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suggestions needed


TRiffic

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Hi everyone

I am a relatively new activity director for an assisted living community. My question is that my residents are very...wealthy and extremely intelligent. I have some residents that will go to any activity that is planned and the activities seem to be meeting their needs but most feel that the activities are just "not on their level". These residents just basically want to be entertained and are not the "sit down and make a craft or play ball" type.

I need some suggestions because I am having trouble planning the day-to-day activities for next month's calendar. As I mentioned, they like having entertainment but our budget can only afford so much of that. We also take trips which they like, do like word puzzles and "brain games", have wine and cheese parties, play cards, have a news review, do exercise (some of them), and watch movies.

Any new suggestions would be appreciated. This is only my second job in the field and my previous job was on a Dementia Unit that was in a not-so-great area and the programming was obiously completely different. I guess I never fully realized the difference in planning for a higher functioning group with more money Thanks!!!

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Hi TRiffic,

 

Have you looked into public service projects for your residents? Many people who have lived a comfortable lifestyle, seem to receive a sense of accomplishment from philanthropy. Maybe something along this line of thinking can be the key that motivates your residents to actively participate.

 

Perhaps a fundraising project with the funds being used to purchase needed equipment at the local dog shelter. I have read about people who knit, crochet, or purchase tiny blankets for the pets that are in dog shelters awaiting new homes. A project such as this can have many facets including; planning meetings, actual fundraising events, presentation of the donation, newspaper article, etc.

 

I have a resident who is the Chaplin for the local American Leigion Auxiliary and who also works twice a week in the hospital's auxiliary shop. Another resident coached little league soccer last year. A group of residents participated in Ann Lander's "Valentine's for Veterans" project this month. They also enjoy sponsoring a toy booth as many community events.

 

There is very probably a small part of every community event that your residents can be an esteemed part of.

 

Are any of your resident's family members involved in philanthropy? They may be a good resource. Having a family member involved may be a great motivator. Are there any areas that your residents have a special interest? That may be a good direction to go. A resident who loves children, may enjoy supplying the police department, ambulance crew, and/or emergency room with teddy bears for children. (Again a nice newspaper article)

 

This is a good question TRiffic, I am looking forward to all of the other ideas that will be posted here.

 

It sounds like you have an interesting group of people to work with. What a valuable experience.

 

All the best, and let us know what works.

imzoop

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Hi! I agree, phillanthropy is a great way to get residents involved! I would also suggest you look into Never Too Late. They grant wishes for the elderly. http://www.nevertoolate.org It might be fun for them to think of something they would like to do, but have not gotten the chance to do yet. They have a form on their site that you can fill out.

 

You could also come up with a list of local places to call to give a talk to your residents. Most would come for free, so it won't be a hit on your budget. Examples: Gardening shop (to talk about horticulture); Pilots (to speak about their airplanes); Local Comedians or Musicians (to play or speak); Yoga (do a session); Pampered Chef (create a meal); Creative Memories Consultant (create cards, or talk about scrapbooking); Teachers (maybe a foreign language teacher could speak about their country of interest) Really anyone local that might be able to do a talk.

 

You might also try to do a game show type activity. Guess the price of an item (like The Price is Right), This is Your Life, or Deal or No Deal.

 

Call a local school and see if they would like to have a pen pal program with your residents. Just a once a month note that they could get.

 

 

Hope some of these help.

-Amy

https://thealist.squarespace.com

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Fantastic idea ADInfo!!! I love the idea of inviting guest speakers. You know - Toastmasters and high school Speach Club members need audiences.

 

About 12 years ago a high school student came to me and asked if she could practice her speaches with the residents. She earned extra money speaking for the local clubs and she needed an audience to practice her speaches with. She eventually became a volunteer and helped me with group activities after school. A year later she was off to college. Several years go she returned, as a nurse! How surprised I was to see her orienting. (I just had to share that :) )

 

OK! This thread is getting fun, I know there are more great ideas out there!!!

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Hi everyone

I am a relatively new activity director for an assisted living community. My question is that my residents are very...wealthy and extremely intelligent. I have some residents that will go to any activity that is planned and the activities seem to be meeting their needs but most feel that the activities are just "not on their level". These residents just basically want to be entertained and are not the "sit down and make a craft or play ball" type.

I need some suggestions because I am having trouble planning the day-to-day activities for next month's calendar. As I mentioned, they like having entertainment but our budget can only afford so much of that. We also take trips which they like, do like word puzzles and "brain games", have wine and cheese parties, play cards, have a news review, do exercise (some of them), and watch movies.

Any new suggestions would be appreciated. This is only my second job in the field and my previous job was on a Dementia Unit that was in a not-so-great area and the programming was obiously completely different. I guess I never fully realized the difference in planning for a higher functioning group with more money Thanks!!!

 

Dear friend,

 

I'd like to tell you that I had the same experience like you few months ago.

Unfortunately my manager said that her budget was the same, So, I decided to ask the residents what king of activities they enjoy.

They told me to hear the piano been played and have a social conversation with something to eat and drink, etc.

Now I do their own activities, and we enjoy evening having a social conversation, I take them out to the garden and ask them to help me planting flowers too.

It's a little difficult but try it, I'm sure you are very smart and will find a way to help them. Take care ... JOHN

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Hi everyone

I am a relatively new activity director for an assisted living community. My question is that my residents are very...wealthy and extremely intelligent. I have some residents that will go to any activity that is planned and the activities seem to be meeting their needs but most feel that the activities are just "not on their level". These residents just basically want to be entertained and are not the "sit down and make a craft or play ball" type.

I need some suggestions because I am having trouble planning the day-to-day activities for next month's calendar. As I mentioned, they like having entertainment but our budget can only afford so much of that. We also take trips which they like, do like word puzzles and "brain games", have wine and cheese parties, play cards, have a news review, do exercise (some of them), and watch movies.

Any new suggestions would be appreciated. This is only my second job in the field and my previous job was on a Dementia Unit that was in a not-so-great area and the programming was obiously completely different. I guess I never fully realized the difference in planning for a higher functioning group with more money Thanks!!!

Greetings

Sounds similar to my residents! Some ideas are: have local authors come to do a book signing. Sometimes they will read portions of their book, and have copies available for sale. Have an avid reader in your group be a book critic and post their suggested read for the month with their comments. A poetry corner for reading or writing poetry or creative writing. Also passing down family history or personal wisdom to family in writing, recording or video. Another popular class is ~ Memory improvement. Working on remembering everyday things like peoples names or lists of items. Easy to do research on memory improvement and put a class together.Doing projects that contribute to charities in the community has been very successful. Like putting together small gift bags for children who may be in a shelter. Theme parties such as the Titanic or a foreign country. Arm chair travel to your residents favorite country. (Include food, music, video, art.)We raise Monarch Butterflies and release them. Oral Crossword Puzzle as a group. Ladies tea as Red Hat Society. Gentlemens program about Burma Shave, Route 66, or Trains. Liven up your exercise class with props like scarves for juggling, colorful pinwheels for breathing technique, colorful balls. Call your class Fun Fitness, Sit and Be Fit, Let's Keep Moving, Moving with Music....Easy Exercise...hope these help. I wish you well.

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