Pennie

Hey Holly Welcome to the messageboard. & network. I hope that you are enjoying the MEPAP courses & learning some useful things for your career . You will be so proud of yourself when you have finished. AD's are a very special breed of people with hearts the size of Texas.

Hi This makes your heart break. We forget how lucky we all are. I agree with the other reply that you should for sure play music for him. Ask what his other interest are & maybe make a mobil to hang above him when he is bed I.E. if he likes fishing use related items to make the mobil. Could he understand a book? If so read to him or get books on tape. I would decorate his room in lots of color to stimulate his mind & be sure to change it pretty often. Take him outside in a geri chair for walks. If he can have it give him ice cream, I had a yound man with head traum, he loved ice cream, music, Stephen King, going outside & cars. You don't say if he can talk or how orientated he is. If he can talk then playing games is always a good thing. There are games that you can place things on forehead & control using your eyes. You will have to do some searching on this. Also set up a "Big Brothers Club" ask some of the men from your facility to go by his room on set days & visit with him or play a game whatever his mental ability will allow. Good luck Keep us updated OK.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CERTIFIED DEMENTIA PRACTITIONERS®, LLC www.nccdp.org nationalccdp@aol.com February 2011 Dorland Health Care Coordination Summit March 8, 2011 | Las Vegas, NV Save $100 – Register by Feb. 15 As you know from your day-to-day work in patient care, change is the theme of the day in healthcare right now. From new reimbursement strategies to delivery system initiatives that are focusing on quality, we are seeing changing roles, new protocols in care management, and shifts in responsibilities. Today's emerging trends present a unique opportunity for you to improve outcomes, reduce costs, improve patient care, smooth transitions, and boost your organization's bottom line. Dorland Health is please to invite you and your team to the Care Coordination Summit where you can hear from leaders in healthcare who are implementing and testing new protocols in care management. At the Summit, you will learn: Strategies to capitalize on advancements in health IT and streamline care coordination and communication. Emerging models and information that assists members of the care coordination team to improve quality while containing healthcare costs. Models of care that are truly revolutionizing the care management arena. Industry-leading techniques to optimize transitions of care. New models of care based on prevention-based practice in order to lower healthcare costs. Best practices in varying models of care coordination and know how to implement them to improve outcomes. Our morning keynote Presentation by Dr. Jerry Reeves, director of the Center for Health Value Innovation, explores the avant-garde interventions that are driving effectiveness, and our luncheon keynote by Dr. Eric Rackow, president of SeniorBridge, focuses a compelling presentation on the evolution in senior healthcare. Questions: contact Hope Kabik at hkabik@accessintel.com. About Dorland Health: Dorland Health, an Access Intelligence, LLC Company, is a leading integrated media publisher in the health care business information industry. Dorland Health publishes Case In Point, Case In Point Weekly, Senior Services Report, Patient Advocate Report, a suite of industry-specific resource directories, industry webinars, award programs, special reports, and offers continuing education. publishes Case In Point, Case In Point Weekly, Senior Services Report, Patient Advocate Report, a suite of industry-specific resource directories, industry webinars, award programs, special reports, and offers continuing education. Case Management Resource Guide Healthcare professionals often state that the Case Management Resource Guide provides an easy to use source for locating providers locally, regionally and nationally — even with their own list of contracted providers and vendors. So that you have the most up to date edition of the case manager’s true reference, I wanted to let you know that the 2011 version is now available. It has been updated to reflect the most current information and the newest resources available to you and your patients. Several new categories and 20,000 new listings were added to this most recent edition of the Guide. To order please go to http://store.dorlandhealth.com/Case-Management-Resource-Guide/ Be sure if you are a member of NCCDP to get your NCCDP discount when ordering you Case Management Resource Guide by going to NCCDP.org. If you would like to view this newsletter goto http://www.nccdp.org/nccdpnewsletter29.htm

Hi LisaRee Here is a website where you can type in the english word & the site will translate it to spanish (in fact it does this with a variety of languages) & it is free. http://www.microsoft...=en-US&to=es-ES You will have to make the cards yourself but maybe that would be better as they would fit the needs of the resident & staff. Also you can do a search on google for translate english to spanish several sitse come up Thank you Happy Activity Professional Week

NCCDP Alzheimer's Dementia Staff Education Week February 14th to 21st Begin Downloading Free In-Services For the third year, the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners is offering The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14th to the 21st Tool Kit. The Tool Kit is free and available at http://www.nccdp.org. The tool kit includes many free Power Point in-services for download beginning November 15th to March 1st 2011. Each in-service is designed to be taught in 30 minutes to health care professionals and front line staff.

