In Room Visit Idea

[gina 2]

In room Visits:

Ice cream sundae social

 

I worked at a facility that had a rehab.and high percentage of room visit residents.

This activity was great because the residents always looked forward to it each week.

Just make up a cart from the kitchen and put ice cream,syrups,bananas,nuts,whipped cream,and cherries.you will also need a scooper,knife,spoons,napkins and small paper bowls.

Go to each room and make individual sundaes for each resident,while your making them take time to chat about their day and anything new thats going on.

Then when your done with the room visit residents go to the main activity room and hold your Ice Cream Sundae social for the rest of your residents.

You can make it fun by giving "ice cream vouchers" during the week before each social as prizes for bingo or other games,pass out to your room visit residents for participating in other room visit programs.

[Guest Pat8231]

Sounds like a good idea Gina - ice cream is always welcomed. Where I use to work they never served ice cream. Our room visits were split up by 3 AA's doing 4 patients each.These paitents were unable to get to the main dining room or the activities room. We got very familiar with them and their famlies etc. 1 AA took the book cart with her. I use to just sit with them, hold their hand and chat about everything from soup to nuts. When I left the AD just started having us do all the paitents rooms. I did that before our AD told us to because I thought it was very important to go to those who were unable to get out to the activity room. 8-) Thanks for letting me share, Pat8231

[gina 2]

Maracas/Music time

 

You will need:

 

cleaned out soda cans

foil

tape

rice

paints-red,white,green

Mexican Music C.D.

C.D.player

 

Directions:

Start by putting the rice into the soda can,then tape the hole at the top closed.

Wrap the can with the foil,then have your resident paint it anyway they like.Let dry.

Then put on the music and let your resident use their new maraca. :-) gina

[Lynn56 0]

What about dietary restrictions? Diabetics, lactose intolerant, ect. Seems to me you would need written permission to do this.

[gina 2]

Hi Lynn,

I just read your post from last month,in answer to your question,I have no reason to need "written permission" to serve ice cream sundaes to my residents.I know my residents well enough to know which ones have lactose intolerance,which ones are diabetic,etc.

I have a few different types of ice cream on my cart, and have never had any problems or complaints...

gina :-P

[elainem 0]

I really like the Sundae idea for 1:1 visits. I have about 60 residents who need 1:1 visits at least 3x per week. We have about 5 of us in the department on most days. We just seem to have a hard time getting them all done. Does anyone have other great ideas to help with this 1:1 activity struggle. :-?

[Crysty 0]

The sundae idea is great! We also have an activity that works well with in-room residents. Every morning we go around to each room, saying good morning, opening blinds, offering coffee and hot cocoa to each resident. It's a good time to see how they are feeling that day and what's going on, We call it "Good Day Rounds" It's a great way to touch base and visit with them.

[gina 2]

Hi Crysty,

I really like your idea for room visits!!

I have coffee chat and snacks every morning in the front lobby but have never thought about taking in through the facility!!!!

You can teach an old dog new tricks

Thanks!

Have Fun! GiNA :-P

[Guest Guest_Cindy]

Do you think that with the State now paying more attention to activities (quality of life) that corporate/administration would consider hiring someone to come into the facilitiy only part-time to conduct in-room visits? It is just so very hard to take care of all the residents needs, especially if you are the only person in your department. I think that it is time for things to change and would love to provide a meaningful service.

 

I am interested in doing this in the San Antonio area. I am an experienced Activity Director and have been known for my sensory groups and in-room carts. I would love a morning job conducting sensory groups or in-room visits. If you have an opportunity please contact me at: cynthiahorsley@msn.com

 

Thanks

[funsister 0]

The sundae idea is great! We also have an activity that works well with in-room residents. Every morning we go around to each room, saying good morning, opening blinds, offering coffee and hot cocoa to each resident. It's a good time to see how they are feeling that day and what's going on, We call it "Good Day Rounds" It's a great way to touch base and visit with them.

:roll: Hi I am new to this site, seems very informative. on these in room visits I thought you had to have a sm. program type of visit. Is the State ok with the coffee and visiting and sundae type visit? That would be better than trying to get together with some kind of program.

[nancyw 0]

HELLO, I AM NEW TO THIS SITE- I HAVE

ENCLOSED SOME 1:1 VISITS.

1. MONDAY NITE- FACIALS ( CHEAP CLEANSING PADS- & FACIAL LOTIONS)YOU

MAY CHOOSE ANY NIGHT- ALSO GOOD NITE ACTIVITY.

 

2. NAME THAT TUNE

 

3. JOKES OR POETRY READINGS

 

4. FOOT MASSAGES

[Guest MarySue]

:-D I have been reading your ideas for 1:1 visits....pretty good ones I think! One great in room activity that I have found to work well is hand massages. You just take some lotion (I try to use unscented if I know the resident has sensitive skin or breathing trouble) and rub it between your hands to warm it first. Massage very slowly the resident's hands. This is very relaxing and makes their hands feel so much better.

