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The N.A.P.T. Course is accepted by and prepares each Student for APNCC National Activity Professional Board Certification The APNCC.org AP-BC is the certification recognized under CMS.gov F Tag 680 & 658. For more Information Visit ActivityDirectorUniversity.org Send in a NAPT Course Enrollment Pack to get started! The NAPT course provides all the CE requirements for Path 1 or 2 See if you qualify! Check APNCC Standards Its your Choice! ...Your Affordable Choice ! While you are enrolled and working towards your, or any Accredited Certification Requirements you meet the F680 regulations set forth by the CMS.gov to insure each Activity Professional can complete their accrediting bodies standards. Here is the Federal Regulation For Activity Professionals from CMS.gov Most States do not have a State License or AD Register, these States are governed by F680 (most States) 483.24(c)(2) Section (ii) A . The Activities Program must be directed by a Activity Professional who is Eligible for Certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after Oct 1 1990.

Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day on September 9th! Celebrate by sewing teddy bears with your residents as gifts for the upcoming holiday season, for needy children in your community, or as comfort for residents with Alzheimer's or Dementia. Some basic sewing knowledge is necessary for reading patterns and the sewing process, however it is a fairly accessible project. Other suggested ideas are to create a Memory Bear by using clothes of a passed loved one or to use clothes outgrown by a child. Discuss with your residents which direction they would like to go in before you gather up the materials. This is a fun project with a great sense of accomplishment at the end! Materials: One yard of fabric for the body (I used cream color fleece, you can use normal hairy fur fabric too, I used fleece because these are for a little boy and a little girl, so I wanted the bears to be as soft as possible) 1/2 yard of fabric for the color details (I used light brown) One set of animal eyes 18mm a small piece of felt for the nose (you can use felt for the eyes too if gifting it to a baby- for safety reasons) Stuffing material (I used polyester filling) Sewing machine or thread and needle for hand-stitching Full Tutorial + Pattern The World's Most Expensive Teddy Bears Source: https://www.expensive-world.com/most-expensive-teddy-bear/ #11 Steiff Hot Water Bottle Teddy Bear – $ 40,358 This was the childhood bear of Mary Vernon Pegge born 24 September 1903 at the Elms, Briton Ferry, Wales. This teddy bear having been with her all her life. As the name suggests, this teddy bear can actually hold a tiny hot water bottle in the opening on the front of this teddy. Steiff produced these bears around 1907, but they never really caught on halting further production. Their rarity is has bumped up their worth, with one selling for 31,200 pounds or $40,358. #10 Happy Steiff Bear – $ 55,000 Even $ 55,000 is a huge sum, at least as far as teddy bears are concerned. Steiff’s merry mohair bear was produced as far back as 1926. In 1989, it was bought by Paul Volpp and given to his wife Rosemary for the 42nd wedding anniversary and a sign of endless love. #9 Harlequin Bear – $ 60,610 The teddy bear, made by Steiff in 1925, is the 8th most expensive teddy bear in the world. Because of the differently colored halves of his face, he was named Harlequin. This colorful critter may look playful, but his price is no joke. The rare bear was sold at Christie’s in 2010 for 46,850 pounds or $60,610. #8 Blue Elliot Bear – $ 64,200 It is assumed that Elliot was produced as a sample for the British department store, Harold’s. He would have been one of six different colored bears in the sample production. Unfortunately, Elliot never went on to full production, making any surviving examples extremely rare. In early December 1993, Elliot sold at an all-teddy-bear auction for £49,500 or $ 64,200. Accounting for inflation, that’s more than £95,000 today — or more than $160,000 at current conversion rates. #7 Diamond Eyes Bear – $ 84,000 Another prestigiously expensive teddy bear produced by the German toy house Steiff . Gold muzzle, sapphires and diamonds in place of eyes, fur interwoven with gold threads. This is what a teddy bear made by Steiff on the 125th anniversary of its successful operation looks like. There are only 125 collector pieces in the world. #6 Steiff’s Oldest Teddy Bear – $ 105,000 The bear, made in 1904, is the world’s oldest teddy bear. Like many bears on this list, it was made by Steiff. According to Reuters, it was sold in Germany in 2000 for an estimated $105,000. #5 Supreme Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear – $ 106,016 This Supreme x Louis Vuitton teddy bear is the pinnacle of fashion royalty branding and it went via auction overnight for a cool $106,016.08. As it stands, full proceeds from its final price will be used to benefit the BBC Children in Need — an organization aiming to ensure every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure environment in which to grow. The doll is 100% authentic and certified from BBC Children in Need. #4 Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear – $ 136,000 In 1912, the first black fur Steiff teddies were manufactured to be given as mourning gifts after the sinking of the Titanic. They were made in five