New Activity Director CE Workshop "Therapeutically Enhanced Group Activities" - 8 CE NCCAP NCCDP & CTRAC pre-approved Activity Directors Network welcomes a New CE Author Dr. Alison Ward to our Online Classroom. Dr. Alison is a licensed clinical psychologist in Arizona. Dr. Ward's professional Workshops provide a very in depth understanding of person-centered psychology and a Clinical perspective into Activities and Therapeutic Programs Visit the Online Classroom at www.activitydirector.org for a listing of CE Workshops available. Nov 02, 2010 MEPAP 1 & 2 now in enrolling for December 7th class. Our Online Activity Director training meets the Federal 249 Regulations for State Qualified Activity Directors conducting actitity and therapeutic programs with the elderly 55+ and older. Instructor : Kathleen Hughes 1.888.238.0444 Cheryl

You might try having a eveniing bingo game. Also have a dominoe contest (you can even bring in other facilties to spice things up) Offer the faciltiy to outside groups that your res can join or sit in like Red Hat Society, Red flannel club, reading clubs, Girl or Boy Scouts. Bring in guest speakers that residents & family members would enjoy hearing. Gospel music &/or bible study. Don't forget to ask your family memebrs about their special interest & if they would be willing to volunteer for you. Sounds like you have a good program in place just add a little variety. Pennie

Yea!!! Way to go!!! What did they look for as far as activities go? Share with us the details please! Also what state are you in? Go celebrate

hey cindy.. look at these twiddles in the AD Store. I think they are what you are looking for.. http://activitydirector.net/shop/index.php?searchStr=twiddl&act=viewCat

New Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital located in Cullman Alabama is looking for a Certified Activity Director for a full time position at our new hospital. It has 20 beds and primary work will be with geriatric patients. Resume may be faxed to 256-255-0820. Thank you,Charlotte Ivey, Administrator civey(at)usahealthcare.net

Activity Directors Network... http://www.ActivityDirector.org Online Classroom for Activity Directors in Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Adult Daycare, Home Health, Residential Care Our MEPAP Classes provide the training required by NCCAP to be eligible for National Certification. Classes Start Tuesday September 7th ADNetwork Online Classroom - http://www.activitydirector.org/ Each course is 16 weeks long, cost is $600 per student, 90hrs of written assignment and 90hrs of Practicum. Classroom and resources are available 24/7. Each student will be required to complete the weekly assignments, both Written and Practicum (fieldwork) .The Online Classroom Chatroom and Message Boards allow you to collaborate with fellow Students and Instructors about every lesson - a perfect fit for those who enjoy the colaboration Online Classrooms provide. Instructor : Kathleen Hughes, ADC .. Over 30yrs experience in the Activity Field, past President and current Vice President of the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals . kathyhughes(at)activitydirector.com .. ------------------------------------- Starting 2011 the NCCAP will require an additional National Test to assure that each Certification Applicant has learned and retained vital skills from their training class. Enrollments : 1. To reserve a place in this months course, please Download the enrollment pack below, fill-out the first 4 pages and fax to the number provided. (866-405-5724) 2. A representative will call with an initial interview explaining our policies, procedures and payment plans. note: Online Courses are not for everyone, this initial interview will discuss Computer requirements, Skill Levels needed to complete the course online, and determine to best course path for each individual. ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ Download the MEPAP 1 Enrollment Pack http://activitydirec...PEnrollPack.pdf Download the MEPAP 2 Enrollment Pack http://activitydirec...ollmentPack.pdf ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ ADN Online Classroom - http://www.activitydirector.org/ -- MEPAP I and MEPAP II On-Line Activity Director Training Courses. The NCCAP approved Activity Director Certification Classes meet the Federal Regulation F249 call Cheryl 1.888.238.0444 for more info ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ -------------------------------------

Hi Everyone I read somewhere that we no longer will have RAP's but they are now using CAAs -- Is this correct? Just trying to get my wording correct on this. I assume it is still they sam ething thoghu, right? Let me know please.

