Pennie

Hi Sherry, I am sure you can find some great people here to help you! Could you be a little more specific with your request. What problems do you need help with? Are your residents low function, high function, Alzheimers? How many residents? keep us posted... Pennie :-)

Mens Activities... this is an area that was hard for me... I figured out over the years that it wasnt the activity, men are simple... (Jeff Foxworthy said "men are simple, just give em a beer, and something naked. and they're happy") they dont want to play bingo they want to build a new bingo table, they want to be useful, to work, to be thanked and praised. They have lost they're position in the world, and just like youth, they want it back... badly.. if only for a second. I always approached my men residents as my doers, my work force, my "get er done" guys I didnt stop by their rooms to ask if they wanted to play bingo, I asked them to help find something for the next activity, or help prepare the room for a meeting ... guys like nothing better than to help a lady in distress... my male residents were eventully always out and about looking for ways to help. Bird houses to hang, ballon wreaths to make... once they were out and among one another the Domino Competions started the football parties, NASCAR, projects etc.. they wrote their own activity plans.... have fun :hammer:

This is a activity I got from Activity Director's Guide. It could also be used as a group act. Make 2 batches of Jell-O & place into ice cube trays. For more color, use 2 different kinds of Jell-O Then write a bunch of reminiscing questions on the paper. Try to make them relevant to the resident. Example: What was your favorite holiday as a child? What did you do to relax 30 years ago? How did your spouse propose to you? Who was your first boy/girlfriend? Once you have about 10 quetions made, cut tem apart. Place in the middle of a square piece of foil, and scrunch up into a ball. When the jell-o is finished, place the ssquare cubes into a large bowl & randomly place the foiled questions into the bowl as well. Have the resident fish out a question and answer it. Have wet & dry paper towels on hand for them to wipe off their hands as needed.

Tracy Dunne, PhD & researchers from Boston Univ. did a study on 9 men with advance Alzheimer's. They found that the participants that ate off of contrasting tableware ate 25% more than those who ate off of white and stainless steel settings. Not only did they eat more they drank 84% mor liquid! They explain the reason behind this is that poeople with Alzheimer's often have vision problems and this leads to eating difficulties & depression. 40% of severe Alzheimer's patients suffer from significant weight loss. The color of the tableware doesn't seem to effect how much is eaten or drunk. The theory is that brightly colored tableware helps them see a visual contrast & distinguish a diffenence from food & their plate. My grandmother had Alzheimer's we had a problem with her weight loss & getting her to eat. Then one day a Rest. Aide & friend ask me if I knew why she would not eat. I could guess but was surprise to learn her answer. It was like when she told me I was Duh, how dumb could I have been not to know this :roll: She told me that my grandmother no longer knew what silverware was. We always say sit down & eat use you fork etc.. She didn't get it. Once we introduced more finger foods into her daily diet we saw a difference. Share this info. with the Dietary Mgr. in your facility too. Or you could use these tech. not tell anyone & show them how you the Act. Dept. can get them to eat :-D Anyway just thought I'd share this w/ all of you. P

Hi All, If you have anything that others would like copies of or really neat forms. poems etc. How about putting them in the Downloads area. It will save you lots of email replys, mailing stuff out & what a great way to share stuff. Also would everyone take a min. to fill out the Poll question(s). It seems so far the problem areas we have others have too. Makes you feel better huh :-P Thanks P

Hi, If you are having trouble downloading Please Email me or use the contactus form. I will be glad to help! :-D Quick How-To:::: from the menu on the left, click downloads, the menu should take you to the downloads categories, where you will choose a category and then you should be presented a list of the downloads available.. click on the title next to the pic of the floppy disk to start the download, or right click and save as. if you get an error, write it down and send it to me along with your username and email address. you can contact me at pbacon@activitydirector.com, admin@activitydirector.net or PM pennie or msn messenger:: penadcom@hotmail.com thanks, Pennie

Hi Everyone, Did you know that in 1994 Congress declared Feb. National Bird-Feeding Month? I know that I have res. that love to watch the birds. I also have Res. Volunteers that make sure the birdbath is always full, puts seeds out & keep the humming bird bottle filled. A bird feeder placed outside of a bed-bound res. window is always appreciated. Maybe you have Res. who loves them too. If you check out National Bird-Feeding Society site you can learn about birds and more. Also on the site you can get free downloads like Printed Posters, Be for Birds Logo, Handouts, Make Easy Feeders & more. P Add your favorite WackyDays Links to the Wacky Days Database.... Search the Wacky Days for the Month, Febuary, find the National Bird Feeding Month Listing and :: Suggest a Link ::