different sizes and only 665 bears were produced. In 2000, one of the mourning bears sold for $136,000 to the Puppenhaus Museum in Switzerland, according to The Telegraph. #3 Steiff Teddy Girl Bear – $ 143,000 When Colonel Bob Henderson was born in 1905, he was gifted with the Teddy Girl bear. During his successful career as Colonel in the British Army, he was sure to keep his favorite bear alongside himself. After Henderson had passed away in 1990, his Teddy Girl was sold at auction for over $143,000 in 1994, which is a record, according to Reuters. #2 Bear with Louis Vuitton monograms – $ 182,000 The second most expensive teddy bear in the world was made independently by fashion mogul Louis Vuitton. This teddy bear was created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the LV brand. There are only 500 specimens of bears with the cute name DouDou. It was for sale in Monaco, the city of the rich. #1 Steiff Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear – $ 2.1 million The teddy bear, which was created by the moguls Louis Vuitton and Steiff, is the most expensive teddy bear in the world, as we have not yet recorded the existence of another teddy bear that would sell so well at auctions. The world-renowned fashion brand and toy manufacturer have worked together to create a teddy bear that exudes elegance and prestige. In 2000, the bear was sold at auction in Monaco, where it was bought by Korean Jessie Kim. It can currently be viewed at the Teddy Bear Museum in the Korean city of Jeju. Get Full Recipe HERE Ugly Ted, World's Ugliest Teddy Bear Over 300 ADN Nationally Certified Activity Directors so far this year! Are you ready for a Great Career! The Job Market is HOT! APNCC Your Affordable Choice! 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: 2810 US HWY 190 W #100-A9 Livingston, Texas 77351

Visual Impairment May Be Early Dementia Risk Factor Visual impairment may be a risk factor for dementia, according to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. In this study women with baseline objective visual impairment were more likely to develop dementia after an average follow-up of 3.8 years. Researchers notes that self-reported visual impairment was not associated with any risk of dementia or MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). However, data showed “visual impairment was associated with an even higher likelihood of dementia when combined with self-reported hearing loss.” The researchers found women with visual acuity of 20/100 or worse at baseline were at the greatest risk for developing dementia. When it comes to the risk of developing MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), this group also had the greatest risk. The results suggest interventions to improve visual acuity in older adults may be beneficial. “Older adults who undergo cataract surgery have been suggested to have lower risk of new-onset dementia, and other studies have suggested improved cognitive scores after cataract surgery”. Here are a few examples of warning signs that may be a tell tale presentation that may lead to visual complications. Consult with your nursing team if your resident either displays or complains of the following: Sudden eye pain: redness and nausea – this could mean a sudden but severe bout of narrow-angle glaucoma and may lead to vision loss. Spots and floaters in his/her field of vision: This may be due to the separation of the gel-like interior of the eye from the retina and is a normal part of aging. However, if symptoms are sudden or associated with ongoing flashes of light your resident could be presenting with a tear or detachment of the retina. Surface pain, tearing, or irritation: May be symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition that is more annoying than sight-threatening. Double vision: This is an important symptom, which should not be ignored. Dark curtain sensation across the visual field: If this is temporary, disappearing after a few seconds or minutes, then it would be important to check for a mini-stroke. Although many previous studies have reported associations between visual impairment and impaired cognition, evidence has been mixed. Individuals with visual impairment may perform poorly on cognitive tests, especially tests with visual components. Individuals with visual impairment may experience less cognitive stimulation thus, progressively decline, emotionally retreat or simply lose interest in the world around them. It boils down to the old adage: “Use it or lose it!” That said, prevention, early detection, and management are key priorities as population aging leads to rapid growth in dementia prevalence. In particular, identifying potentially modifiable risk factors is essential to ensure that patients have access to interventions and support when they are most able to benefit. According to the researchers in this study, the results suggest interventions to improve visual acuity in older adults may be beneficial. These findings suggest potential value for early vision screening and vision-improving interventions. Facilities must care plan and customize resident programming to ensure that residents with sight limitations are given appropriated adaptations to continue to finding pleasure and thus, a reason to fully participate in cognitively stimulating opportunities. Those of you that are managing therapeutic interest and needs based programming are likely to be spending more overall quantitative time with the aging population you serve than any other interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and as such, you will not only get to know your resident’s psychosocial frame of mind but will undoubtedly become acutely aware of your resident’s clinical diagnosis. The degree of time you spend in direct contact with your resident puts you at a vantage point for spotting those subtle nuances or even perhaps minuet changes that could actually be red flag warnings of an impending clinical and/or behavioral issues to seek nursing consultation for. https://www.medicaloptics.ie/ten-warning-signs-of-vision-problems-in-the-elderly/ https://www.ajmc.com/view/visual-impairment-may-be-early-dementia-risk-factor https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2764384? Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Activity Directors Network was founded in 1982 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

Top 5 Stress Relief Games in 2020 Posted by Yana Yelina | Apr 15, 2020 Source: Mental Health Matters You certainly feel stressed from time to time: negative emotions and fatigue quite often come while you’re at work, and it seems really difficult to get rid of them, distract, and relax a little bit. To provide some examples, 80% of workers are stressed while managing their daily activities (especially those in the USA and China), and almost half admits they need aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Beyond that, according to the statistics, 75% of adults encounter moderate or high levels of stress during few months, with 1 out of 75 persons experiencing panic disorder. Stress is also a top health concern for US and Australian teens. There are several ways to cope with stress from reading a book to yoga. This article explains how you can use stress relief games to help manage your stress. 1. Bubble Wrap Bubble Wrap is a great game for reducing stress. Bubble wrap popping beloved by many people is now available virtually. Just press the bubbles with fingers and make them explode, thus, getting rid of destructive emotions. This free mobile app is also a time killer: you can play it while waiting in a queue or during a long and tiring trip. There’s an option to pop bubbles as long as you desire, or opt for a mini-game (Blitz Pop: the number of bubbles popped within a minute; Pop 500: the speed at which you pop 500 bubbles; Pop All: how fast you’ll be able to pop the whole sheet that includes 2,000 bubbles). The app offers a range of colors, pleasant sounds and allows users to change the bubble size. 2. Color Break Color Break grants a marvelous opportunity to relax and make fun. Try digital painting using your fingertips or stylus and relish an amazing variety of patterns. This app will help to encourage your creativity and forget about a tough day. This stress reliever game boasts an unlimited number of colors and lets users share finished works with friends via emails. This is a great “quiet” game that you can play at work without drawing too much attention your way! 3. Personal Zen Personal Zen is another game for handling stress and anxiety. The app was created with the assistance of neuroscientists, and it’s clinically proven to help people to battle painful emotions and exercise the brain for better wellness. Researchers say it is a bright idea to play Personal Zen a couple of times a week for about 5-10 minutes. However, the longer you play, the better influence on your well-being you experience. Furthermore, the game trains your brain so that you can concentrate on positive things in your life and throw away negatives. Just accurately follow the path of a friendly sprite on the screen without allowing the evil one to distract you. Mediavine 4. Paper Toss Paper Toss is a nice app to use during a break at work. Whenever you feel exhausted and need to relax, take a crumpled piece of paper to make it in a trash basket on your mobile phone. The game offers an automatic count of balls that reached the target, 7 levels of difficulty, stunning graphics, great flick control, natural sounds at the office with comments from angry co-workers, varying speed of the paper flight, and more. So, feel free to have a short break and rest with the Paper Toss app. 5. Relaxing Puzzler Relaxing Puzzler represents a meditative puzzle game with which you’ll be able to take your time and have a rest. Hypnotic soundtracks by Winterpark will give you an opportunity to meditate and reach the state of serenity without noticing the change. The app, inspired by meditative art styles, is easy to use: you just guide the energy by moving rocks around the mystic garden and relax to the full. Read Full Article This pandemic has been incredibly hard for our world. It hit like a ton of bricks and has lasted a great deal of time. It may even seem to most of us that it will never end. The truth is, our world has survived many events that were similar in a lot of ways. In this case, the 1918 Pandemic parallels the struggles that we are facing now. Thankfully, we have made great advancements in our knowledge, skill and understanding and that offers us some relief and tools that were not present in 1918. However, the fear, emotion and disbelief were the same for the people experiencing these events as they are for us. We are never alone in our experiences the way we tend to sometimes feel. The NY Times gathered some excerpts from survivors of the 1918 Pandemic and