Pennie

State gets the paper (info) work from the residents charts & from you. The progress notes, MDS, Care Plans etc. are on the residents chart. You need to provide them with the following; A binder that has past 3 months of particpation records (current month you have in seperate binder but don't give this to them unless they ask for it) Same thing as above but for the One-on-one's & the Resident council mins. (be sure that the resident council mins do not have the residents name in there!) You should take the binders & put them in the room that they will be working in as soon as they enter the building. If they need anything else they will find you and ask for it.

You need to go to two web-sites: http://www.activitydirector.org look at the MEPAP courses you can also call us & we will be more than happy to talk with you 1-888-238-0444 the other site is most important one: http://www.NCCAP.org look at Activity Director Certified & then levels of certifcation

Implement and value a safety committee An important protocol for administrators to target is establishing a safety committee. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends such a committee and advises that it should meet at least monthly. Administrators should make sure that, in addition to themselves, nursing and infection control representatives are present, along with Human Resources (HR) personnel, the person delegated to conduct safety training in the facility, and maintenance or plant operations personnel. Your safety committee should create a written safety and health plan, which should incorporate: Safety and health inspections done by the internal staff and documented regularly Safety analyses provided at monthly meetings Exposure monitoring, which is very important, especially in terms of having updated material safety data sheets Recordkeeping completed by HR personnel, with accidents and illnesses related to work conditions communicated during each months safety meeting Physical plant specifications so maintenance personnel are mindful of potential issues and the need for timely corrections Emergency plans concerning policies and procedures that are delineated to cover specific contingencies that may arise and pose a threat to worker safety Employee training concerning what has been completed, what is needed, and whether documentation is appropriate to show this, as well as some level of competency skills that can be noted in the files Safety and health program reviews evaluating the in-house program for its adequacy and helping to effectively convey knowledge to workers This is an excerpt from HCPro’s book, The Long-Term Care Administrator’s Field Guide, by Brian Garavaglia, PhD.

Halloween Oct. 31, 2009 The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts, devils and hobgoblins. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, many of the young and young at heart take a more light-spirited approach. They don scary disguises or ones that may bring on smiles when they go door to door for treats, or attend or host a Halloween party. Trick or Treat! 36 million The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2008 — children 5 to 13 — across the United States. This number is up about 65,000 from a year earlier. Of course, many other children — older than 13, and younger than 5 — also go trick-or-treating. Source: Population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ion/013733.html> 111.4 million Number of occupied housing units across the nation in 2008 — all potential stops for trick-or-treaters. Source: Housing Vacancies and Homeownership <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/historic/> 93% Percentage of households with residents who consider their neighborhood safe. In addition, 78 percent said there was no place within a mile of their homes where they would be afraid to walk alone at night. Source: Extended Measures of Well-Being: Living Conditions in the United States, 2003 <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...lds/009884.html> Jack-o'-Lanterns and Pumpkin Pies 1.1 billion pounds Total production of pumpkins by major pumpkin-producing states in 2008. Illinois led the country by producing 496 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in California, Pennsylvania and New York also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $141 million. Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov/index.asp> Where to Spend Halloween? Some places around the country that may put you in the Halloween mood are: Transylvania County, N.C. (30,187 residents). Source: 2008 population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ion/013426.html> Tombstone, Ariz. (population 1,566). Source: 2008 population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ion/013960.html> Pumpkin Center, N.C. (population 2,228); and Pumpkin Bend, Ark. (population 307). Source: Census 2000 <http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet> Cape Fear in New Hanover County, N.C. (15,711); and Cape Fear in Chatham County, N.C. (1,170). Source: Census 2000 <http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet> Skull Creek, Neb. (population 271). Source: 2008 population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ion/013960.html> Candy and Costumes 1,233 Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2007, employing 38,794 people and shipping $13.2 billion worth of goods. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 143, followed by Pennsylvania, with 115. Source: 2007 County Business Patterns <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...rns/014105.html> and 2007 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/econ/census07/> 466 Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionery products in 2007. These establishments employed 18,250 people and shipped $6.6 billion worth of goods that year. California led the nation in this category, with 70 establishments. Source: 2007 County Business Patterns <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...rns/014105.html> and 2007 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/econ/census07/> 23.8 pounds Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2008. Source: Current Industrial Reports, Confectionery: 2008 <http://www.census.gov/cir/www/311/ma311d.html> 2,011 Number of costume rental and formal wear establishments across the nation in 2007. Source: 2007 County Business Patterns <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...rns/014105.html>

