Transitioning From Activity Assistant To Ad

[Guest Manderley]

Hi,

 

I've been an activity assistant for a year now (at two different facilities; an IL/AL/Alzheimer's community and then a SNF). I would like to hear feedback from other people about how many years of assisting is advisable before making the leap to AD.

 

Thank you,

 

Manderley

[douglash26 1]

I was an activity assistant for one year before I was promoted to Activity Director. I wouldn't say time is the most important thing, more important I think is being able to manage other people, networking with peers, taking activity classes to learn more, and just plain common sense so that you can make changes before someone else tells you you need to. In other words knowing your residents well is key. One other important thing....feel confident in yourself.

One of the things that made my transition easier was that my Activity Director when I was the assistant, taught me how to do the initial assessment and progress notes.

If you are going to make that transition make sure you ask the Administrator of the facility what is expected of you!! Good Luck!!

[salgal 0]

Experience is important as it gives you confidence in yourself and the ability to make decisions based on past experience. I was an AA for 2 1/2 years before becoming the AD. We changed management companies at a time when my AD was ready to retire due to medical problems, I was very fortunate to have had an AD who believed in me and taught me everything she knew and encouraged me to develop my own programs. I have continued this with my AA and have found it a valuable tool. Good Luck!