sheronmartinez

Hi-- I know this sounds crazy...but I was asked to do inventory for my Alzheimer's facility. I am the Activity Director. While doing so, a caregiver told me to "lock" up the books, and inventory them too, so the residents couldn't take them. She told me that she found 5 books in a resident's room. I ran this by my Administrator and told her that I wanted to set up a bookshelf so that the residents could get books whenever they want. I did not agree with the caregiver to "lock" them up. My administrater now wants me to prove to her that it is "okay" for residents to have access to books. So, my question is, how do I do this? Is there anywhere on the Internet or a place I can call that can tell me that residents can have books and that it is not against the standards or regulations of Alzheimer facilities? I told my Adminsitrator that while residents with Alzheimer's have the minds of 3-year olds, it is NOT okay to treat them that way. This is thier home and they should have some things accessible, especially on the weekends when I am off duty, to fill their time. It seems insane to say they can't have books, when they pose no safety hazard when being left out unsupervised. I don't care if they take them in thier rooms. The caregiver is a whiner who constantly fights me on everything I want to do to help the residents. Please help!

I was hired a couple of months ago to work as an activity director in an alzheimer's facility. I have just enrolled in a class to get "qualified", but have little knowledge yet of rules or policy. Recently, as I have started to implement a craft program, I was told that I am not allowed to use crayons because the state surveyor (out of Texas) does not like them. I'm to use only map markers. They said because crayons are juvenile and we are not to treat the residents as children. Is this for real, or does this sound just plain crazy? Please help. My residents love crayons and I hate to throw them all away and/or risk getting written up.

Thanks! I like your suggestions! Especially about the title!

Is there anyway, I could get a copy of the charting you do, both the paper form and/or computer? The system at my alzheimer's unit seems antiquated, but I am new to the field, so I don't know for sure. I am talking them into getting me an office and computer and would like to do my charting there, but don't know how to get started, or what software to tell them to buy? Can you help? Thanks!

I was given the idea from a friend to do a "Resident of the Month" board and highlight the likes/dislikes of a different resident each month, along with their picture. Does anyone else do this and can you give me some specifics of things to put on the board? Also, my boss doesn't like the name and wants me to call it "Friend of the Month." I don't like that as much...but I don't know what's been done at other places. Can anyone help me? Thanks!

Hi-- Does anyone use an activity apron or pillow? I have seen the idea on the Internet, whereby the apron or pillow has sensory objects on it for residents to touch and manipulate, such as a zipper, a shoelace, shapes to match, a soft flap, and a place for a photo. I've seen several types, but wasn't sure which were the best ones to get. I was wanting to purchase some for the alzheimer's unit that I work for, but they are so expensive, I didn't know if they were worth the money. They ranged from $50 on up. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to get them or someone who makes them? Thanks for your help!

:)I just got a job as an Activity Director for an alzheimer's unit and have only been working there for about a month. Previously, I worked at a pharmacy as a clerk. The previous director had not been doing much with the residents and so I am having to create my own calender of events and come up with my own resources and activities from scratch. What has helped me the most in generating ideas has been talking with my son's Pre-K teacher. What I have found is that residents with dementia and other related illnesses enjoy the same things as young children in their toddler and Pre-K years, like music, rhymes, puzzles with big knobs, legos, and easy crafts. Hope this helps!

Hi--Just wanted to let everyone know that the Texas Farm Bureau has a mobile farm that they take around to school districts and/or retirement/nursing homes. The cost is free and you don't have to be a member of the Bureau to receive a visit. Just call your local agency and they can direct you to the presenter in your area. I called and have a date scheduled for them to visit with my alzheimer's residents for a very special show and tell. It is to take place in a couple of weeks. I will let you know more about what the presentation entails later. Thanks!

I agree. Sometimes just taking time off from work is the best relief from burn out. If your condition is more mental than physical, sometimes talking to a counselor is a good idea. Also, writing in a journal can help unleash what the real problem might be. I had a friend who was so physically exhausted from her nursing job, she retired early and said she "slept" the first year. Then after that, she felt better and was able to start working again in a different capacity as a hospice nurse. Hope this helps!