bigchris

I have just established a computer room and have started "teaching" bona fide computer classes. I wanted to know if anyone else is doing this? I will expand on this topic and give some tips that I have used. bC

Pen, I have to say that I like being a "Therapist" many residents say that activities change the way that they feel/think/behave. And isn't that what a therapist does??? Bc

Ok, here goes. The I care plan was developed some time ago to help activity pros expand and explain the resident in the first person narrative. The goal of this format is to give (hypothetically) surveyors and anyone who looks at the care plan. An overall picture of the resident and thier STRENGTHS, not thier weaknesses. I have talked to many surveyors on why this was chosen over another format...the main answer that I got was that it grew out of the EDEN alternative and what most of us call Person/People centered care. (BTW- If anyone is involved with Eden you can relate to this) One of the defining principles of Eden is that our resident/patient/etc. One of the inherent "rules" of Eden is that everyone must be fulfilled as a PERSON, not an object. With this, of course; it has all evolved into what we now call the Culture Change movement. With all that said.....What does it look like? A typical Care Plan statement would sound like this.... I was a _______I enjoy and thrive in activities that involve_______. I know that this is very simple, and I will continue to add other samples. Just realize that it needs to lean towards the positive and tell strenghts of the resident. Questions?????I know that this is fast, but remember that each week I will add more according to feedback that I receive. Thanks, BC

If you have any questions about the actual "I" care plan please include them in your text. I will answer them to the best of my ability. Thanks, bC

Hello all, I appreciate the replies to my last post regarding Care Plans, however, due to the volume and frequency of your queries, I would like to follow this format in the actual CARE PLAN FORUM on the message boards. Topic: i.e Care Planning for Highly active, dementia, etc. Question: Comments: As much as you can, be as specific as you can Info on what you have tried: remember folks, I WILL NOT write your Care Plan for you!!!! I will answer questions and help any way I can. I am already a consultant for one company and that is enough. I am not trying to be mean, I just wanted to state the facts. Thank you and HAPPY CARE PLANNING!!! bigchris

Come by and see me! After a hectic 2008, several articles and a book (draft) I am back to help with Care Plan issues. bigchris

Let me know if you would like to learn more about the I care plan..... Big chris

Alright MenZZZZ! I want all of you to let us know where you are!! We do have a great job! And by GoD, I don't care what F371 says, my gals want me to make some BBQ for 'em!!!! bigchris

Our Wii has been huge here at my facility in Atlanta!!! We are on the Wii sports all of the time, and now I am doing Tiger Woods and the Wii play. Bigchris

It depends on where you are and what training you have. I do some cutting but try to stay away from it even though I have been trained. In Georgia, you can get training for certain CNA duties, such as feeding and nails. Bigchris

This is a tuffy and will take a lot of work with other team members. As a matter of fact, this is still an issue with me. I make sure to make anyone that transports feel appreciated, but that doesn't always work. I have consulted on some facilities that pay staff to bring folks to activities. I don't like this. I think that we should open the floor....does anyone have any ideas?????

Follow up to the last post...... In Georgia there have been several facilities that have been cited for activities....most noteably for the Activities Program only been conducted by Activity Personnel. IN a statement to facilities, the state surveyors and ombudsmen programs are asking all staff what role they have in activities. If they are not involved IN SOME WAY, there is a very good chance the state will TAG the ACTIVITIES PROGRAM. Bigchris

I am in Georgia and I can tell you there are very few in the Society for Nursing Home Activity Directors. More often than nought, they turn over very quickly. In my 8 years I have seen maybe 5 that have stayed, and that includes me and my bro little chris. SO another 3 have stayed in Acts and not moved to Admin or social. Bigchris

Pen, I have been using the I careplan extensively and teach a course in it. Give me a shout and I can give you the nickel tour. BC

We got one about 2 months ago, totally by luck, I was shopping at Target and the clerk was putting one out. I grabbed it immediatly! To date, it is a very popuar activitiy and we have started getting reimbursed through therapy programming. I still get crdit for both by using it with non therapy residents as well. It has proven such a winner that we are running a pilot with many other facilities for the ROM and task segmentation portion.

Hello all, I just went through a recent "mock survey" from our company and it really opened by what they said. We have a few facilities that have gotten activity tags in thier state surveys and the rumor in GA and AL is that surveyors are not only looking at Psycho social, but activities as well. I got a "warning" on some of my low function but I was able to back it up. Get in your charts people!!!! BC

Still need ot hear from those consultants!!!

Hello all, As some of you know, I am in Atlanta and I have noticed that there are very few AD's from GA (at least as far as I can tell) on the board. If you are from GA, I want to hear from you!!!!! bigChris

We are having good success with higher function activities during the weekend for some reason. My residents are really taking to current events, name that tune, Jeopary, etc. ANd now that the weather is getting better we go outside a ton! We are gardening and weeding our courtyard. We have also started the "Hen Party" for our ladies, I excuse myself ( I am a male) and have one of our female staff begin a conversation with all of our ladies. I will usually take our guys out back and chip golf balls or play "holi board". Hope this helps. Chris

Hola, Last yaer I came to a new facility and they wanted to incorporate something different for the week. SO we have each department actually heading up an event for each day with activities as the support for all of them. This way all of the finance is spread out and there is a variety of ideas. For instance, this year we are doing the following. A tropical social with fresh fruit and smooties A barbecue in the southern style A game day with each department sending specific teams- think survivor meets the decathalon a steak and egg breakfast A charity drive for the local homeless ministry Representing our beauty pageant winner at the state finals and a wacky tacky costume contest. Hope this helps. bigchris

Hey Kelly, I need to know if you are the direct supervisor of this assistant? If so, it is up to you to do a few things.... 1) Talk with your admin and your HR director to find out what the disciplinary process is..... 2) When you find that out, proceed with the proper procedure. The assistant will need ot be counseled on proffesionalism, confidentiality and the chain of command. You will need to sit he/she down and talk to them and make sure that they understand what is going on. 3) And finally, don't take it or make it personnal. SHe may have been excited/ happy/sad/etc. and had a little slip. Otherwise, this will need to be a first step in the disciplinary process. Let me know if you need more, I have dealt with my share too!!!! bigchris

Still looking to get a Wii, they are impossible to find in Atlanta, so that is the latest hurdle.

Who are you talking to??

YEah, my ADD is always kicking out some crazy thing that works in a weird way. Some of them look weird but they are all fun to do! Just make sure that you incorporate all of the language in a way that someone with difficulties could understand, don' tget too abstract. BC

We do a food activity for every holiday, I let the residents choose the menu and we get with rehab and we prep everything and do a big event either in the courtyard if it is warm, or in the activity room. We are also targeting UTI's and weight loss residents with these types of things. I also have craft classes for the holidays that incorporate the holiday and something that the residents can give to thier loved ones. BC