ACTNUTS

Hi-I've been an Activity Director for a year now, and I have a form that I LOVE--the former AD showed it to me, and it's wonderful because you don't have to change it every month!! First, I'll mention that I put a copy of each care plan next to each residents chart--for my assistants so we're all on the same page for goals. This I update quarterly, when reviews are due. (Don't let volunteers see the care plans--confidential. They need to make a list of attendees and give it to you--this is the only downside.) Then, I have an Activity Code list, that is in the front of the binder. B=bingo, CR=Crafts, V=Visitor, etc. (I also keep a copy on the bulletin board in front of us when we're charting.) Then for participation I have P=Passive O=observe, A=Active. Okay, back to the form! It's a grid--Across the top are the 31 days of the month-- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10... Down are each month-- January February March... Now, give about 1/4 to 1/2 inch between months, so you have room to chart, draw the boxes, of course, and chart your activities with the initials for the activities. I'm not afraid to write in little notes once in a while, or use a full word if you're trying a new activity. NOW, the best part is that you see their progression through the year. They may have started out doing 5-7 activities per week. At the end of the year, they may be at 3-5 and require more assistance. This aids with programming--what level they are at. You are required to keep the previous year's charting for a year--we just put it in a folder in a locked or secret area. Good luck! :-D