Grandparents Day 2009: Sept. 13 Grandparents Day was the brainchild of Marian McQuade of Fayette County, W.Va., who hoped that such an observance might persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage of their grandparents. President Jimmy Carter signed the first presidential proclamation in 1978 — and one has been issued each year since — designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The first official observance was Sept. 9, 1979. In honor of our nation's grandparents, the Census Bureau presents an array of data about these unsung role models and caregivers. 6.2 million The number of grandparents whose grandchildren younger than 18 lived with them in 2007. Source: 2007 American Community Survey <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/users_guide/index.htm> Grandparents as Caregivers 2.5 million The number of grandparents responsible for most of the basic needs (i.e., food, shelter, clothing) of one or more of the grandchildren who lived with them in 2007. These grandparents represented about 40 percent of all grandparents whose grandchildren lived with them. Of these caregivers, 1.6 million were grandmothers, and 932,000 were grandfathers. 1.8 million The number of grandparent-caregivers who were married in 2007. 1.5 million The number of grandparents who were in the labor force and also responsible for most of the basic needs of their grandchildren. 930,000 Number of grandparents in 2007 responsible for caring for their grandchildren for at least the past five years. 482,000 Number of grandparents whose income was below the poverty level and who were caring for their grandchildren. 732,000 Number of grandparents with a disability who were caring for their grandchildren. 586,000 Number of grandparents who spoke a language other than English and who were responsible for caring for their grandchildren. $44,469 Median income for families with grandparent-caregiver householders. If a parent of the grandchildren was not present, the median dropped to $33,453. 71% Among grandparents who cared for their grandchildren in 2007, the percentage who lived in an owner-occupied home. Source for statements in this section: 2007 American Community Survey <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/users_guide/index.htm> Grandchildren 6.6 million The number of children living with a grandparent in 2008; these children comprised 9 percent of all children in the United States. The majority of these children, 4.4 million, lived in the grandparent's home. Source: Families and Living Arrangements: 2008 <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...lds/013378.html> 2.6 million The number of children who lived with both a grandmother and a grandfather in 2008. Source: Families and Living Arrangements: 2008 <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...lds/013378.html> 30% Among children younger than 5 whose mothers worked outside the home, the percentage cared for on a regular basis by a grandparent during their mother's working hours in 2005. Grandparents and fathers were the two biggest sources of child care by relatives when mothers went to work. Source: Who's Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Spring 2005 <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ren/011574.html> For some more fun facts about other holidays go to the link below & then go to home page & in the middle of that page you will see a link to more fun facts: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/re...ons/013971.html

You should also pay attention to the fact that the charts are medical records and the Person that will take responsibility for errors that may have caused injury or records that may have been erased and edited illegally will be the Activity Director Certified or TR Certified that signs off on each entry.. If your facility accepts Medicaid or Medicare than your charts are federal records and if a problem arises that threatens the corporation, they may hold the Certifier partially responsible. I would make sure if your assistants and staff are help with the documentation, that you have each enter the changes on a in-dept. form which should be examined by the AD /certified , not qualified, but Certified and then entered into the records by the responsible party. You can look thru the regs in the http://www.activitydirector.net Downloads Area and also search the State Government Site and CMS (Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services) websites for any further clarification.. hope this helps.. Pennie

Hi.. the MEPAP is the "Modular Education Program for Activity Professions" developed by nccap and naap to train Activity Directors. The regulations come from 2 sources, your state regs and the fed regs. The federal regulations that the State Surveyors will be looking for when they visit, are listed in the Surveyors Guideance Manual from CMS (download a copy from www.activitydirector.net look in the downloads area.) you can contact the Ohio Healthcare Assoc and ask specific State related regs that will apply in your state along with the federal regs. This is the link to the Activity Links Page.. they have about 70 associations listed.. http://www.activitydirector.net/links/p16_.../7/p16_start/40 I am not aware of any regulation that excludes "small" eldercare facilities. If you are in a facility that accepts Medicare or Medicaid, then you will be bound by Federal Regs from CMS and being in Ohio you are bound by their regs in addition. NCCAP.org is the most widely accepted Certification for Activity Directors in the country and they require that you complete both the MEPAP 1 & 2 to become NCCAP Certified. There may be a State reg that will list different options for course requirements in Ohio eldercare .. the MEPAP is a 180hr course. hope this helps.. Pennie

