Guidance Please?

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am a new Activity Professional and trying to get a program up and running at a facility in CA that is similar to Adult Day Health. At first we had no funding and are still only worked with a few games. I am trying to expand the program but having a hard time.

 

I have planned activities like Coffee Social in the Morning, Gentle Exercise, Trivia, Games like Poker, Bingo, You be the Judge etc. Many of the poeple are higher functioning, and would probably like to be doing a variety of things.

 

They don't all show up at the same time, stay for about 5 hours and they have a hard time agreeing to do one activity. I have no assistants at this time yet, which makes it hard to do paperwork or much planning on the clock...Often end up taking it home which is a bummer.

 

I took my AD training course, and found that at a SNF there seems to be much more flexibility because the residents can be engaged in an activity in their room, outside on a patio or even with other visitors, etc. They can have room visits if they refuse groups. However, at my place everyone comes into one room and is kind of captive there. We have no patio or outdoor area. Also the people there are all different ages from about 55 to 85, but there are only 25 or so now....This makes it hard to split them up into smaller groups, especially since their timing to show up is so variable.

 

I would appreciate guidance from some more Activity Professionals who can share insight into a situation like this. I really appreciate any thoughts you have.

 

I want to try and make it work there, but it is very challenging.

 

Thanks,

AD in CA

[theatrelady 0]

Hi AD in CA,

I read your post and you certainaly do have your hands full. I don't know if this will help or maybe you have already tried these things. I didn't notice a craft time. You may want to choose something that they can do for the time they are there. Example: food craft, rug making, or some no sew projects. Crafts they can do with minimum supervision or on their own when they arrive. My guys seem to have a good time with sanding whether it be bird houses, cars etc. Another program I have put together is a chorus. My goal was to have them sing songs of their era and if they they like, put on a concert. ( we are working on this now.) Maybe your people will show up at the same time weekly. You may be interested in a reader's theatre group and pick plays to act out. ( I usually stick to short plays) It is time consuming but a lot of fun. ( I incorporate theater games as well. These can be done anytime.) Well I hope I was able to give you a different avenue that may be helpful.

 

theaterlady in NH

Edited July 6, 2008 by theatrelady

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hi AD in CA,

I read your post and you certainaly do have your hands full. I don't know if this will help or maybe you have already tried these things. I didn't notice a craft time. You may want to choose something that they can do for the time they are there. Example: food craft, rug making, or some no sew projects. Crafts they can do with minimum supervision or on their own when they arrive. My guys seem to have a good time with sanding whether it be bird houses, cars etc. Another program I have put together is a chorus. My goal was to have them sing songs of their era and if they they like, put on a concert. ( we are working on this now.) Maybe your people will show up at the same time weekly. You may be interested in a reader's theatre group and pick plays to act out. ( I usually stick to short plays) It is time consuming but a lot of fun. ( I incorporate theater games as well. These can be done anytime.) Well I hope I was able to give you a different avenue that may be helpful.

 

theaterlady in NH

 

Hi Theaterlady,

 

Thank you very much for the insights! I have tried some crafts, and they like doing some I ordered from catalog such as the mineral mosaics, birdhouses like you mentioned, painting some wooden boxes. I am going to try some Ojos de Dios, or god's eyes, made with yarn and dowels. We do have some colored pencils, and the patients also like working on word searches. Several of them enjoy the "you be the judge" books from another senior supplier. Many of the men seem to be stuck in the idea that crafts are only for ladies...I am trying to break them out of this idea.

 

Where do you find the plays that your patients act out? I am thinking it might be a challenge for me to go to the library and find many copies of the same play. If I can swing it, I think they would really like the plays too. Please let me know how you'd set up the theater games?

 

Also, may I ask about care plans please...In my AD training it focused on Skilled Nursing, so the goals looked at patients doing things 3x/wk until re-eval. Here I am a bit stuck writing some of their goals because the person may only come in once a week, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with meeting everyone's needs for that week...

 

For example, person A comes in on Mondays, and their goal is to focus on their preference for crafts...Another person coming in on that same day has completely different interests, goal etc. How are we to meet all needs in this way? There are only so many programs I can fit into one day!

 

I have tried to set up programs to meet leisure domains of educational, physical, social, creative, self helf/helping others, spiritual, etc...But looking at incorporating planning of these programs into quantifying how everyone meets their goals....Any more suggestions here would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you !!

 

~GC

[LisaRee 0]

Hi GC,

I have that same problem with my skilled resident careplanning. I just make sure that in their progress notes I always mention that their time for most scheduled programs is limited due to therapy and resting. (which is true) I then go on to list the activities that they DO participate in. (Social functions, religious services, TV in room, music...whatever it is that they do). That's where your participation records come in VERY handy for you to look back and see who is doing what. You didn't mention if you are doing all this yourself or if you have activity aides. I tell my aides constantly, "If it isn't charted...it wasn't done".

As for plays, I'm pretty sure that it was a NASCO catalog that I saw a book of plays in. If it wasn't Nasco then it was S&S Worldwide. Both have websites. I would love to do something like that here but unfortunately alot of our residents are very low functioning right now.

Hope some of this helps you.

 

T.G.I.F. :-)

 

LisaRee

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hi Lisa,

 

Thank you for the response. I will definitely document as you suggested about patients limited time for acts.

