cbishop5120

Robin - I too, understand where you are coming from. It can be very difficult to have total cooperation from other departments. We have taken a number of approaches. 1. Befriend the staff, and try to support them as best we can. 2. Invite and Include them in activity "Fun"ctions. 3. Make sure that we ALWAYS thank them when they are helping us out. (Verbal & Written) 4. Collaborate with special events and get their input. What are some special things that they need to do, and how can we help make it easier and accomodate them. Another thing that you could do is to help them realize that when most of the residents are in a group activity, it makes their jobs much easier...Less call lights to answer, easier to gather the residents for meal times, med passes become less difficult because everyone is in a central location. It would be actually less work for them. And if everyone could work together, it would be less work for everyone. Curtis

Dani - You have such a great opportunity! I would definitely say that light bright colors work best. It stimulates the residents, helps with lighting issues, and a solid color will give you the versatility to change decor without having to change everything all at once. Our activity room is also in need of a paint job, but the color that we have on the walls right now, is a light bright color, and it has served our facility well for a number of years. (Not sure exactly how many years!) Curtis

Sam - I am the AD for a LTC facility that is attached to the hospital. The hospital also has a swing bed unit. Being a new AD, I am not too familiar with the workings of swing bed. However, one of the things that I have noticed is that our swing bed patients are usually people who have had hip fractures, total knee replacements, etc. Most of them find it very difficult to get out and about. I would probably suggest doing something on-site, just different scenery. An off-site outing may be too involved for them AND you as well. Maybe do as suggested above: trip to the cafeteria, picnic, or even just a stroll around the facility. Maybe even going outside for a milk-shake, etc. Just be creative and have fun! Curtis

Vera~ My name is Curtis Bishop and I just recently (this month) began as Activity Director for a LTC faciltiy in Dumas, Texas. Right now, I am going through the Activity Director - Basic course. I had worked, like you, in activities before as an assistant. Though, I had been out of the field for about 2 1/2 years. I am fortunate enough to have an assistant who has worked in the field for a number of years. Hang in there, and maybe we can learn some things from each other. cbishop5120

Sparkle~ They may be totally unaware of what they are doing. Maybe you could talk to them and let them know about "personal needs time." It may also be helpful to give them a schedule of your personal needs time. ie:(The days for the activity, resident you will be working with, and the time.) cbishop5120