Hi.. there is a participation form for download at www.activitydirector.net ... on the homepage is a "Downloads" .. Activity forms , Pennie

Hi I have sent an email to Jersey & ask her to send me the info & if she does I will place it here for everyone OK Thanks Pennie

What Makes a Day Meaningful? A meaningful day is a day filled with activities that create a sense of belonging and well-being, are easy to do, and fulfill a purpose. No one likes to be given useless tasks. Remember that your family member held important roles in his/her day, both personal or professional. Try to incorporate some of his/her past roles in everyday situations. Here are some strategies to create a meaningful day for you and your family member. Enjoy reminiscing with your family member. Short-term memory may be damaged, but long-term memory often remains. When reminiscing it is helpful to talk about subjects (such as winter snowstorms or making holiday dinners) rather than a specific memory or event or name from the past. Recognize the special abilities that remain and enjoy them together. Most people, with or without Alzheimer's disease, generally enjoy a good meal, animals, babies, or favorite music. People with Alzheimer's disease still enjoy (and need) hugs and other forms of affection. Sit close and look at pictures together. Enjoy a hand massage. Look for activities that will be interesting to the person. In seeking activities the individual would enjoy, it helps to think about past work experiences and past and present interests. Do activities that are failure-free. A SIMPLE craft project with a pre-set outcome or appearance may be too difficult, whereas arranging silk flowers in a vase is a failure-free task. Sanding wood blocks is usually failure-free. Setting the table is as well. Reduce distractions so the person can focus on the task, eliminating things such as background noise from the television. Keep exercise and physical activity part of everyday as it helps keep sleep and nighttime habits normal. Familiar activities such as setting the table and folding laundry should be part of the daily routine that the person with Alzheimer's disease helps do. The tasks are meaningful, familiar activities which help him/her retain skills as long as possible. If music, exercise, or spiritual activities were part of your family member's routine each week, those type of activities should occur frequently during the week as well. source: http://behomelivelife.wordpress.com/

This is a virtual tour that anyone working with elders who have dememntia/Alzheimers should watch. What a great in-service this would be for staff & even family members!! Check it out & let hear your feed back. http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/Alzheimers...1176&page=1 It is so sad to watch but was very in sightful. Especially about the noise, I didn't know that some residents hear that 24/7!!

Hey All I got this in my email. Does anyone know what it means? Please explain to us if you do know. Has anyone gotten state surveyors in building trigging these Tags & if so which tags is it? Tip of the week: Getting to know Stage II of the QIS During Stage II, state surveyors use the Critical Element Pathways for each triggered care area, triggered by exceeding the threshold, to guide them systematically through a more in-depth review. This, in turn, will determine the associated F-tags for noncompliance. The Critical Element Pathway worksheets and the Unnecessary Drug worksheets indicate which F-tags may be cited for noncompliance. They include the following: CMS-20065 Activities CMS-20066 ADL/ROM CMS-20067 Behavioral/Emotional Problems CMS-20068 Bowel/Bladder/Catheter CMS-20069 Communication/Sensory Problem CMS-20070 Dental CMS-20071 Dialysis CMS-20072 General CMS-20073 Hospice & Palliative Care CMS-20074 Hospitalization or Death CMS-20075 Nutrition/Hydration/Tube Feeding CMS-20076 Pain Management CMS-20077 Physical Restraints CMS-20078 Pressure Ulcers CMS-20079 Psychoactive Medication CMS-20080 Rehabilitation and Community Discharge CMS-20081 Ventilator CMS-20082 Unnecessary Drugs

Attention AD's in Houston, TX & surrounding areas On October 1, 2009, TexanPlus HMO will host the first annual citywide TexanPlus Wii™ Bowling Championship at Reliant Center. TexanPlus invites all seniors and other people with Medicare to polish their bowling shoes, warm up their swinging arms and get ready to have some fun! In addition to the bowling competition, the daylong tournament will feature a health fair, free health screenings, lectures from doctors, free flu shots for seniors and other people with Medicare, exercise demonstrations, a complimentary lunch and prize drawings. We invite you put a team together to play in the tournament and bring seniors to the event for a day of health, fitness and fun! Participating community centers will have transportation provided by TexanPlus to and from the event . We are hoping you will assist us in promoting the event at your facility and encourage participation. Download this pdf flyer for more details See the attached file at the bottom of this post. Contact: Maria Hale 5450 Northwest Central Drive Suite 117 Houston, TX 77092 Phone: 713-744-8672 Fax: 713-744-8673 Email: mhale@universalamerican.com SeniorCenterOutreachLetter_Houstonv2_1__1_.pdf

