Kerrie

Hi. Does anyone have any info about the new version of the MDS that is supposed to be coming out later this year? I have seen a draft of it, the activity section is very different, a lot like the current MDS's social services sections. Does anyone know how they are moving along on completing it or what the activity section will actually look like? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Kerrie.

Hi. Here's an update on my Father's Day "Evening by the Campfire" idea: I called our state's Fire Marshall to see if there are any regs I should be aware of. He only said to write a policy and procedure after talking with our city's Fire Marshall "to ensure the safety of the residents". He didn't say I couldn't have a fire. I plan to use the bottom of one of those small kettle style BBQ's, take out the insides and use wood for the fire. I found a guy that plays country guitar music from the 20's & 30's (for free!). We are having this on June 25th, that'll give me time to get the p&p approved and the invitations out. I'm thinking that we can have evening campfires throughout the summer (unless there is a local ban on backyard burning during fire season) and include women residents at those future ones. Let me know your ideas! -Kerrie.

Hi. That sounds like fun, Gina. This is what I have in mind: an "evening by the campfire" theme. We'll serve s'mores, have someone playing the guitar or harmonica, have a tent and other camping gear as decor. What would be good to drink? Coffee or hot chocolate? I am looking for one of those patio fireplaces to buy, I think Target sells them. The Farmer's Almanac says we're to have "very warm" weather in mid-June, I guess we can always make the s'mores in the microwave if it rains (this is Western Oregon, after all. :-? ) and move the party indoors. Maybe I should make a fake fire just in case. I would love to hear any of your ideas. Thanks, Kerrie

My name is Kerrie. I work in a skilled nursing facility in a small town in Oregon. I've been a CTRS since 1988, working in long-term care since 1989 and at this facility since 1992. We have 68 residents today, our capacity is 72. Thank-you for your ideas and advice. Hope you all have a great week-end. I'll be here, working, calling Bingo, enjoying my residents. :-)

Thanks Kermie & Underdog. That was my second good laugh at work today. :-) Add that to the smaller ones I've had here and the ones naturally inspired by my kids at home and I've had a great day!

Hi Karen, for the past 4 years we have been doing our quarterlies (and initial/rap assessments) on the computer. We input our MDS info then click on the rap narrative section and type away. Even though it's in paragraph form with out any structure to guide me I still use the format I used when I wrote my assessments by hand -- a basic "SOAP" format. My old form said "Activity Review" at the top then I would check whether it was a quarterly, annual or change of condition assessment. There are sections following "SOAP": S: subjective or what the resident's perspective is. Example: "I feel so busy! You activity girls are the most fun, beautiful, creative people on the planet!" or "I would like more to do on Sunday afternoons." If they cannot give their perspective, write what their family member says or physical clues that the goal is being met ie eye contact, smile, etc. ie "Resident is unable to give a verbal response but smiles and gives eye contact when activity staff enter her room." Then I write what this resident's strengths are, especially ones that help them meet activity goals. O: Objective. What we see the resident doing. How they spend their time ie solo, groups or 1:1 activity, family involvement. I have a separate section for groups and 1:1 or independent activities. This is where I write how we assist them to participate, what they need from us. A: Assessment. Assess what their needs are. Does anything need changing from our perspective or the resident's? Do they want anything more or different to do? Have they had any changes in leisure patterns or interests over the quarter? P: Plan. I write about areas triggered or that were not mentioned above. I might have left out some information, but I hope this helps you to develop a form that works for you. I made my own form from looking at several and taking the parts that made sense to me. As I grow and change professionally so do my forms. Have a great day, Kerrie.

Hi. A few weeks ago I was surfing around and read about a frog pond game using a sheet of blue plastic, some green construction paper lilly pads and bean bag frogs. I am unable to remember where I saw this game. It's a game you make yourself. Can anyone supply me with the website? I think my residents would like to play it. Thanks for your help. -Kerrie