their insights and thoughts echo much of what can be heard today during this Covid 19 Pandemic. While it is devastating to endure, perhaps we can take heart in the fact that others have gone before us and have come out the other side. Things are ever changing and while this may feel permanent, it will eventually morph into something different. Things will eventfully settle and security will return one day. Below are some of the excerpts from the NY TImes article for you to read and even share with your residents. The full article is linked below it. Memories of the 1918 Pandemic From Those Who Survived Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/us/spanish-flu-oral-history.html Nearly everyone who survived the 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed at least half a million American lives, has since died. But their memories, preserved in oral history interviews, shed light on its indelible impact. Bustling major cities and rural towns were brought to their knees, as transportation, law enforcement, commerce and civic life were wiped out. On the scale of death “They were stacked up in the cemetery and they couldn’t bury them. I was living on 31st Street. then. And that was a two-way street then, you know, and it’s one-way now. But people that died over this way had to be buried over this way and they used to have a funeral procession coming this way. And they used to be crossing. You had, they had to come to this bridge, coming one way or the other. And people would be there. And I would be laying in there and I says, I looked out the window and says, ‘There are two funeral processions. One going one way and one going the other way meeting like that.’ And that’s the way it was. There wasn’t a lot of comforts in those days. But it didn’t worry me. I was taking care of myself. What I mean, I wasn’t thinking about it. I wasn’t knowing whether I was going to die or what. I was just figuring it’s got me, and everything else is going on.” — Clifford Adams, Philadelphia, 1984 On fear of the contagion “That was the roughest time ever. Like I say, people would come up and look in your window and holler and see if you was still alive, is about all. They wouldn’t come in.” — Glenn Holler, Conover, N.C., 1980 On the human cost “They were dying — many families losing one or more in their family. It was getting so bad, the deaths, they even, they had to use wagons drawn by two horses to carry people to the grave. I remember seeing them past the house, seems like to me now it was every day. … At that time, when the phone would ring, when my mother or my father wanted to listen in, and they would turn to us, and they would name the person they just heard had died. It was night and day that you would hear about these people dying. My father never got the flu but he would go to town and buy groceries for the neighbors and take it to the front porch. And we didn’t get the flu at all in our family, but it was terrible.” — Robert McKinney Martin Jr., 1996 Read Full Article You are what you eat. Scientists have fast been connecting nutritional intake and food sensitivities with mental illnesses and behavioral issues. There is no way around it, what you fuel your body with needs to be clean and recognized as real food. This is especially important during times of great stress or when a strong immune system is pertinent. If stress is not managed, it may wreck havoc on your health down the road in the form of physical symptoms. According to Eating Well, there are a several foods you should consider throwing into your diet, and perhaps your food cart, that can specifically help with stress relief. 7 Foods for Stress Relief Source: Eating Well Stress can take a toll on your body’s natural defenses, but eating the right foods can offer relief. 1. Snack on Nuts 2. Add in Red Peppers 3. Serve Salmon Twice a Week 4. Bust Out the Spinach 5. Fill Up on Oatmeal 6. Indulge in Dark Chocolate 7. Sip Tea Read Full Article Activity Starter Create a Tea Cart with a variety of stress relieving teas and some dark chocolate. Pick approximately 3 different tea types and provide disposable cups, hot water, honey and lemon slices. Some good stress relieving teas are: Chamomile Lavender Peppermint *Kava (*this one has one of the strongest sedative effects.) Passionflower The Stress Diet This diet is designed to help you cope with the stress that builds during the day. Breakfast ½ grapefruit 1 slice whole wheat toast (dry) 8 oz. skim milk Lunch 4 oz. lean broiled chicken breast 1 c. steamed spinach 1 c. herb tea 1 Oreo cookie Mid-afternoon snack Rest of Oreos in the package 2 pints Rocky Road ice cream 1 jar hot fudge sauce Nuts, cherries, whipped cream Dinner 2 loaves Garlic Bread with cheese Large deluxe pizza 1 large pitcher of Beer 3 Milky Way candy bars Late evening snack Entire frozen cheesecake (eaten from freezer) Rules for this Diet: If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy are cancelled out by the diet soda When you eat with someone else, calories don’t count, if you don’t eat more than they do. Food used for medicinal purposes never count, such as hot chocolate, brandy, toast and cheesecake. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner. Movie-related foods, such as Milk Duds, buttered popcorn, Junior mints, Red Hots, and Tootsie Rolls, do not have additional calories because they are part of the entire entertainment package and are not part of one’s personal fuel. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breakage causes calorie leakage. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. Foods that are the same color have the same number of calories, Examples: spinach and pistachio ice cream; mushrooms and white chocolate. Note: chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color. - Author Unknown Courtesy of: Allison Bennett, AD-TXC Enroll Now Over 90 Graduates last Month - NAAPCC.net "The Most Trusted Credentialing Body in the Industry." 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 © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Why ADLs and IADLs Matter These terms stand for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). They represent key life tasks that people need to manage, in order to live at home and be fully independent. Accurate assessment of the individuals “ADLs or IADLs” functionality are in great part essential information to planning facility programs that meet the needs of the resident population served. Difficulties with ADLs and IADLs often correspond to how much help, supervision, and hands-on care an older person needs. This can determine the cost of care and the level of care within a residential living facility. It also determines whether someone is considered “safe” to live at home or even whether a person meets eligibility requirements for certain long-term care services. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) These are the basic self-care tasks that we initially learn as very young children. They are sometimes referred to as “Basic Activities of Daily Living” (BADLs). They include: Walking, or otherwise getting around the home or outside. The technical term for this is “ambulating.” Feeding, as in being able to get food from a plate into one’s mouth. Dressing and grooming, as in selecting clothes, putting them on, and adequately managing one’s personal appearance. Toileting, which means getting to and from the toilet, using it appropriately, and cleaning oneself. Bathing, washing one’s face and body in the bath or shower. Transferring, which means being able to move from one body position to another. This includes being able to move from a bed to a chair, or into a wheelchair. This can also include the ability to stand up from a bed or chair in order to grasp a walker or other assistive device. For each ADL, people can vary from needing just a little help (such as a reminder or stand-by assist*) to full dependency, which requires others to do the task for them. *Stand-By Assistance refers to the need for someone to assist another individual performing activities that are basic to daily living. Unlike someone who needs continual supervision (i.e. all the time), a person who needs standby assistance has to have a caregiver within arm's reach of the individual at all times to prevent, by physical intervention as necessary, injury to the individual while the individual is performing the activity of daily living (ADL), for example, being ready to catch the individual if the individual falls while getting into or out of the bathtub or shower as part of bathing. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) These are the self-care tasks we usually learn as teenagers. They require more complex thinking skills, including organizational skills. They include: Managing finances, such as paying bills and managing financial assets. Managing transportation, either via driving or by organizing other means of transport. Shopping and meal preparation. This covers everything required to get a meal on the table. It also covers shopping for clothing and other items required for daily life. Housecleaning and home maintenance. This means cleaning kitchens after eating, keeping one’s living space reasonably clean and tidy, and keeping up with home maintenance. Managing communication, such as the telephone and mail. Managing medications, which covers obtaining medications and taking them as directed. Why ADLs and IADLs Matter Generally, older adults need to be able to manage ADLs and IADLs in order to live independently without the assistance of another person. It’s important to understand ADLs when determining the proper level of care for the individual resident. Some ADLs require minimal care while others, like toileting, require 24/7 care. Geriatricians assess ADLs and IADLs as part of assessing an older person’s “function.” Problems with ADLs and IADLs usually reflect problems with physical health and/or cognitive health. Identifying functional difficulties can help us diagnose and manage important health problems. Another crucial role ADLs play is in providing a standard that many insurance companies use to determine the level of coverage to provide. The number of ADLs a senior needs help with, will usually determine whether or not they qualify for assistance in paying for an assisted living home, a nursing home, or in-home care. For many long-term care insurance policies, the inability to perform two ADLs or more is the point where the insurance provider will start paying on the policy. https://www.pioneernetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Definitions-of-Common-Terms-Used-in-Long-Term-Care-and-Culture-Change.pdf Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org Workshop Objectives: Upon completion the student will understand the concept of unconditional love between a pet therapy animal and a person. The student will know the different purposes of therapy pets. Upon completion the student will understand the many benefits of pet therapy. The student will read a wide variety of Teacher Tales to illustrate the benefits. The student will be given information on several national pet therapy organizations that they can draw from to get their own pet therapy program started. Workshop Content: Love—Our Basic Need What is Pet Therapy? Benefits--Importance of Pet Therapy Pet Therapy Visits In-House Therapy Pets Inviting A Team to Your Facility Resources Information and Sample Forms of National Organizations ENROLL Now Now Enrolling for the September 1st class - Visit ActivityDirector.org to enroll. 