1- What are the top things you think people should look for in a nursing home? When enter home the smell & what are residents doing? 2- What advice would you give families when they place their loved ones? Are you welcome to visit anytime? How do staff & residents interact together? 3- What do you think should be THE top factor in choosing a facility? I of course want to know that my loved one will have some great activities. Nursing is important but so is activities. 4- Anything else that you wish first timers knew before placing someone? It is hard to place a family member in a home that has a mixed population. A resident alert & orientated should not be living with residents who have late stage Alzheimers. It id hard for all involved. There are many other things to look for but hopefully these few things will help out. Let us know how the survey goes, please

This was emailed to me from ALFA: Another reason for activities directors to engage residents in social activities – a recent study finds that outgoing people are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia … The latest issue of Prevention magazine reports on this recent study of more than 500 men and women age 78 and older from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. “Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed. Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol – studies show that oversecretion of this ‘stress hormone’ can inhibit brain cells’ communication.”

If you live in Houston, TX (Precinct's 4) From: Donna Martin Our September Networking Meeting will be sponsored by Precinct 4's Transportation Department - Wednesday, September 9th from 11:00 - 1:00. The meeting will be at the Mangum-Howell Center at 2500 Frick Rd. Houston You can google for directions or call the community center. This is a VERY IMPORTANT meeting if you use the Precinct 4 County Bus Program for outings. If you are in Precinct 4 and you are not already using their senior adult transportation program you should attend this meeting and learn all about their senior adult transportation program and their policy and procedures and an emergency evacuation! The training at this meeting includes: a review of policies and procedures proper loading/unloading procedures and an emergency evacuation exercise. (You may have already received a Precinct 4 flyer with the information about the meeting.) Please pass this information on to others, in Precinct 4, that may be interested. This will be a brown bag event but Precinct 4 will provide drinks and dessert. RSVP is required to Precinct 4 Call 281-893-3726 ext. 39 to RSVP or receive additional information Even if you have been taking County Bus Trips for years, PLEASE arrange your schedule to be able to attend this very important meeting. tHE INFORMATION YOU LEARN DURING THE EMERGENCY EVACUATION EXERCISE COULD SAVE LIVES!

Hi.. There is a Activity Participation Form available in our free downloads area http://www.activitydirector.net then click on downloads -- or -- the direct link is: ------------------- http://www.activitydirector.net/Activity_D...p13_sectionid/2

The Activity Directors September News is now Live ... we have some very exciting specials this month on NCCAP pre-approved CEU Workshops! to view the September News .. visit http://www.activitydirectorsnetwork.com/ph...c.php?k=1.17.15 Alzheimer's Awareness 8 CEUs ON SALE $59.95 Did you know that 50% of all residents in nursing homes suffer from Alzheimer's Disease? Experts expect 1 in every 10 person over the age of 65 to have Alzheimer's by the year 2010. Is your activity calendar adequate enough to serve the needs of these people? The intentions of this course is to help the Activity Director and Therapeutic Recreationalist: ~Objectives of this course include: ~Understand the facts about Alzheimer's disease ~Understand different types of agitation behaviors and how to handle them ~Learn to use activities as a way of combating some of these agitation behaviors ~Offer many examples of ideal activities There are tons of activity ideas for you to click and print. Take the knowledge and examples from this course and create a customized schedule for each and every one of your residents! Understanding the Basics of Dementia 8 CEUs ON SALE $59.95 This course will give you an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, by understanding the disease. This information will increase your ability to provide therapeutic programs. Program Content: Alzheimer Statistics Difference between normal aging and cognitive impairment Reversible and irreversible dementia Characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease Diagnosis dementia Treatments of Alzheimer’s disease Objectives: To understand the impact the dementia on your current population. To differentiate between normal aging and abnormal cognitive impairments. To learn the difference between reversible and nonreversible dementia. To be able identify 3 characteristics of Alzheimer’s. To be able to list 5 ways to diagnosis dementia. To identify at least 3 treatment plans for Alzheimer’s. Visit http://www.activitydirector.org our Online Classroom

