lllucas

Hi, AmyC! :-) I agree. If you're interested in the position...give it a try. The opportunity doesn't come along that often. It's a wonderful job with a lot of responsibilities...and a lot of rewards. So, if it's in your heart to become an Activity Director, go for it! Also, you can find a lot of help right here at Activity Directors Network. This is a very active site that is overseen by Activity professionals who have been at it for a long time. The answer you need to just about any question you may have or any resource you are looking for can be found here. Don't be afraid to ask, vent or respond to anything on the message board. We've all been there and have experienced many of the same frustrations and blessings of the job. We are with you. The very best of wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Thanks, Pennie.... :pint: Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Kate! :-) Welcome to the Activity Director Network. This is a great place with a very active message board. I'll be sending you an e-mail soon. Sincerely, Linda Lucas ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Pennie! :-D Great joke!!!! I e-mailed it to several of my friends. As an AD haven't we all had days like that? Especially at Christmas. Best wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Sara! :-) Here's a little article to help you out. Best Wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com __________________________________ A Tribute to Activity Professionals! Thank You! Thank you for all that you do to improve the quality of life for those who matter the most, your residents! They appreciate it! Thank you for all your creativity. The residents are thankful. Thank you for the extra effort you put into each day. Thank you for helping out in the dining rooms for meal programs. They need you! The nursing staff does appreciate it! Thank you for all the special trips and community events. They love being a part of the community. Thank you for all the effort you put into your volunteer program, it definitely does not happen without you! Thank you for smiling even when you don't feel like it. Thank you for spending time with those residents who can not come out of their rooms. They especially appreciate the pet visits. Thank you for a great survey. It takes your entire team and a dynamic program. Thank you for giving all of your self. Thank you for filling the resident's days with meaningful activities. Thank you for pushing so hard to get extra special programs approved. The extra effort paid off! Thank you for all the extra hours you put into planning and implementing elaborate events. It was appreciated! Thank you for attending seminars and association meetings, even when sometimes you have to use vacation days. Thank you for supporting other activity professionals. Thank you for taking a chance and trying something new. Thank you for dressing up for all those holidays. Thank you for all the hugs and love you give to them. Thank you for developing all the children's programs. Thank you for all the spiritual programs, because it means more to them at this point in their life. But most of all Thank You for dedicating your life to this very special profession, Activity Professionals! We can't imagine any facility without you! by: Sandra Stimson, Executive Director Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care http://www.activitytherapy.com/ Used with Permission

Hi, Gina! :-) How do you do it? You always have such neat ideas and suggestions for us. Keep up the good work! Best Wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Brandy! :-D The stories are made up by the residents. However, Timeslips trains facilitators to ask thought provoking questions and to write down the residents responses. The facilitators show the resident pictures (like those on greeting cards or advertisements) and ask the questions to stimulate thought and produce responses. Timeslips has a training program with certification. You need to take a good look at their website to find the answers you need. It looks like a great program. Best Wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Leilani :-) Welcome to the Activity Director Network. I was just wondering if it would be possible for us to trade AD positions for a few months. I could go to your facility and enjoy the beautiful weather. You could come here to Indiana and enjoy the snow and slush. What do you think? (ha-ha!) Wishing you the very best in ADing, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Brandy! Hi, Gina! :-) I just visited Timeslips and was quite impressed with their concept of facilitating storytellling by Alzheimer's/Dementia residents. It really sounds like a wonderful program worth the training and implementation in nursing facilities. I think it is something worth looking into for the sake of the residents and their families. Many of us are creative people and I'm sure we dread the thought of losing that ability to something like Alzheimer's Disease. If the resident's creative juices can be rekindled, then we need to do all we can to see that it happens in our facilities. Thanks for bringing up this topic. Once again, that address is http://www.timeslips.org . Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Chris! :-) I appreciate your posting. That was a great way to help the residents and to shut up the staff. You're right. There is a real imbalance between staff members personal lives and their holier-than-thou attitudes. It happens in all facilities. The staff is worse at starting and spreading rumors than the residents. Sometimes, I think they live just to stir up trouble. Other times they are the salt-of-the-earth. People! One of the Peanuts characters once said, "I love mankind. It's people I hate." I think we've all had that feeling at one time or another. Anyway, you handled the situation in a very tactful way. Good job! Best wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Diana! :-) I read that article. It really captures the Thanksgiving meal in the nursing home, doesn't it? My mother is in another nursing home and Bob and I went to their family Thanksgiving supper last Tuesday. Our experiences as family members (rather than as staff members) was much different. Many of the things hit upon in this article from Christianity Today were evident and played out at that happy gathering. Thanks for drawing our attention to it. Best wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Folks! :-) I was just checking Pioneer Network. You can find a lot of information at http://www.nursinghomesmagazine.com/Past_Issues.htm?ID=1518. It really sounds neat. Best wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://theactivitydirectorsoffice.com P.S.: The Pioneer Network site is http://www.pioneernetwork.net .

