AmieLasalle

I think it is great that you are having fun. Who better to have fun with, than a group of activity directors anyway. Hopefully are being silly, compassionate, and caring is the reason we will do well at our jobs. If we can't have fun with each other, how can we be fun for our residents. Keep up the good work, and always have fun. I am a Leo.

I need some help with fund raising ideas.

Ok, I need some help here!! I was an AD at a 120-bed facility where I was so busy that I worked 80-90 hours a week sometimes just to get everything done. I had all different types of residents. But, I have started at a new place with only 6 residents, which I love dearly, but I am having a REALLY tough time trying to find activities that suit them. All 6 are bound to their rooms. In the 3 months I have been here, I have had a group activity where they all come to the Activity Room and have dinner (Easter), Tea and dessert (Mother's Day), and I include decorations and entertainment. However, I really need in-room 1:1 ideas for ladies who: 1. don't like crafting. 2. cannot hear a thing. 3. dementia. 4. not much verbal communication. I have tried: nail care, music, massages, reading, photo album, reminiscing...ANY OTHER IDEAS?? :-( :-D You could try in room cooking class. You can use blenders to make smoothies, no bake desserts, or sandwiches. You could try creative writing with them. In room and 1:1 acts are so hard to come up with. I would also love to get some new and unique ideas.

:-D I read your article about 1:1 acts. for residents who are tube fed. You could talk to your DON, and your speech therapist, and ask if it would be okay to rub a sucker, or life saver candy on their lips, or tongue. You can also use baby food fruits, and q-tips. Be sure to ask if it is safe, and take the speech therapist with you the first time, to show you the best way. This is great sensory stimulation. For example: Play the song I found my thrill on blueberry hill, and use blueberry babyfood, or sucker, and you could take a blue silky scarf. This can be fun, especially when residents who don't always respond, start to respond. Therapy is a good tool to use with residents with special needs. I hope this is something you can use. Let me know if it was fun.

:-D There is going to be a seminar on activities and adaptations for special needs residents. When: September 29, 2006, Begins at 8:30 am. ::sign in by 8:15 am:: Where: Clarion Hotel & Suites, at 5075 Interstate 55 in Jackson, Mississippi. 601-366-9411 Contact: Tonia Hooker at 423-476-4004 This will be an 8 hour workshop, and will teach how to assess, plan, and adapt activities for hard to plan for special needs residents. This is going to be a hands on workshop. You will be doing the activities, seeing the new equipment available for our profession, and getting new ideas. The activities. presented will primarily be 1:1 , and small group, but some can be used for larger groups. This is for seasoned activity directors, or new hires. Begins at 8:30 am. Must be signed in by 8:15 am. Dress casual. Jeans and tennis shoes. Lunch is on your own. There are several resturants near the hotel. 65.00 per person or 60.00 per persons from same facility. Fee includes seminar handouts, instruction, and CEU certificates for 8 hours. Contact tonia hooker at 423-476-4004, to check availability.