jeffreykirchofer

I ran into this problem when I first started working there, but after seeing my progress with the residents, which make their job abit easier, and involving them in the planning, coordinating, execution and clean-up for one single activity, they realized that it was not all the fun playing around with the residents, they thought it was. Designate some tasks for them to get involved with just once and they will realize the difficulty of your job. Thus the respect will given and rightfully earned. Furthermore, the residents are your priority and concern, not whether someone on the staff respects you. If the residents appreciate you, then you are doing your job successfully.

I have found that with my activity room, the residents were more participative and energetic with bright, energetic colors. Multi colors are great because it begins to stimulate and motive the residents from the beginning of the activity session. Remember no reds or angry colors. I found it easier to search for paints with this approach, "How does this certain color make me feel ? and most of the time the residents feel the same. Hope this helped.

I have found it greatly rewarding to the resident Bingo players by awarding tickets to the winners, then at the end of each week I open the "General Store" (I constructed) in which I stocked figurines, jewelry, snacks and other knick knack that were donated by the local thrift stores, dollar stores and other establishment. Not only do they get to play Bingo, but when they win they get to go shopping. The best of both worlds and all the residents (AL & Alzheimer/Dementia care) love it.

Hello All, My name is Jeff and I am the AD at a 48 Bed Assisted Living /Alzheimer & Dementia Care Facility in Texas. I retired from the military last year and I must say this has been quite a career change and as the AD for this facility, I am enjoying every minute with each and every resident. Look forward to staying in contact with all of you, throughout my time as AD.