Hi, Dixie! :-) It sounds interesting. We haven't done that and I hope we don't have to do it soon. However, keep us abreast of what's going on. Best wishes, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Everyone! :-) I just finished my facility newsletter for December. I'm thinking about trying something different in January. Someone suggested to me that they use the free Newsletter-Express.com newsletter (the Health Care Express) as an insert for their facility newsletter. That sounds pretty neat. It helps beef up a skimpy newsletter. You can get their free newsletter at http://www.newsletter-express.com . Just wanted to share it with you. Linda Lucas, AD http://www.theactivitydirectiorsoffice.com ;-)

Hi, Diana! :hammer: Boy! Can I relate to you. It must be an occupational mindset for AD’s to always feel that they are behind, not meeting the needs of the residents, and barely holding on to their sanity. This crazy job is like being a juggler on a high wire and no net. But it’s the same for all of us. I think that to care too much is a basic quality, yet a basic shortcoming of Activity Directors. However, it is also true for most other Department Heads in the facility. All of us dread visits by the State Surveyors. I’m like you, I’ve had zero deficiencies for several years now. But I sweat bullets every time the state walks into the building. Thank God I have an excellent Medical Records person to keep me on the ball. As far as getting help is concerned, Diana, you need to check with both state and corporate staffing policy regarding census in your facility. The hiring of activity assistants or other activity directors depends entirely upon census. So make your needs known to everyone…especially the administrator. Enlist the help of your corporate consultant (they carry a lot of weight with administration). Talk to the Regional Director if you get a chance (be tactful because you don’t want to step on toes). If you can do a time study (i.e. just keep track of your hours) and show that you must put in extra hours just to complete your required job description duties…you will have a good tool for some leverage with administration. I used to put in overtime hours and not report it on my time card. Even on salary I put in more hours than specified in my job description. I’ve learned to be up front with administration and have received comp time for the extra hours. Also, my facility which has a census of 86, has three activity directors to cover four units. I have two units…the general population (which includes the skilled unit). My units are my only responsibility. The thing that helped me the most is that my administrator is a former Activity Director (God love her) and she truly knows what I go through. When all is said and done…I wouldn’t trade my position for anything (unless I win the lottery…then it’s a whole new ballgame). I truly think that a much worse thing than the state popping in is the loss of a long time resident. It has a much longer lasting emotional effect on me. So, I concentrate on doing the best I can for my residents. If I can’t meet their needs because of time restrictions…I find a volunteer who can. If I can’t find a volunteer with experience, I train someone. I’m not beyond using capable residents as volunteers. In fact, I have several. You are the advocate for your department. No one else will blow the trumpet for you. You have to make yourself heard. And, Diana, you WILL get results and it will all be so empowering you’ll just love it. The very best of wishes to you, Linda Lucas, AD The Activity Director’s Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com ;-)