A activity you can have some fun with plus get residents to using their minds is to have a Rubiks Cube contest, do as a 1:1 or just a plain group activity: There are several ways to use the cube I found a link that has the solutions so you can print it out & have it handie when you need it. http://www.youcandothecube.com/downloads/Solution_Guide.pdf At the end of the guide you will see how your team can earn points, print certificates etc. Share with us any activites you will be doing using the cube

Hi.. on the Southern Cal AD Site www.scaap.net they had a link to a Northern AD Group at this address ... http://nccac.freeservers.com/ Hope this helps also visit www.activitydirector.net and look at the Weblinks for a list of AD Groups and Organizations thanks, Pennie

Age well ~ live well If you live in Texas you may have heard of Texercise. Here is some info on it. If you don't live in Texas maybe you can get it started wher you live by asking for more info from Silver Lining or Texercise program. Need to get volunteers into the facility? Read the article below: From Senior News (newspaper) Silver Lining, a volunteer outreach program of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), provides companionship & meaningful connections for people living in long-term care settings (LTC). The programs core message is to improve quality of life by improving social connections. Silver Lining works with volunteers by assisting with locating a facility partner, providing program resources & providing recognition incentives to enhance the volunteer project. A great way to get involved is to host a 12 week Texercise program for residents, as one of Silver Lining planned activities at a facility Texercise is a statewide health promotions program that supports people & communities in making healthy lifestyle choices. Silver Lining & Texercise work hand & hand to support volunteers & the residents they serve. Silver Lining volunteers can start a Texercise 12-Week "Fit for the Health of It! Challenge" with residents to encourage wellness through increased physical activity. Program resources include a free exercise DVD, pedometers, calorie converters, resitance bands, pledge sheets, & a Texercise 12-week program daily fitness log (incentives are provided to participants 45 & older & vary depending on availability). Program volunteers implement the 12-week Texercise "Fit for the Health of It! Challenge" to help residents be more physical activity. It is important to note that the facility (volunteer location) is ultimately responsible for the activities conducted on its premises & for the health & safety of its residents. All activity details must be approved by & coordinated with the facility. For more info, call 1-800-889-8595 or visit www.volunteer-atdads.org (links are provided for both Silver Lining & Texercise program).

Check out this utube -- was sent to me via email from several folks Thank you all --- please enjoy it & pass it on http://www.youtube.com/assistedlivingfed may need to copy it & paste it into your browser Thanks pennie

Celebrate 2010 National Adult Day Services Week "Adult Day Services: A Smart Choice" National Adult Day Services Week is September 19-25, 2010. This special week has been celebrated annually since it was proclaimed on September 27, 1983, by former President Ronald Reagan. The third complete week of September is set aside to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs nationwide. Click here to visit the website:

Who is Kathleen Hughes? Member of the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, the most widely recognized Certification Program for Activity Directors in the US. (NCCAP.org) She is one of the original authors of the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP), the most widely recognized Activity Director Training Program in the US... Kathy is the newest member of the Activity Directors Network staff, Our new lead instructor for our Online MEPAP Activity Training Classes. Send Kathy an email welcome.. kathyhughes@activitydirector.com ... a caring professional if you are an Activity Professionals In ElderCare, Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Home Healthcare, Adult Daycare, Residential Care and Senior Community Living, these training classes are for you These courses. Meet the State and Federal regulations for Activity Professionals conducting activity programs with the elderly 55+ and older. New MEPAP Classes begin the 1st Tuesday of every month. Call Cheryl at 1.888.238.0444 to enroll in our next class. www.ActivityDirector.org

Hi Paula Yes the process of the info. can be a bit over-whelming. To start off with you will need to either be working at a faciltiy or volunteer at one once you have started the course. As there is fieldwork required & this needs to be done at a facility under a department head. If you email or call Cheryl she will be glad to help you out with any questions you may have. Her email is cabacon@activitydirector.com & the phone numner is 1-888-238-0444. Thanks Pennie

Texas Long Term Care Institute to host conference Nov 4-5, 2010 in Austin , Texas "Engaging Aging: Innovative Strategies for Health and Wholeness" Dr. Tieraona Low Dog to speak on "Integrative Medicine" and "Optimal Aging" Naomi Feil to offer one day workshop "Validation: Communicating with persons with Alzheimer's-type dementia. Up to 9 contact hours pre approved by NCCAP, # NCCAP30210-11. Details at http://ltc-institute.health.txstate.edu/

