMA!!!

We have a Snozeleen room. We made the room for under $200. There are simple inexpensive ways to do this. We painted the walls a pale lavendar and put stars on the celiling. We put in a dimmer switch, with an aromatherapy difusser/sound thing. We also bought the lighted objects at Wal-Mart you remeber the items from the 70's the one's with all the lights, and bubbles? We also put in a rocking chair. It is used with residents a staff member also goes in the room with them and will do a hand massage with lavendar lotion. We use lemon-balm oil in the diffuser. The room is effective, although it works best when a resident is begnng to become anxious, not when they are very anxious. If you put some creativity, and thought into it, it can be done. Good Luck-- if I can help any feel free to email me. Ympmickey@aol.com

Hello everyone, My name is Yvonne. I am a AD in ohio. I have been in the feild for about 7 years, started as a nursing asst., then a act. asst. Then a director. I work at a long term/rehab center. We just opend a all female Alzh. Unit. I love my job, granted there are days when you wonder why. Then you see someone smile, and it all goes away. I am very excited about this website and all it has to offer, I look forward to sharing ideas, thoughts, and comments. :-)