Hi, Rhonda! :-) The following cookie recipe is from an old Eastern Star cookbook. I've used it for years and it is the best recipe I have ever found for basic sugar cookies. The advantage of this recipe is that you can add any other ingredients you want (e.g. cinnamon, chocolate bits, butterscotch bits, peanut butter bits, nuts, raisins, m&m's, Reeses pieces etc.). Not only that...the dough is wonderful for cooky cutting. Hope this meets your needs, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com SUGAR COOKIES Ingredients: 2 eggs 2/3 cup salad oil 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 cup sugar 2 cup sifted flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt (include 1 cup of your choice of chocolate chips, raisins, etc.) Procedure: Beat eggs with fork until blended; stir in oil and vanilla. Blend in sugar until mixture thickens. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; add egg mixture; (blend in chocolate chips etc. at this time). Wrap mixture in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator about 20 minutes. Roll out chilled dough on floured surface and use cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Yield: 3 dozen cookies.

Hi, Dixie! :-D Pardon me for being so ignorant...what are you talking about? Linda Lucas, AD ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Everybody!!!! :-D Thanks to Diana we found the Bingo Caller. Here's the info: Excalibur Electronic Talking Bingo - Silver The Bingo Hall Excitement at Home! Catch the excitement as the Talking Bingo calls out each number in a strong, clear voice. B9, G53....BINGO! You win! Small enough for ultra-portability, yet with a large LCD screen that is easy to read. The new Talking Bingo is great for family games night or for playing with all your friends. Comes with everything you need to play a fun game of Bingo. * The Talking Bingo Electronic Unit * 25 individual binog cards * 1 six-card fold-out * 100 number markers * Requires 3 AAA Batteries (Not included) Availability: This item takes 3-5 business days to leave the warehouse plus ship time. EXC-450-Ppad $29.95padSale price: $24.95pad Order Online 24 hours/day 7 days/week | Telephone Hours (EST): Customer Service/Sales: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun closed Have fun, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

HI, DIANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-D BINGO!!!! I FOUND IT!!! The Excalibur Electronic Talking Bingo costs $24.95 at Gadget Bargains. Here is the web address: http://www.gadgetbargains.com/exc-450-p.html Here is the description: Excalibur Electronic Talking Bingo - Silver The Bingo Hall Excitement at Home! Catch the excitement as the Talking Bingo calls out each number in a strong, clear voice. B9, G53....BINGO! You win! Small enough for ultra-portability, yet with a large LCD screen that is easy to read. The new Talking Bingo is great for family games night or for playing with all your friends. Comes with everything you need to play a fun game of Bingo. * The Talking Bingo Electronic Unit * 25 individual binog cards * 1 six-card fold-out * 100 number markers * Requires 3 AAA Batteries (Not included) Availability: This item takes 3-5 business days to leave the warehouse plus ship time. EXC-450-Ppad $29.95padSale price: $24.95pad Order Online 24 hours/day 7 days/week | Telephone Hours (EST): Customer Service/Sales: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun closed :pint:

Hi, Cindy! :-) I think the frame should come with at least one cover; probably the "Activity Cart" would be a good choice. Perhaps you could offer the other covers at so much each with a discount for multiples. Another thought is that you might offer covers of the month. You might even be able to sell subscriptions (i.e. kind of like the clothing for the concrete goose). Anyway, the price you are thinking about is not unreasonable depending on the quality and durability of your product. You're on the right track. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com P.S.: If you have a photo or brochure so I can see a finished or prototype product you can send it to me at rdlucas@insightbb.com. When you are ready I will consider posting an ad and a link to you on my website, The Activity Director's Office at http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com . Keep in touch!