Do you have a therapy dept? If so check with them. If not I would think that nursing would have form they use. If not get a form from nursing on say tolieting and use it as a guideline to make your own. Also check out some of the therapy websites, there alot of these & they have forms posted on them. If you find one or make one up this would be something nice to place in the download area to share with others. Thanks P

Hi I have always used the monthly act. calendar for my part. records. (For they last 100 years ha-ha) I make a copy of the calendar for each res. On the cal. I put a res. name & their CP Goal. Every act. that the res. attends is hi-lighted. The hi-light is a system that I use to track the res. attendance & part. or lack of. Before you make a copy of the calendar for each res. put your hi-light codes on it. Ex: Yellow- Active, Green - Passive, Blue - Sick, OOP, Not OOB etc. & Orange - Reused This means yellow res came & was active in group act. Green came but olny watched, Blue was gone to doctor, not out of bed etc. Orange (s/he might be CP'ed to attend certain act) res refused to come. This system is great because you can look at it in a glance & see if there is a change in the res. act. attendance. It also is very useful in doing your charting as well as using in defense when family or whoever says that they never get asked to act. It has saved our butts may times. I use Printmaster to do my newsletters & calendars. So I am able to take my monthly calendar make a place for res. name & goal. Add the hi-light code & print it. From this I xerox a calendar for every res. in the facility & place in a binder. Since my Ass't keep track of who attends what act. & are responsible for certain res on certain floors it was to hard to do using a computer. This system makes it easy for all involved. Check out the download area I think you will find a sample of this in there. P

It seems like there is always an area that we have trouble with (questions) and can't seem to get any answers to. 1. Ex: I remember that when I started out my area was Care Plans. I just could not understand them and was unable to get the answer that I understood. So is there a trouble area for you, that we all share and just don't realize it? 2. I did buy books on CP's but none of them seem to help me. I also bought books on In-room activities. I would love a book on Policy & Procedures. 3. My "Bible" is the MDS book, & I like the ones that help me with the required paperwork we have to do. This is just a sample of how to answer te poll questions.

I am so sorry. I have fixed it now so try it again Ok Thanks for telling me P

Hey DB did you read the other posting on P & P? I think there are some others posted on the site as well, look back through some of the older ones as well. You may want to look under the downlaod section to see if any are there too. I wonder if this topic would do good as a book that AD's could buy? Or woul P&P's have to be to specific for each facility or setting? P

Diana, CONGTS! to you on a job well done. The stress can become very high during this time and it is so easy for things to slip by. I am sorry for your loss. What can you tell us about the survey? Did they sit in on any 1:1's, group act, speak w/ the council? Did you notice them looking at anything new or different on this survey? Also what state are you in? You know we are a very curious bunch here ;-)

Hi, We have a place on the website that allows you to put up this type of info. It would be easier that trying to send out a copy to everyone. If you will email me I will have Chip email you back with the directions on how to do this or what ever will be the easiest for you. Write to me at pbacon@activitydirector.com As soon as this is done then we can let eveyone know and they can then go to download area and get it. Hope this makes it easier. P

Hi, Nice to have you join the site. I love the name that you have been given, it just brings a smile to me as well as to others I am sure. Hope to be sharing info. with you. :-D P

Hello Angi, lance041995 Welcome to the site. What type of setting do you work in? What do you do as a patient activity coord? I hope that we are able to learn from you as well as share tips & tricks of our professions. P

Hey Everyone, When you receive the election ballot from NCCAP asking for members to vote. We receive a list that has the candidate's names, title along with their information i.e., education, experience and mission statement. I was just curious how do you vote? Why? What makes you choose the two that you vote for? Also does anyone know why the NCCAP Board of Directors pick theses people for candidates, (what is the process used)? These are just questions that I have that me go Hmmm :roll: P

NAAP 2005 Annual Conference When: April 20-23, 2005 Where: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center (Just outside of Washington DC) Conference 2005, Alexandria, VA Tonia Hooker, Professional Development Trustee The hotel had over $13 million of completed renovations in 2003. From it's soaring glass tower with a sprawling base, to its pond with graceful swans fronts the lighted porte cochere, which gives way to a spacious flower - filled atrium with sloping glass walls, the atmosphere is relaxing and home like. The hotel has two restaurants and a sports bar with six pool tables and more than 100 beers from around the world. The health club has a fitness studio, whirlpool, sauna, all-weather pool, and racquetball and volleyball courts. Two tennis courts and walking and jogging trails await outdoors, also a video game room and table tennis are on hand for the less energetic. The guest rooms have pile carpeting, blackout drapes, two phones, a dining table, TV's coffe makers, irons and ironing boards, king or two queen beds and large baths. There are 496 guest rooms (400 are non-smoking) and 24 are wheelchair-accessible. Room service operates around the clock. The quest rooms for the conference will be $119.00 for single, double, tripple or quadruple occupancy. The hotel runs a shuttle to Reagan National Airport and the Metro several times a day. The theme of this year's conference is "Historic Past; Promissing Future". The LAC chaired by Robin Cooper is already busy planning the tours, theme night banquet,and other wonderful activities for the attendees. We certainly hope you will set aside the dates and be with us for our 23rd Annual Conference!

