Diana

Linda! That was great!!!!! I am going to make copies for all my family!

I am almost sure I know what you are talking about. For the past 3 to 4 months, I have had to do what I call "double documenting" for DAVE. I have to prove where I get my info, then make copies of it for corporate review. All departments have to do this. If it isn't accurate, it is sent back. Not fun - lot more time in the charts then before!!!

Here's another Christmas site : http://site.hindy.id.au/xmas/xmas1.html

Welcome Kate! Glad you found us! Feel free to pop a great discussion question/topic our way!

Hi LPC, Welcome to our site! You're right - they have a right to be intimate if they are mentally competent. But part of our jobs is to ensure that they ARE mentally competent, so that there isn't a case of a family or resident saying they didn't give consent. It is for the safety of all parties. And in a nursing home, not many residents are that capable of making that type of decision, though the feeling and desires are still there. Also, back to the family issue - to think Mom or Dad is having sex with someone they aren't married to - well, the shock of it all! Discretion is of the upmost. Of course, documentation is so important from the legal standpoint. We as regular citizens have the luxury of making love whenever we want, but when you are under the care others because you are not capable of taking care of yourself, then the issue rises of "are you capable of making this decision?" And we have to prove that the resident is capable. Hope I didn't get too word, or preachy!

Hi Stacy - I am planning on getting lots of pics from this year and displaying them - both of residents and staff, to remember this past year. Then, of course celebrate at noon! I can't wait to see all the pics I come up with!

Gina - THANK YOU!!!!!! I was hunting this morning, last minute - hate days like this! But thanks anyways! I can sure use them!!!!

Hi guys! Here is an article I found on Thanksgiving Day that put a new perspective on my dear sweet residents. I am sending the link, and it's kinda long - but a GREAT article! http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/013/12.86.html

HI Leilani - welcome to the site! My sister is married to a Hawaiian - her daughter's name is Alani - or Nani for short. Is that a common name in Hawaii? Hope we can help you at all!

Excellant Job! LInda!!!!!!!! That's it! Mine's blue, but otherwise, the same thing! You guys will LOVE THIS - it is so worth it!!!!!!!!! Forget about the cost - it pays for itself in money you spend on Tylenol for the headaches you get with droppnig balls and hearing those Bingo cages rattle!

Hi LInda, yes, the name on the Bingo caller is Excaliber, I think. I am at home today due to flooding in San Antonio - so I don't have it in front of me. I'll double check the name, but I am almost sure that is it. I'll take a look at any addresses or phone numbers or numbers as such on it. I'll keep you posted

Hi Everyone - Holidays here, we are in our Open Window for Full Book and I am concerned. I wonder if I just get more concerned about this around this time of year, with fear that State will catch on..... anyways, my concern is that I am too busy doing paperwork, and can't spend enough time doing activities or in room visits. We have 131 bed facility with around 25 of those being SNF beds that have CONSTANT turn over rate (around 15 ins and outs per week) just on those SNF beds. I take care of all activites, being the only person in activites, and I appear to balance paperwork and actual activites (along with planning, decorations, phone calls, etc) pretty well - I've been at this facility 3 1/2 years, I should have some balance worked out by now. But personally, I don't feel like my residents get all they need - though it appears they do. I try to get family and other volunteers help, which helps out most of the time. Does anyone have any encouragement or words of advice/uplifting? I get so nervous thinking State can walk in at any point for Full Book - by now, I should have learned to deal with it as it comes, but the nervousness is still there! Corporate thinks I am doing a great job, because for the past three years I've been deficiency free - but I know where I lack! Help,Help,Help!

Thank you CJ!!!!!! Please, let us know! It is blue with options to mute, autocall and amount of numbers called out.

Hi Pennie - I went to my first conference last year in Waco - I am sure I met you there! You were the one giving the class on how to use the web for help ADing, right? Great class! What new stuff do we have going on this January? I am looking forward to the trip! It's only three hours from San Antonio, I am hoping that my husband and baby girl can make it - or else it will be a long three days!

A couple days late - but happy day to you! You two sound wonderfully happy and blissful! God bless you both!

Hi to Sue G and LindyinPA - welcome! This site is perfect - Also try Linda Lucas's site. I couldn't do my job well without them!

Hi Mawbell, though I work in a Long Term Care Facility, I applied at an Assisted LIving facility recently, and they do a lot of outings. Another good thing to do would to be to ask you AL residents to do service projects, like writing to our soldiers, or collecting for the needy (boxes/cans of food, clothing, toys for children). But above all, survey your new population and find out what their interests are. That is the best place to start. Good luck!

Hi Christee, where are you from in Texas? I am in San Antonio

Just wanted to let everyone know that the responses I have had towards posting the Bingo rules (both in Spanish and English, due to living in San Antonio) have been phenominal! Such positive responses - even from the familiy member it effected the most. Thanks for all the great input! I recommend anyone who hasn't already posted the rules, or even established them yet, to do so and save yourself the trouble later! Thanks again!

Lana I agree - we are like the value of teachers - where lives are blessed every day, and yet we are on the low end of the pole. I guess we all would like the recognition that we feel we deserve - even if it is monetary value. WE all will be rewarded some day, by the Creator who sees the value in a smile to a lonely soul!

Hi Sheli Welcome! This site is great!

HI Bobbie - I would like a copy of that as well. Send it to djcast@camalott.com I'd like more info on Policy and Procedures - considering corporate barely looks at Activities. I guess they truly think if I haven't messed up then there is nothing to look at!

Hi Bobbie - we have a resident that is MR and has been aggressive her whole life, mostly towards men. She not only lashes out to them, but also begins hitting herself and pulling her hair when certain men come around - those in particular who tease her. When she's particularly aggressive, but needs activities, I place her at a different table and distract her attention. This works great for her. She still enjoys the activity, and yet if she hits out (don't worry, it's all careplanned) then there is no one in her way to hit. I have had some men who hit at anything in their path no matter what - I just pay close attention and clear the way. Offering music or other sensory objects that have been of previous interest in their lives helps. I have also heard that they may be people who had spent the majority of their time outdoors and being indoors 24/7 is too much. So even 1/2 an hour a day gives them their "fix" and their behaviors decrease. For us, it's more like a puzzle to fit all the pieces, contacting family with detailed past interests - but do remember, you may come across those that can't be comforted. Best thing is to keep those who can't defend themselves out of harm's way.

Hi LInda, You've had such great ideas - and your website is so helpful! Can't wait to see December's newsletter - when I am at work, I couldn't bring up the other newsletters. Maybe it was just corporate blocking it - I am not sure.

I believe I got it through Avon. One of my residents saw it and bought one for herself (she's now passed away), but before her death, I was able to get one, also. She just ordered it for me and I paid her. Probably the best thing to do is ask an Avon distributor if they still carry them in stock. Let me know, too. Just incase this one bites the dust and I don't have a replacement!