Activity Directors!! We have just added 2 NEW ONLINE CEU WORKSHOPS! *Activities for Limited English Speaking Residents- 8 CEUs $59.95 Activity Directors must be more creative when dealing with residents who have difficulty with the English language. It is common for people who have lived in America for many years and speak English fluently to lose the language as they show signs of dementia. Also, there is a growing population of individuals who have never learned the language or have moved to America recently and find themselves surrounded by strangers with whom they cannot communicate with. It is the Activity Director's job to seek out and discover activities to enrich the lives of those they serve; no matter the language barrier. This course will teach you to find your inner-creativity and offer activities that do not require English to be successful. Every resident, English speaking or not, will benefit from this course material. Workshop Objectives: - Understand barriers that residents and staff face when there is a communication problem. - Be able to analyze which sources the Activity director has and which are needed. - Find Activities and programs that benefit and enrich the lives of residents. - Learn what steps to take in order to utilize the community resources. - Have a clear understanding of the Activity Director's role when dealing with non-English speaking residents. AND *Motivate Yourself- 4 CEUs $24.95 Self-motivation is the force that keeps pushing us to go on - it's our internal drive to achieve, produce, develop, and keep moving forward. This workshop with help you work on how to become better motivated. Workshop Objectives: - Understand the importance of self motivation. - Understand different techniques of motivation. - Understanding ways to avoid burn out in your job. Certificates of Completion available within 1 HOUR of completion! No driving, no inconveinence, no wait time, no problem! Visit www.activitydirector.org and check it out: Visit our Online Classroom at ActivityDirector.org for more info.. see you there! 1.888.238.0444

Hi.. Activties is a great field to work in.. the rewards are unmeasurable.. the pay varies from Facility to Facility.. your question about Recreation Therapist Jobs.. this is one of the titles associated with the field of Activity Recreation Therapist, Activity Director, TR, Activity Coordinator ... The two major classifications are Activity Director and TR .. Activity Director usually refers to programs related to providing activity and recreation for the elderly 55+ and older, whereas a TR is a more specialized training including recreation therapy for hospitals and various other institutions with a broad reach of residents and ages. Our board mainly caters to Activity Directors in Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Residential Care, Home Health, Adult Daycare providing recreation for senior adults. This is a great industry to get your foot in the door on weekends !! Volunteers are invalualuable to an AD working with senior adults. Visit your local Adult Daycare, Long Term Care, or Assisted living facilities and inquire with the Activity Director as to becoming involved in his or her program. To become Qualified and or Certified as an AD or Activity Director its recommended to participate in a Activity Director Training course, you had mentioned Rowlett and Laker, MEPAP Progam.. At-Home Course .. I have heard nothing but good things about this class and these instructors, very established organization. We also offer an Online MEPAP Class at http://www.activitydirector.org The Activity Directors Network, Online Classroom . The pay does vary as I mentioned above, as with any job, the pay is somewhere between what they offer and what you "ask" for. Its determined on your qualifications , your education, and your zend for life, your ability to think on your feet, your ability to care, love and inspire 101% ,, as with all things in life, the least you can expect to recieve is what you ask for! and AD's are priceless to their residents. hope this helps.. Pennie Link to the Federal Regulation (ftag249 f249) for Activity Directors as set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - CLICK HERE Link to Activity Director.org Online Classroom MEPAP 1 Information Packet - CLICK HERE

Activity Directors Network... http://www.ActivityDirector.org Online Classroom for Activity Directors in Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Adult Daycare, Home Health, Residential Care Our MEPAP Classes provide the training required by NCCAP to be eligible for National Certification. Classes Start Tuesday September 7th ADNetwork Online Classroom - http://www.activitydirector.org/ Each course is 16 weeks long, cost is $600 per student, 90hrs of written assignment and 90hrs of Practicum. Classroom and resources are available 24/7. Each student will be required to complete the weekly assignments, both Written and Practicum (fieldwork) .The Online Classroom Chatroom and Message Boards allow you to collaborate with fellow Students and Instructors about every lesson - a perfect fit for those who enjoy the colaboration Online Classrooms provide. Instructor : Kathleen Hughes, ADC .. Over 30yrs experience in the Activity Field, past President and current Vice President of the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals . kathyhughes(at)activitydirector.com .. ------------------------------------- Starting 2011 the NCCAP will require an additional National Test to assure that each Certification Applicant has learned and retained vital skills from their training class. Enrollments : 1. To reserve a place in this months course, please Download the enrollment pack below, fill-out the first 4 pages and fax to the number provided. (866-405-5724) 2. A representative will call with an initial interview explaining our policies, procedures and payment plans. note: Online Courses are not for everyone, this initial interview will discuss Computer requirements, Skill Levels needed to complete the course online, and determine to best course path for each individual. ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ Download the MEPAP 1 Enrollment Pack http://activitydirec...PEnrollPack.pdf Download the MEPAP 2 Enrollment Pack http://activitydirec...ollmentPack.pdf ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ ADN Online Classroom - http://www.activitydirector.org/ -- MEPAP I and MEPAP II On-Line Activity Director Training Courses. The NCCAP approved Activity Director Certification Classes meet the Federal Regulation F249 call Cheryl 1.888.238.0444 for more info ^~^~^~^~~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ -------------------------------------