Search the Community

Recognizing you... National Activity Professionals Week is January 24-30, 2021 National Activity Professionals Day was first celebrated on January 27th, 1984 to recognize all the activity professionals who care and develop interest and needs based programming for active seniors in Long Term Care nursing homes and other elder care facilities all around the country. What is Recognition? Recognition is a means for an organization, business, or specific industry to honor and support the contributions made by an individual or group achievements. It conveys appreciation and acknowledges the undaunted efforts and drive of that individual or group of individuals has not gone unnoticed. Recognition may be bestowed publicly or privately yet the value of this one small mention often matters more than that weekly paycheck. Recognition helps employees build a sense of security in their unique and individualized value to the company; often motivating them to continue their great work. Recognition matters: From a very early age, we crave recognition from parents, teachers, and friends. So strong is our desire for positive affirmation, particularly during developmental periods, that we can even perceive a lack thereof as a negative unspoken message. This continues to hold true as we move into the workplace. Motivated workers put more time and effort into their work, as they feel they have a purpose and play an important role in the company. Employee recognition helps to: Retain top talent thus, reducing staff turnover Increase employee engagement and motivation Elevate and encourage high performance Recognition is especially meaningful this year The Bigger Picture Who could have imagined the level of demand and the overdrive of dedication needed from our healthcare professionals this year? The very nature of the work these professionals commit to, under normal circumstances, is a huge undertaking, but current events have created an unimaginable workload that has caused many of us to forge ahead on autopilot; leaving the trauma to be dealt with at a later date. It’s clear that this infectious disease has created hardships on many levels, whether they are personal, economic, or financially related. Though some industries have experienced lower demand prompting layoffs, the healthcare industry has experienced the opposite problem. Healthcare workers have felt immense strain as increased demand has led to equipment shortages, working overtime, and sacrificed well-being to help those in need. Some healthcare institutions have had an especially rough time. We are now seeing the operations of many long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and retirement homes, breaking down as outbreaks occur in these institutions. These facilities are home to the most vulnerable - our precious aging population. Indeed it takes a very special soul with immense compassion such that the average human being cannot comprehend. This year, the current pandemic has asked more from these professionals each and every day. So this past week we are reminded to give praise and appreciation to our healthcare professionals diligently working to maintain “infection control” standards while reinventing creative facility programming to optimize the quality of life and well being of the residents they serve. It seems more imperative and especially fitting to recognize these “essential care” professionals in lieu of the very challenging and unprecedented past year. THIS YEAR . . . Recognition is neither about promotional offers nor the variety of exclusive employee appreciation gifts. It’s not about the flowers gift sets, mug gift sets, appreciation treat sets; etcetera, etcetera! Senior care programming professionals have sacrificed personal safety for the sake of those they serve and are rightly claiming their place in the health care industry. Activity professionals have “come into their own” and have made their mark in the industry of healthcare. Activity professionals have faced the current challenges to combat resident loneliness while ensuring cognitive engagement and safety– more than any previous year before. Thank You – Each and every one of you deserve the upmost recognition for your demonstrated dedication, tenacity and determination – you have arrived and have earned your place alongside all your health care counterparts. You have secured your place amongst the clinical staff, therapists, social workers, and physicians that care plan for our unique and individualized residents needs and sit proudly as a member of that elite group of “continuum of care” professionals known as the (IDT) Interdisciplinary Team members. In honor of today's Activity Consultant's Help Desk Topic, we wish to honor our wonderful instructor and author of the Help Desk, M. Celeste Chase. Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2021 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351