114 Graduates this month! NAAPCC.net Est. 2011 Members NCCA 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 © 2020 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Activity Directors Network Online Classroom Visit ActivityDirector.org or call us at 1.888.238.0444 Our Online MEPAP Classes start Next Tuesday March 3rd 2020 We are now enrolling! Activity Directors Network is the premiere online provider of the MEPAP classes with almost all of our students passing the NCCAP national exam. We have taught students from all 50 states, Canada and England. Activity Directors in Long Term Care, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Daycare, Swing-Bed Hospital Care, Recreational Care and PACE programs can take the NCCAP MEPAP Courses. Our MEPAP 1 is the most widely accepted Activity Director Training course in the US. Make sure your Activity Staff is qualified before your next Survey, The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (cms.gov) State Survey of Senior Care Facilities follow Federal Regulation F680-F679, Surveyors Guideline In most States this course meets all of the Minimum State Requirements under Federal regulation F680, Check with your State Regs and your facility for any additional Continuing Education requirements. ------------ Taking a course Online is a very interactive way to learn. Not only do you benefit from a professional Activity Director Instructor, You also share the knowledge and networking with your entire class. Our Classrooms Lead Instructor: Kathy Hughes ADC , has over 40 years of teaching the NCCAP Certification course experience, as one of the original MEPAP Certification Training Course Authors, Kathy has the "know how", the experience and the resources to train you and your staff to provide innovative activities to your residents as well as learn about the regulations that effect the delivery of activities. Our Guest Instructors - Swing-Bed Specialist, Ruth Martanis - Adult-Day Health Specialist, Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP, CMDCP Once you experience the Online Classroom setting you'll wonder why you didn't try this sooner. ----------- The 24/7 Chatroom and the Class Forum are just two of the ways each and every Student can reach out to the entire class to either ask for help, offer some advice or share their particular journey with the class. You will enjoy networking with activity professionals who share their ideas and knowledge throughout the course. Our online class lasts 4 months, a 180hr course, 90hrs Class Study/90hrs of Practicum (Fieldwork). ** Cost is $600 - Payment Plans are available. "If your facility is paying, simply sign our Purchase Order Agreement to verify payment, and start the class , we will wait on a Check . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ask about our "Self-Paced Format" that will allow you to expedite the training or extend it out for a year to help accommodate a busy life..... !! To Get Started : visit ActivityDirector.org download the MEPAP 1 Enrollment Packet fill out the enrollment forms + purchase order if applicable. fax them in and you're ready to go. (fax 1+866-405-5724). Enrollment Packets >> click here>> 🔻MEPAP 1 🔻 MEPAP 2 ---------------------------------------- ** Click HERE to have the Enrollment Packet emailed to you. ---------------------------------------- Be sure and use our "Military Family Discount" $100 off any Military family EZ Payment Plans Available , use the Make a Payment option on https://activitydirector.org - Call or email us to set up a plan that will work for you! Email Us - admin@activitydirector.net 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. Activity Directors are the key to creating environments that we ourselves would be excited to live in. We envision facilities that feel like homes, not institutions. Facilities that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe providing the best education available, with the most talented teachers we can find, 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 Our Network, Pennie The Behavioral Health Programming Guide is a "Must Have" for your facility. Not only does this comprehensive guide explain the new Behavioral Health Regs But it lays out a plan of action to keep your entire facility in Compliance. Learn to evaluate your residents for the most common BH issues Learn to classify and develop activities and careplans with measurable goals. Most of all make sure your facility is BH Ready for your next State Survey $14.95 - in the AD Store - Digital Download Written By : Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP, CMDCP

