Taking Activities Seriously... Need Ideas

[Kellbell68 0]

Hi Everyone!

I am new to this website. I am currently over on activitydirector.org taking the MEPAP1 class.

Just a little background on me...

 

I started my career in activities in mental health. I was the AD at a mental health facility 6 years ago, and absolutely loved it! Management was bad, the pay was terrible and eventually I left for another job.

 

I was then working at an assisted living community as the Life Enrichment Coordinator. My goal was to become certified as an AD and then to continue on to get my rec therapy degree. That is still my goal. Anyway, the assisted living wasn't quite what I wanted, so I am now working as the AD at a 100 bed LTC/Rehab facility.

 

I came into my new position with no help. The AD had quit and the assistants had both went back on the floor as aides. The Administrator is wonderful, but the rest of the staff seems to be very anti-activities. I'm not sure what to do. I have just hired a new full-time assistant and can hire one more full-time person. This will help with the resident's complaints that there are not enough evening and weekend activities, but the other staff (aides, etc.) are just not willing to help.

 

Do any of you have any suggestions on how I can make the staff realize that activities are very important, and that as activity professionals, we don't just goof off and play bingo? They see me doing paperwork, but I feel like I am constantly sticking up for activities and myself. There is just no respect between the nursing staff and activities.

 

I just don't want to get to that burn-out point. I was thinking of leading an in-service for the entire staff, but I'm not sure how much good it will do.

 

I have also been doing fun things to boost staff morale, but the staff just isn't 'biting'. We are having a cookie exchange tomorrow, and out of 70+ employees, only 3 employees have signed up.

 

I am very friendly and upbeat (which I have been told annoys some staff), and am working on my assertive-ness:) It is my one major downfall... I am a people pleaser, and working hard to be more assertive, but still likable.

 

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

Kelly:)

[lindabean 0]

Hi Kelly,

 

I am also in the MEPAP1 class with you. I hear your frustration. I came into a facility that had a very poor AD, she was fired and my staff is feeling a little down. I trully believe that there are some people who you will never be able to change, so forget them!....Concentrate on those who are more open to the new concept the LTC as well as STR must have quality of life for all who are in their care.

 

I started with my staff first, they need to be positive role models engaging in a team approach to caring for our residents. We have regular meetings and a nice long lunch at least quarterly. I ask them to share their frustrations and make their reccommendations for improving the quality of our residents life. Our goal is to show all staff that when your residents are happy and their day is full, they will be much more pleasant to deal with when it comes to personal care. I love to hear a nurse say that Mrs........has been in such a pleasant mode lately and what a positive change that is! I will speak up and say that perhaps her involvement in ...... with activities has made her happy and feeling more fulfilled.

 

I don't think I am getting my point across well....Change takes time....look at the activities you offer, are they diversified, is there something for everyone, are we encouraging enough? I know that my staff is feeling much better than when I first arrived 4 months ago. Have I seen change? I believe I have although small. I believe that we can make a difference and when I no longer believe that, I should not be in that position....Your enthusiasm is a plus and don not let anyone tell you differently!

 

Look forward to future conversations,

 

linda

Hi Everyone!

I am new to this website. I am currently over on activitydirector.org taking the MEPAP1 class.

Just a little background on me...

 

I started my career in activities in mental health. I was the AD at a mental health facility 6 years ago, and absolutely loved it! Management was bad, the pay was terrible and eventually I left for another job.

 

I was then working at an assisted living community as the Life Enrichment Coordinator. My goal was to become certified as an AD and then to continue on to get my rec therapy degree. That is still my goal. Anyway, the assisted living wasn't quite what I wanted, so I am now working as the AD at a 100 bed LTC/Rehab facility.

 

I came into my new position with no help. The AD had quit and the assistants had both went back on the floor as aides. The Administrator is wonderful, but the rest of the staff seems to be very anti-activities. I'm not sure what to do. I have just hired a new full-time assistant and can hire one more full-time person. This will help with the resident's complaints that there are not enough evening and weekend activities, but the other staff (aides, etc.) are just not willing to help.

 

Do any of you have any suggestions on how I can make the staff realize that activities are very important, and that as activity professionals, we don't just goof off and play bingo? They see me doing paperwork, but I feel like I am constantly sticking up for activities and myself. There is just no respect between the nursing staff and activities.

 

I just don't want to get to that burn-out point. I was thinking of leading an in-service for the entire staff, but I'm not sure how much good it will do.

 

I have also been doing fun things to boost staff morale, but the staff just isn't 'biting'. We are having a cookie exchange tomorrow, and out of 70+ employees, only 3 employees have signed up.

 

I am very friendly and upbeat (which I have been told annoys some staff), and am working on my assertive-ness:) It is my one major downfall... I am a people pleaser, and working hard to be more assertive, but still likable.

 

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

Kelly:)