90 HOUR BASIC ACTIVITY COURSE "For ACTIVITY PROFESSIONALS" Who needs this: Retirement Center ACLF Acute Care Adult Day Care Nursing Homes Specialized Care When: January 15,16 February 26,27 March 19, 20 May 21,22 June 11,12 2005 * Sponsored by: Mary Anne Favale ACC 290 Capen Street Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 (386) 672-5392 (also fax) Call or fax for detailed info.

Did you know that you can get free posters, flyers to hang up in the facility for Nat'l Activity Professionals Week? (And other items) NAP Week Poster Check it out.

Hey Terrie, Here are the dates for most of the things we usually have to set-up for. Thanks Llucas for the website. Be sure to check it out for more celebrations that I may not have listed. Jan. 23rd-28th NATIONAL ACTIVITY PROFESSIONALS WEEK To recognize the contribution of activity professionals to the well being of long term care, adult day care, senior center and retirement living clients. National Association of Activity Professionals, Attn: Diane Mockbee, 2711 W. Plata Ave., Mesa, AZ. (480) 946-6571, ext.149 The NAAP. Feb 1st-7th NATIONAL PATIENT RECOGNITION WEEK This week includes National Patient Recognition Day on February 3. It is a special time each year for healthcare professionals and providers to come together, reflect and renew their stewardship and dedication to patients, their well being, and satisfaction. Refocus our commitment to patient care, our profession and our field by placing “careism” before capitalism. For more information or a free list of activities, contact: John O’Malley, President, Strategic Visions, Inc. 337 Turnberry Road, Birmingham, AL 35244. Phone: (205) 955-8495 or E-mail: jomalley@mindspring.com; Strategic Visions 7th-11th PRIDE IN FOOD SERVICE WEEK **Not to be confused with National Healthcare Food Service Week celebrated in October** An annual event honoring dietary managers and their employees to celebrate the important role they play in institutional food service. Dietary Managers Association, Attn: Dennis Leopold, 406 Surrey Woods Dr., St. Charles, IL 60174. (800) 323-1908 ext.126, or Fax: (630) 587-6335 Dietary Managers Asociation March 28th NATIONAL DOCTOR’S DAY Celebrated on this day since 1990. Southern Medical Association Auxiliary, , Attn: Lana Burwell, 35 Lakeshore Drive, P.O. Box 190088, Birmingham, AL 35209-0088. (800) 423-4992 or (205) 945-1840 ext.185 Doctor's Day 13th-19th LONG TERM CARE ADMINISTRATORS WEEK Sponsored by the American College of Health Care Administrators to recognize the contributions of administrators for high-quality, long-term care. ACHCA, 300 N Lee St., Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314-2807. (888) 88-ACHCA or (703) 739-7900 Administrators NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH National Association of Social Workers, Inc., 750 First St., NE, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241. (800) 638-8799 or (202) 408-8600 Social Workers Ogranization April 17th-23rd NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK The Points of Light Foundation sponsors National Volunteer Week. The Points of Light Foundation, 1400 I St., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 729-8168 Points Of Light 24th-30th ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY AND WEEK (Formerly Professional Secretaries Week®/Professional Secretaries Day) The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff with gifts of appreciation. Administrative Professionals Day is April 27. International Association of Administrative Professionals®, Attn: Rick Stroud, 10502 N.W. Ambassador Drive P.O. Box 20404, Kansas City, MO 64195-0404. (816) 891-6600 Administrative Profesionals NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH To recognize the services and accomplishments of occupational therapy practitioners and promote awareness of the benefits of occupational therapy. American Occupational Therapy Association, Communications Group, 4720 Montgomery Ln., Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. (301) 652-6611 OT Organzation May 6th-12th NATIONAL NURSES DAY AND WEEK National Nurses Day is celebrated May 6th. The American Nurses Association, 600 Maryland Ave. SW Suite 100 West, Washington, DC 20024. (202) 651-7018 or (800) 274-4ANA Nursing World 8th-14th NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK National Nursing Home Week begins annually with Mother’s Day. The theme for 2005 is “Taking Center Stage” National Nursing Home Week is a community outreach program designed to familiarize the public with long term care facilities and their services. Activities are conducted locally by individual long-term care facilities. For a free planning guide and product catalog, write: American Health Care Association, National Nursing Home Week, Attn: Alexis Starkey, 1201 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 898-6301 email: astarkey@ahca.org Taking Center Stage 8th-14th NATIONAL HOSPITAL AND HEALTHCARE WEEK Focuses public attention on the numerous contributions hospitals make to their communities and provides hospitals with the opportunity to recognize staff and volunteers. HealthShare, Texas Hospital Association, Attn: Vicki A. Pascasio, 6225 US Highway 290 East, Austin TX 78723. (512) 465-1070 Health Share OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Older Americans Month is observed throughout the United States by aging advocacy organizations, state and area agencies on aging, and providers. Administration on Aging, U.S. Health & Human Services, Attn: Moya Thompson, 200 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20201. (202) 401-4541 