I attended College and received 72 hours of Activity Coordinator Training and was awarded a certification of completion. I went for an interview on Monday, and Wed. During both of these interviews I was asked if I had completed the 24 hours of required training. After leaving the second interview, I wondered.... Does my certificate cover the "required by law/state agency/ 24 hours course" they are talking about? Is there some higher power (State Agency) that I was so post to forward my certificate to or take additional test, training hours, etc? Who is it that is the entity that is actually requiring anyone to hold a Activity Coordinator Training Certificate? Do I need CEU's? Are they required by anyone other than AC/AD professional organizations that are not required by law/licensing that I can join only if I wish? I was up until 2:30 in the morning searching for the answer on the internet (btw- this is how I found this website) this morning I spent several hours on the telephone going around in circles trying to find the answers. 916-552-8700 (licensing certifying board of California) nothing 916-322-2760 referred to another number800-807-6755 on hold and in the cue for over an hour, then when it was my turn... Disconnected 916-651-8848 no agent here either, and after pressing number after number I still did not get any info 211- referred to EDD.. EDD, go on line, nothing there regarding Activity Coordinators 714-567-2906 Public Health/Licensing for SNF--entity that completes state surveys, THEY REFERED ME TO GOOGLE "ACTIVITY COORDINATOR/DIRECTORS FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA" I am frustrated, and back to exactly were I started yesterday! Can you help? incase this thread gets lost, my personal email is iairbrushu@yahoo.com Thank you, Dawn Livesay, LVN, AC

Hi fellow AP/BC's .. I found these CEUs on APNCC.org If you live in Washington, Ohio or Wisconsin here are some face to face CEUs for your Board Certification. Need continuing Education? The following educational opportunities are pre-approved by the Credentialing Center. We are happy to list any pre-approved education. Learn how to gain pre-approval for your event on our Pre-Approval tab. September 19th-21st Wisconsin Representatives of Activity Professionals Annual Conference Marshfield WI 13.5 Credit Hours www.wrap-wi.org September 26th-28th Washington State Association of Activity Professionals Annual Conference Bellingham WA 17 Credit Hours www.wsaaptoday.org October 24th-26th RAP Ohio Annual Confernce Columbus Ohio 22 Credit Hours www.rapohio.org

Our Online MEPAP Classes start next Tuesday May 1st Activity Directors in Long Term Care, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Daycare , Our MEPAP 1 is a State Approved Training course. Approved thru Federal Regulation F679 that governs the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (cms.gov) during their State Survey of Senior Care Facilities with regard to the Activity Director. Download a Enrollment Packet to pass along to your employer Click HERE for the MEPAP1 Enrollment Packet Taking a course online is a very interactive way to learn. Not only do you benefit from a professional Activity Director Instructor, you also share the knowledge and networking with your entire class. Our Classroom Staff , Lead Instructor, Kathy Hughes - Swing-Bed Consultant, Ruth Martanis - Adult-Day Health Consultant, Celeste Chase Once you experience the Online Classroom setting you'll wonder why you didnt try this sooner. The 24/7 Chatroom and the Class Forum are just two of the ways each and every Student can reach out to the entire class to either ask for help, offer some advice or share their particular journey with the class. Our online class lasts 4 months, a 180hr course, 90hrs Class Study/90hrs of Practicum (Fieldwork). Cost is $600- a payment plan is available and if your facility is paying, simply sign our Purchase Order Agreement and begin immediately. To Get Started . visit ActivityDirector.org and download the MEPAP 1 Enrollment Packet . fill out the enrollment forms, fax them in and you're ready to go. Call Activity Directors Network at 1.888.238.0444 for more details. Click HERE for the MEPAP1 Enrollment Packet

Dawn Worsley (NCCAP) and Caregiving 101 are leading the way to standardization for Home Care Training and Regulations NCCAP.org . Home Care, Aging in Place are becoming more the norm these days as Home Care grows, and the availability of local caregivers increase. Its rare that you can drive any place in any city without seeing a Home Care Representative on his or her way to care for an elderly resident. Home care assistants serve a vital role in providing much-needed assistance to the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill populations within our communities. They care for patients who independently are unable to maintain good hygiene, proper nutrition, and a clean living space. They may also assist with daily activities and recreation if needed by the patient. Visit the NCCAP for more exciting news on the Road to Home Care Standardization. < Click Here to view the Balancing Act promo for the Upcoming Lifetime TV Feature . NCCAP and Home Care Certification Caregiver Training Requirements By State >> Caregiver Training By State.pdf

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows when or how soon the federal laws will change for activity staff to be mandatory to be certified? Also I have college credits from years ago (30 years) from Miami University Oxford, Ohio and was wondering if those college credits are still valid or I need to re-take my college courses. Thank you.