I started high lighting a calendar back in the early 80's, I don't know if others were doing it before me or not as computers were not well used, maybe not around then, at leats I didn't own one or know anyone who did. I started this as I had no one to teach me how to do this & was new to being an activity director without any staff. The facility I worked at was 150 bed, which is hugh for someone on their own, new & had to self-train. It is extra work but I have tried lots of other ways to do this over the years, I think this system is the best. I like it because if there is a change in a resident attendance or ways I see it at a glance. This is especially true when you are workign with a lot of residents & few staff members in your departemnt. I also like it when it comes time for Care Plans (writing the assessments) again I could look at 3 months in a matter of mins. & know what was happening. Lastly this system has save me when families come to me & say "Mom/Dad says they are never out of their room & no one informs them of activities" etc. (They are usually the most activie resident ). I have even had state commment on how much they like this system. So that is just my though on the subject. But truly there are so many ways to chart residents attendance, find one that works for you & go for it. If you find a good one please share it. Good luck.

maybe you could do arm chair travel -- do one for each cultural -- look into everyone cultural & maybe do weekly thems based on residents that come there. This would be a great learning activity for everyone & the ones geeting the attention that week could share info with everyone. Anyway just a quick thought.

Hey Houston.. dont miss out on this opportunity to discover a great resturant but also a great resident outing resource. ADNetwork 1.8882380444

As a vertran in activities this is a common problem at most all facilities -- I have done the prizes for aid that brings most res. to activities in a certain period of time, I have always shared left over food, I have hoseted parties especially for them, I have praised them, I have announced over the PA specail recognization for aides, done pat on the back boards, done inservices & spoken to admin, don & adon etc.. It works for a while & it seems like it is always the same aides who bring residents to activities & picks them up (they even do this w/o a reward) They really care about their residents & want them to be active. But when state walks in the door every aid brings every resident to all activies (surprise). I finally came to understand that I can't do it all by myself, I try to get as many of the resdients as possible to activites but if I unable to get them all (& I can't) then I write on the participation sheets & in progress notes on the resdients chart: Res ws not out of bed, not assisted to the activity or whatever the reason is. When state comes into the faciltiy they know that I tried but that nursing didn't help. It is now written in the FTAG's that all departments are responsible to help residents with activities. So be sure taht you cover you department. It is funnly but after state visited & nursing got written up fpr this it became less of a problem. The don seemed to care if the aides brought them to a activity. Now the rewards/ recognization are what they are suppose to be rewards not bribes. Really sad too because the preson(s) caught in the middle are our resdients.

Kayla Be sure that you (& all the other departments) document document document -- this will cover you with State -- By showing that you have done everything to try & meet their needs & how they responded (very important)

This came to me via email -- I thought some of you might get a chuckle from it & maybe even a select few of your residents might. Grandma is eighty-eight years old and still drives her own car. She writes: Dear Grand-daughter, The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a 'Honk if you love Jesus' bumper sticker . I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting. So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper. Boy, am I glad I did; what an uplifting experience that followed. I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and=2 0how good he is, and I didn't notice that the light had changed. It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn't honked, I'd never have noticed. I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy, and then he leaned out of his window and screamed, 'For the love of God!' 'Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO!' What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus! Everyone started honking! I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love! There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach. I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. I asked my teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant. He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something. Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii , so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back. My grandson burst out laughing. Why even he20was enjoying this religious experience!! A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had changed. So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on through the intersection. I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave them after all the love we had shared. So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!! Will write again soon, Love, Grandma

Senior.pdfHouston AD's You'll love this! Perry Corbo, at iT'Z Houston, is having an Appreciation Fun Night at iT'Z for Activity Professionals and 55+ Group Event Planners. He has invited us to enjoy a FREE fun night at iT'Z, including a free buffet, drink and one hour of unlimited playtime. We always plan fun events for others and now we have an opportunity to get together and have fun for ourselves. iT'Z has a lot to offer our residents/patients and Perry will be able to share his senior programs at the Appreciation Fun Night. download the attached Flyer for details and directions www.itzusa.com/houston Senior_AD___pdf_2__1_.pdf