 

Question for anyone...Is there a regulation out there stating the amount of time that you must spend with each resident on 1:1's? I have always been told 15 minutes per resident, but if that is so, the good morning idea (which I think sounds GREAT) might not work. Anyone know?

[Guest MarySue]

I thought of something else - If your facility works well with your department you might try this for your 1:1 visits (especially if you have a lot to do with little help). I designed a small group activity that I call "In-Focus" groups (because you are focusing in on your residents needs). I took all residents in our facility - 120 beds - and broke them down into categories pertaining to cognition first and then to abilities. I was able to have 2 small groups per day (11:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.) with 8 residents per group. Each group was seen 2x weekly in addition to anything they did independantly. You can document it under small groups and eliminate your 1:1's all together except for the truly bed-bound residents - I even had an MR group.

 

The activity might be to take a beach ball and pass it around, while asking each person a different question such as "Your hand landed on red. What is a food that we eat that is red?" (strawberries, cherries, apples, beets). The next time you might land on yellow and ask, "what is outside in the sky that is yellow?"

 

You can utilize a lot of different activities - music, reading, sensory, tactile, nail care, balloon toss, parachute fling, keep the card, etc. depending on the cognitive level of your particular group. If anyone tries it, let me know how it goes for you!

[Guest DEPORT]

The majority of my residents are in room residents, but they are also tube fed. I have been stumped about different kinds of activities for them. I do not want to leave them out of anything. Any suggestions appreciated. :-)

[Pennie 26]

The majority of my residents are in room residents, but they are also tube fed.  I have been stumped about different kinds of activities for them.  I do not want to leave them out of anything.  Any suggestions appreciated. :-)

Hi,

Read your post on doing 1:1 visits with your bed bound res. The tube feedings should not interfer with the res. activities, which it sounds like it doesn't. As far as suggestions how about music, books on tape, reading to them, bible study by reading to them and/or using religious tapes, chess (for those able to) you set up a board in their room and one in your office Have the res. make a move, write this move down then you or the person playing against them gets this paper and move that piece to match the res. board. Then you or whoever makes a move writes it down and this is given to the resident the next day. Move the piece on their board etc.. This is done everyday (except for the days you are off, unless you can work something out for someone else to do it on these days) til someone wins. Also when you have special events with people in the facility see if they can go by the residents rooms to say "HI", Pet visits are great, have other volunteer residents. and church groups go by to visit. Resident volunteers are great for this type of activity. You can also write letters, send out cards for the residents. Do their hair, nails, pedicures etc.. Hope some of these things find a way to be helpful to you. P

[Guest tigger]

Hello,, The 1-1 visits are really hard for me. But I did find a really good idea. I started doing a scrapbook with a couple of my 1-1 residents. We only work on 1 or 2 pages a visit. But not only does it gets the resident involved a little. We also get to do a little reminessing about there life. My 2 residents are really having a good time. Just ask the family to bring in some pictures or do what you can with what you have. The best thing is everything can stay in there room. You can get a book very cheep, and you can just use crate paper for your back ground, a couple of stamps and you have a really good 1-1. If they are sleepy sometimes just do lotion and music or something for a change. I also paint nails if they would like. Back massage is a good idea also. Make sure you have posters on the ceiling or mobils hanging, some residents like those. Have your big groups make them, and tell them who they are for, Your residents might be happy to help. Hope this helps a little

[staceriam 0]

Hi. I just read all of the great ideas for 1 on 1 activities. I have been told they are supposed to be 15 mins each also and I work at a 117 bed home. What I do is I have several rooms that have residents that are about the same cognitive level and we play "guess what's in my box?" I simply have a box with a lid and it is cut out at one end so they can get their hand in there and pull something out. They are common items such as a brush, comb, watch etc... When there is 3 to a room, and you go bed to bed, it is very effective. The other roommates get involved and you talk about what each item is that they pull out of the box.

A note on the pedicures: I am also a former nail technician. If you do pedicures, do not cut the toenails. Many careplans specify that the nurse or the foot Dr. cut the toenails. Diabetics especially. If this is not done properly, it could cause big problems.

When I do hand massages, I use a little hand sanitizer on them first before I use the unscented lotion. When you are going from resident to resident, this really cuts down on possible infection control problems!

[Crysty 0]

Hi guys, I saw alot of great ideas out there, just wanted to tell you of one I just learned I am so excited to try it... :-D For your in-rooms that are cognitive and physically able you can play bingo...How do you ask? Use a two way radio while you are playing and they can listen to the numbers being called and play along, when they have bingo they can let you know, it's a great way to involve them! I am going to try this soon, I let you know if I hit any snags.. ;-)

[Guest Christine122]

Hi. I just read all of the great ideas for 1 on 1 activities. I have been told they are supposed to be 15 mins each also and I work at a 117 bed home. What I do is I have several rooms that have residents that are about the same cognitive level and we play "guess what's in my box?" I simply have a box with a lid and it is cut out at one end so they can get their hand in there and pull something out. They are common items such as a brush, comb, watch etc... When there is 3 to a room, and you go bed to bed, it is very effective. The other roommates get involved and you talk about what each item is that they pull out of the box.