The National Certification Council has a New Website Design... NCCAP.org Dont forget the NCCAP Symposium in June, 4th through the 6th Cary NC read all about it on the NCCAP blog Need extra CEs Join the NCCAP Chat .. earn CEs for participation. Schedule Dates and Times.. on the NCCAP Website......

New CE Workshop is available at ActivityDirector.org online classroom, Creativity! Activities that Inspire Pre-Approved by NCCAP for 5 Credit Hours Activities inherently taps into the “potential and creativity” of the participants. This Online study program will encourage you as the activity professional to explore various ways to awaken the potential and creativity in your residents. This will assist you in developing programs that can be used to unlock the creativity in your residents.

Activity Directors Network Online Classroom http://www.activitydirector.org MEPAP classes start the first Tuesday of each month, next class is Tuesday!! Make sure your staff is State Survey safe. Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Adult Day Health and SNF/SwingBed LOOK for our New NCCAP Home Health Certification Program coming in February. ActivityDirector.org has consultants from each industry assisting with every class. So no matter what type of facility you manage or work at, we have a consultant to help you navigate the coursework. Download the Enrollment Packet below to begin. Payment plans are available, if you have any questions please call 1.888.238./0444 Ask for Cheryl or use our contact form here. MEPAP 1 Course Info.pdf 204.85KB 41 downloads MEPAP 2 Course Info.pdf 194.11KB 141 downloads ------------- - What is MEPAP? - How does the course work? - How do I Enroll? - Frequently Asked Questions

Become an NCCAP qualified Activity Director Visit http://www.ActivityDirector.org View this email in your browser If you're seeking an Activity Director course that fits your busy schedule. .. A course that you can finish in as little as 13 weeks or stretch it out for 1 year. .. then the MEPAP "At Your Own Pace" State Approved training may be the class for you! Get the most from our "Open Resource" concept. Choose the MEPAP to ensure that you and your staff are qualified under the CMS State Surveyor Guidelines for Skilled Nursing Facilities and choose the "At Your Own Pace" to start when you're ready. .. It's the most time-effective way, for computer savvy students, to complete the MEPAP classes online with everything in 1 place, accessed 24/7, from any computer. Right Here, Right WOW! Copyright © 2013 Activity Directors Network, llc, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences

Our Online MEPAP Classes start next Tuesday Dec. 4th. Activity Directors either in Long Term Care, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Daycare our MEPAP 1 is a State Approved Training course. "The State Survey Safe! Class Taking a course online is a very interactive way to learn. Not only do you benefit from a professional Activity Director Instructor, you also share the knowledge and networking with your entire class. Our Classroom Staff , Kathy Hughes - Lead Instructor, Ruth Martanis - Swing-Bed Consultant, Celeste Chase - Adult-Day Health Consultant, The 24/7 Chatroom and the Class Forum are just two of the ways each and every Student can reach out to the entire class to either ask for help, offer some advice or share their particular journey with the class. Once you experience the Online Classroom setting you'll wonder why you didnt try this sooner. Our online class lasts 4 months, a 180hr course, 90hrs Class Study/90hrs of Practicum (Fieldwork). Cost is $600 - a payment plan is available and if your facility is paying, simply sign our Purchase Order Agreement and begin immediately. To Get Started . visit ActivityDirector.org and download the MEPAP 1 Enrollment Packet . fill out the enrollment forms, fax them in and you're ready to go. Call Cheryl at 1.888.238.0444 for more details. Click HERE for the MEPAP1 Enrollment Packet