The Elders June 9th-16th NURSING ASSISTANTS’ DAY AND WEEK Observed annually the first Thursday in June and the seven days to recognize nursing assistants who have provided care to ill, elderly, and long term care patients. The organization will celebrate its 28th anniversay in 2005 with the theme ”The Expanding Roles for Nursing Assistants.” Career Nurse Assistants Day is June 9, 2005. National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, Career Nurse Assistants Programs Inc., Attn: Jeni Gipson, 3577 Easton Rd., Norton, OH 44203. (330) 825-9342 CNA Netwoking July 25th NATIONAL PARENT’S DAY Parents’ Day is established for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children." National Parent’s Day Council, Attn: Howard Self, 3600 New York Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002. (202) 636-2854 Parent's 2nd - 9th NATIONAL NURSES IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS This week promotes the practice of staff development to enhance high-quality healthcare outcomes. The theme for 2005 is “Igniting the Passion Within.” National Nursing Staff Development Organization, 7794 Grow Dr., Pensacola, FL 32514. (850) 474-0995 Staff Coordinators Day 10th-16th NATIONAL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION WEEK The purpose of National Therapeutic Recreation Week is to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, and to expand recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities. National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148. (703) 858-2153 TR Association Aug 23rd HEALTH UNIT COORDINATOR DAY To promote health unit coordinating as a profession through education and certification, in compliance with the NAHUC Standards of Practice, Standards of Education and Code of Ethics. NAHUC, 9147 Madron Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. (888) 22-NAHUC Unit Coordinator Day Sep 11th-17th NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK Sponsored by the National Center For Assisted Living, this week begins annually with Grandparents Day. National Assisted Living Week commemorates the staff and customers of our nation’s assisted living residences. National Center For Assisted Living, Attn: Amy Waye, National Assisted Living Week, 1201 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 898-6301 Nat'l AL Week 11th-17th NATIONAL HEALTHCARE HOUSEKEEPING & ENVIROMENTAL WEEK This event recognizes the valuable contributions of housekeeping staff in business, industrial, and institutional settings. American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services, AHA, One North Franklin Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60606. (312) 422-3860 Housekeeping or Enviromental 16th-22nd NATIONAL REHABILITATION AWARENESS WEEK Established to increase public awareness about rehabilitation. National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, Attn: Michelle Criscera, PO Box 71, Scranton, PA 18501-0071. (800) 943-6723 Rehab Dept. Oct 25th NATIONAL PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DAY American Pharmacists Association, Attn: Tenikka Greene, 2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. (202) 429-7537 Pharmacy Techs Wk 3rd-9th NATIONAL HEALTHCARE FOOD SERVICE WEEK Honors employees who work behind the scenes preparing and serving food in healthcare facilities. Promotional materials are available. Contact American Society for Healthcare Food Service Administrators, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL 60406. (800) 620-6422 Dietary Week 16th-22nd NATIONAL PHARMACISTS WEEK American Pharmaceutical Association, Public Relations Director, 2215 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037-2985. (202) 429-7558 Pharmacists Week 17th-21st NATIONAL INFECTION CONTROL WEEK Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., Attn: Deborah R. Timmons, 1275 K St. NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005-4006. (202) 789-1890 Infection Control Dept 23rd-29th NATIONAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND ENGINEERING WEEK This week recognizes healthcare facilities engineers and facilities managers. Promotional items are available for purchase. American Society for Healthcare Engineering, Attn: Sharon Autrey, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606. (312) 422-3811 Emgineer or Maintence Week 23rd-29th NATIONAL RESPIRATORY CARE WEEK This week is used to promote respiratory health. American Association for Respiratory Care, Attn: Kris Kurkendall, 9425 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063. (972) 243-2272 Respiratory Health 23rd-29th PASTORAL CARE WEEK "IMAGINING COMMUNITY" Sponsored by the Coalition on Ministry in Specialized Settings (COMISS), a coordinating agency of religious endorsing bodies and pastoral care organizations. Pastoral Care Week Committee, NACC, PO Box 07473, Milwaukee, WI 53207-0473. (414) 483-4898 Pastoral Week NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH American Physical Therapy Association, Public Relations, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488. (703) 684-2782 ext. 3248 or (800) 999-2782 PT Week Nov NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH AND NATIONAL HOME HEALTH CARE MONTH (Home Healh Aide Week 6th to 12th) To promote awareness of hospice care, and to honor patients and family members, as well as the dedicated professionals and volunteers who serve in hospice settings. Hospice Association of America (an affiliate of the National Association of Home Care) 228 Seventh St., SE, Washington, DC 20003. Phone: (202) 546-4759 or (202) 547-7424 Hospice Org Home Health Org

