Hello Pennie, I am hailing from the great state of Florida---still using a calendar. As the new changes in Activities are coming I am feeling the heat from many--some critics are encouraging more calendars for diverse groups in the facility( i.e., programs for the dementia section, small calendar for the younger population, calendar for the short stay resident....) I feel that the calendar approach we mostly use will evolve to help meet the needs of the facilty. Residents at my facility that are alert and generally active, prefer the calendar to plan their daily activity schedule. I use the calendar in IDT planning to help establish the activity pattern of some residents that prefer certain activities that may be ongoing at a time therapy is also going to take place---we work together to assist the resident to still be able to participate in his/her activity of choice. (One example of the effective use of the calendar). The calendar may actually help the surveyor see the activity program unfold successfully in your facility----or it could help point out that the program is failing to take place on time or there are activities that simply are not happening.
I believe that activities should also just happen----maybe some residents may decide that the weather is beautiful---let's do a picnic----make it happen. Someone may decide that News and Views is great---but today let's play Spades----make it happen. This adds spice to the activity program... spices up the day. Throw in an unexpected visit from a pet, do an informal music activitiy. As activitiy programs evolve---we will understand more the old saying "nothing is written in stone." Calendars may need to be more "open" to give lead way to creativity. I don't think most of my residents would do their own activities without some cueing, directions, nudges from me and my staff.
By the way, thanks for all the good advice/ help I have gotten from you and this site. Been an A.D. for 4 years and I am loving it more each day! Hopefully I will feel like this after State leaves. I am excited about what other activity professionals are thinking. Hang in there guys---we do make a difference in our facilities and our Residents' 'lives!