Hi, Cindy! :-D Hey! This sounds like a great little item to have. I've got a couple of questions for you. Will you provide both the cart frame and the canopies? Will the cart frame/canopies be adjustable to fit any cart? Finally, can you do it for close to $20.00 (certainly not over $50.00)? Wishing you the very best in your venture, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Hi, Everybody! :-) In the posted message titled "Asking Pres to Step Down", member Diana mentioned that she had an automatic Bingo caller which had come from Avon. She has had many responses from people wanting to purchase one of the callers for use in their facilities. No one has been able to find it anywhere. :-x Because of the response to Diana's mention of the Bingo Caller, I decided that it should become a posted message of its own. Perhaps someone can help us find the little gizmo. :pint: If you have any clues to the manufacturer of the Bingo Caller, please let us know so we can track it down and add it to our Activity Department equipment. You will be regarded as a Saint! ;-) Following is the letter I received from Avon on 11/22/04. The Avon rep suggests that Avon might bring the caller back if they received lots and lots of requests for it. Avon's e-mail address is: dearavon@avon.com . Please make your request known. 8-) Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com __________________________________ Hello Linda, I have received your message regarding Talking Bingo. My name is Fran, and I'm happy to help you. We're so sorry that this item was discontinued. We're also sorry to say there's no excess inventory and there are no plans for a reintroduction. We realize this isn't good news, but please know we'll tell the marketing team how disappointed you are. And, keep in mind, sometimes, if there are many, many requests for a product, it may be brought back. I'm sorry we can't help you right now. But, please stay in touch. We always want to hear your questions and thoughts. And, of course, we're here with all the product information you need. Sincerely, Fran Avon Information Center Original Message Follows: ------------------------- Customer Name : linda lucas I am an Activity Director in a nursing home. Some time back Avon offered an electronic bingo caller. Do you have them anymore? If not, do you know the manufacturer and/or where I might find one?

RE: Talking Bingo from Avon Hi, Everybody! :-D I sent an e-mail to Avon asking about the talking Bingo thingy. Following is the response I received just this a.m. Diana, does the Bingo unit have any manufacturer's name or markings that can be tracked down.? Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com _______________________________________________________ Hello Linda, I have received your message regarding Talking Bingo. My name is Fran, and I'm happy to help you. We're so sorry that this item was discontinued. We're also sorry to say there's no excess inventory and there are no plans for a reintroduction. We realize this isn't good news, but please know we'll tell the marketing team how disappointed you are. And, keep in mind, sometimes, if there are many, many requests for a product, it may be brought back. I'm sorry we can't help you right now. But, please stay in touch. We always want to hear your questions and thoughts. And, of course, we're here with all the product information you need. Sincerely, Fran Avon Information Center Original Message Follows: ------------------------- Customer Name : linda lucas I am an Activity Director in a nursing home. Some time back Avon offered an electronic bingo caller. Do you have them anymore? If not, do you know the manufacturer and/or where I might find one?

Hi, Everybody! :-D Yes, I know...this is a blatant plug. But it's for AD's and it saves us a lot of time. Just take a look. Newsletter-Express.com has monthly newsletters ready-to-go. Just treat them like they are your own. Try it...you'll like it. Newsletter-Express.com http://www.newsletter-express.com Just trying to save us all time and money, Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD ;-) The Activity Director's Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com P.S.: Over 14,000 are in circulation after just 6 months.

Hi, Bobbie! How are things going "down under"? I have found that an easy way to distribute multiple pages of material is through Adobe Acrobat. This is an industry standard software which enables the reading and the transfer of large documents over the internet. The software is free. You can find it at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Once your documents are in the computer select "print". Then choose your printer as "Acrobat PDF" or "Acrobat Distiller". This will create your documents in PDF format. Simply save the print job and send it out as an attachment. Now those who receive it will need to have Acrobat Reader installed on their computer; but they can get it free at the same place you did. I hope this helps you out. Sincerely, Linda Lucas, AD The Activity Director's Office http://theactivitydirectorsoffice.com ;-)