Hey Kelly, You must be on salary pay. I too like eneryone else had this problem which lead to big time burn out! I use to put so many hours in take work home & do the newsletter/calendar all at home on my time. One day I said "Enough" I spoke to the Administrator about the toll it was taking on me. I did some research on the cost of having someone else doing a newsletter/calendar. I presented this to her along w/ the hours I put in over the 40 hour week, usually doing all of the paperwork. I got my message across after that I did the newsletter/cal at home during working hours, my ass't ran the daily work of act on these days, usually 2 to 3 days a month. As for the paperwork well I make the time up by coming in late or leaving early. This is done through out the month. I still put in more than my 40 hours but no where near what it use to be. I just felt better knowing that I was appericated & not being taken advantage of, not to mention that I was able to be with my family more. Remember the job is just that a job, we do this for our lively-hood. Your family is the most important thing in your life & it's not fair to cheat them or yourself. They will be there & stand by you always, your job will not stand by you like them. All of like to think that we can't be replaceable in our jobs but we are. If you know what I mean. This was a hard lesson learned by me & others but a lesson well learned :idea: Best to u, P

Hi & Welcome to our site. How long have you been in this profession? I know that AL is the fastest growing field at this time. They say it will increase hughley between now & the year 2030. :-? That should keep us all busy & who knows we maybe in a home by then & our childrens generation will be caring for us, that is scary, huh? Pennie

K Hughes thank you for sharing this with us. This will surely open som eclosed doors for alot of people. 8-) P

Hi, Below are some things that you may find useful. P 101 Things to do with Alzheimers We had this on our board in 2000 & it was highly recommedned by RAI Coordinator of Texas, read the email from them: Tuesday, September 19, 2000 - 9:15 am) I got an idea for a great activity from www.activitydirector.com and tried it out with my residents yesterday. We called it the "Resident Feud", fashioned after the old Family Feud game. I polled all of my staff members with a questionaire of about 17 questions (like :Name something found in a woman's purse, name an animal you might keep as a pet, name a popular color for a car, etc.). We then used Posterboard to make "The Boards" and covered the answers with construction paper. We divided the residents into 2 teams and played. THEY LOVED IT!!!!! We gave out prizes to both the winners and the losers (smaller stuff for the team that didnt win) and everybody said they wanted to do it again sometime. Just wanted to share a great activity idea with y'all. RAI Coordinator for texas: This is a great way to do some 1:1's or for small groups: In her book, The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood discusses the many benefits of Aromatherapy. because of the powerful olfactory link with memory, aromas might be the lst link between the real experienced world, and the mind which is now hidden within. Aroma may be the last thing the sufferer can hold on to...aroma preference is a very powerful thing, and the person should be consulted if essential oils are to be used. A Choice of aromas could be offered... Essential oils can be used diffused in the atmosphere, dropped in warm baths, or made into a massage oil, which is very effective in hand and foot massages. There is no need to do a body massage and if you are the caretaker, perhaps temporary, you are a stranger, essentially, and a body massage could be seen as an invasion. But a regulary hand massage from a caring person would be very welcome, and the aroma would provide a continuity link with regualr care, which would be beneficial." Essential Oils in the Case of Dementia Basil Cardamon Ginger Black Pepper Rosemary Rose Otto Essential Oils in the Case of Restlessness and Treamors Rose Otto Neroli Lavender Geranium Chamomile Jasmine Roman Appetite Stimulant and Memory-Evoking Essential Oils Lemon Lime Orange Grapefruit Nutmeg Clove Cinnamin Ginger Coriander Cardamom Black Pepper Additional Memory-Evoking Essential Oils Basil Rosemary