A note on the pedicures: I am also a former nail technician. If you do pedicures, do not cut the toenails. Many careplans specify that the nurse or the foot Dr. cut the toenails. Diabetics especially. If this is not done properly, it could cause big problems.

When I do hand massages, I use a little hand sanitizer on them first before I use the unscented lotion. When you are going from resident to resident, this really cuts down on possible infection control problems!

:-) I LOVE the "what's in my box?" idea...what a great sensory activity for lower functioning residents...I think it could also work as a group activity by increasing the number and types of items in the box...with group discussions to follow! I plan on trying this...thanks for the tip!

[Wilkesrose 0]

Here's another in-room idea I did a few weeks ago. I did a watermelon carving presentation for the residents that wanted to attend. I used a cart, covered it with a red platic table cloth, filled it with ice, placed the carved watermelon basket on the ice, filled the basket with ready to eat fruit (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, cantaloupe, and watermelon), put cups, napkins and serving utensils on the bottom shelf. When the group was finished, I reloaded the basket with more fruit, and took the cart up and down the hall to each resident that did not attend the function. They really enjoyed it, and some of the more mobile residents helped me push the cart and distribute the fruit cups. Hope this helps!

[weda 0]

Do you think that with the State now paying more attention to activities (quality of life) that corporate/administration would consider hiring someone to come into the facilitiy only part-time to conduct in-room visits? It is just so very hard to take care of all the residents needs, especially if you are the only person in your department. I think that it is time for things to change and would love to provide a meaningful service.

 

I am interested in doing this in the San Antonio area. I am an experienced Activity Director and have been known for my sensory groups and in-room carts. I would love a morning job conducting sensory groups or in-room visits. If you have an opportunity please contact me at: cynthiahorsley@msn.com

 

Thanks

Dear Cindy,

I am also from the San Antonio Area, and would like to know more about how you do your sensory groups and in room visits. Any info would help! Thanks!

Sincerely,

Weda

[weda 0]

HELLO, I AM NEW TO THIS SITE- I HAVE

ENCLOSED SOME 1:1 VISITS.

1. MONDAY NITE- FACIALS ( CHEAP CLEANSING PADS- & FACIAL LOTIONS)YOU

MAY CHOOSE ANY NIGHT- ALSO GOOD NITE ACTIVITY.

 

2. NAME THAT TUNE

 

3. JOKES OR POETRY READINGS

 

4. FOOT MASSAGES

Dear Nancy,

Hi, I am an activity director in the San Antonio area. I would like to know some more info an one of your activities that you posted. What is name that tune? How do you play? Any info will help! If you need any new activity ideas I am sure I may have some for you. Thanx Weda

[weda 0]

The majority of my residents are in room residents, but they are also tube fed.  I have been stumped about different kinds of activities for them.  I do not want to leave them out of anything.  Any suggestions appreciated. :-)

Dear Newbie,

Here are some ideas for your in room visits, I have an activity cart that I carry all my sensory stim items in, I go from room to room 3x a wk. I have different scents that I use like Vanilla, Peppermint, Lemon etc for smell. I use a feather for touch, I use scented hand lotion for massaging the hands, face and arms. I also carry a aromatherapy machine that will also put out scents and plays different sounds like a bird chirpping, rain and ocean sounds. You can find this aromatherapy at Target, Walmart they cost about $20.00. I hope that this little bit of info will help any questions feel free to Email me! tejanaweda@sbcglobal.net

[Guest DEPORT]

most of my residents are tube feeders and are bed bound. The in room visits are difficult. I also have a very small budget that is including items i use out of dietary. I always feel like i let my bed resident's down because i have very little time with them.

[wonytineres 0]

Here's a quick idea for your bedbound folks that will involve other disciplines- seek out donations of snowglobes/music boxes in good condition (not necessarily Christmas ones- you can find countless types). Work with your Director of Housekeeping and arrange for all housekeepers to have a music box on their cart. Provide the housekeepers with a list of residents who need to have the music boxes placed in their rooms. The housekeepers then place these music boxes in the rooms of assigned residents while doing their regular cleaning rounds. As the housekeepers become more comfortable with this hopefully they will begin to talk to the residents about the music box/snowglobe, show them the item, etc. To ensure documentation of these visits I hang a calendar in the residents room and everytime the housekeeping staff provide a 'visit' they make a check mark on the day. We started this about a year ago and at first folks went wild, 'not my job', 'don't have time', etc. however now I have housekeeping staff bringing in seasonal decorations for rooms of bedbound residents, checking out books on tape from the library for folks, etc. Give it a try- it is impossible to meet the leisure needs of all our residents without the help of others.