For the participation records I have a generic form which was copied from another facility and lists the categories of activities. Physical, Classroom/Health Ed, Creative Arts, Socialization, etc. are listed on the side then the dates are on top.

 

I can't find a calendar template that will fit on one 8 x 11 sheet so that I can use the "hilighting method". Can anyone please email me one?

 

Also, when someone has a care plan that will have them expressing satisfaction with a certain activity, for example, my records only document that they were there, not about the response. Of course, it lists active, passsive, onlooker participation there too..But finding it overwhelming to document each person's response.

 

To add another interesting twist, more than I would like of the Care Plans do not have a specific goal for Activities. Yikes!! Now that I've been certified I'm going back to fix it..but finding it very difficult to find goals that I can measure...

 

If each person is to do their own individualized leisure pursuits and take part in activities for certain amount of time per week, certain number of acts. attended, and so on, how do they all meet their goals when their goals are so varied??? Maybe I am overthinking it but it seems almost impossible.

 

You asked about an aide, and unfortunately no we don't have one now. They are looking to get one though, but I get the feeling it will not be soon.

 

Any more ideas about how to develop the care plans to make it something they can attain if only coming into an ADHC type setting 1x or 2x/week? Sometimes they are only there 4 hours, and like you said most time can be taken up by PT/OT etc.

 

Our group also has not had much time to get used to the program yet..They don't get very excited by most activities, and I am trying my best to find what they do like...The problem is how to get them all into something they like when there is only me there. We have to schedule about 8 activities per day for the time these people are there during the day.

 

 

Take Care, from G

[junk_nutty 0]

The most important missing element is volunteers. Check with your local volunteer groups like RSVP or volunteer connection. Go to the local churches and ask. I know it is hard when you are in the thick of things, but time spent searching for volunteers is definitely time well spent. Our local high school requires 40 hours of volunteer work in order for students to graduate.

 

Good luck! Sounds like you have your job cut out for you.

[tracy 0]

I have planned activities like Coffee Social in the Morning, Gentle Exercise, Trivia, Games like Poker, Bingo, You be the Judge etc. Many of the poeple are higher functioning, and would probably like to be doing a variety of things.

 

These are some of the things that have worked for me, that don't require my active participation 100% of the time.

1. Get birds. The residents will sit for a long time talking to them, some of them will help with their care. Put an ad on your local Craig's list and tell them you are an adult day care looking for birds. Some will offer to sell, but many will be happy to donate.

2. Ladies and men both like to bead. The men can make for their wives, daughters, etc. Make sure to get nice quality, large hole beads - not your typical Wal-mart nursing home plastic variety.

3. Plants. Especially fruiting plants. Tomatos, eggplant, peppers, etc. Make sure you have a watering can and hand tools. Get plants that are tough and hard to kill.

4. Fish. Same as the birds. People get tired of their aquariums all the time. Once established, they are fairly easy to take care of.

5. Community service projects.Right now, we are making toys for the area Bird Haven birds, bookmarkers for when the kids go back to school (we have a school that comes every other week to read to the grandmas and grandpas), Christmas cards for a unit of troops stationed in a remote area of Iraq (yes, Christmas in July), and collecting and sending care packages for soldiers that are relatives or friends of our staff, employees or residents.

6. Checkers. Very easy. the men usually like it a lot.

7. Dominos. Set up several tables and have a tournament.

8. Flower arranging. Keep a large container of nice, artificial flowers and ask everyone to do an arrangement for the tables, the restrooms, the dining room, ???? Fresh flowers are always extra special. Maybe a florist close by can donate the stuff they throw away on the days that their suppliers restock them.

9. Movie and popcorn. Pop the popcorn, start the movie and then you can do paperwork, etc while you supervise.

10. Get a facility cat or dog. OR, bring yours to work everyday.

 

None of these things require you to be directly involved 100% of the time.

 

If you have transportation, load everyone up and just drive around. Take a neighborhood home tour, go to a garden, drive through the country. People watch. This used to be one of my favorite events with the Assisted Living folks. We looked at decorations, new million dollar construction, some of their old neighborhoods, the mall, lakes, buildings, etc. It didn't matter what we set out to look at/for. They always just loved being out.

 

Make cookies, homemade ice cream. Almost all folks like to eat.

 

Sorry this post is so long. I just hate to see new ADs getting frustrated and feeling like there's never enough time in the day. (There's not - but there will never be anymore). It should be fun, exciting and challenging to set up a new program. Add things to the calendar that YOU enjoy. Chances are, your enthusiasm will be catching. You could probably talk them into almost anything with enough enjoyment and expectation in your voice and a huge smile on your face.

 

The main thing is to enjoy what you're doing with them. There is only so much one person can do...leave the work at work and enjoy your time off. Even though there may be no way it all gets done - look at it this way: If it all gets done (by you) then no one ever sees the need to hire you any help.

 

Best wishes. If I can help further (if this helped at all), pls feel free to contact me direct.

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hi Tracy,

 

Thank you kindly for the helpful advise! I will definitely check into those tips you suggested. Does your facility require everyone to have a TB test before coming in numerous times (ie, for a volunteer, etc?) because ours does and I hope it doesn't deter people from coming in.

 

As far as getting the supplies goes, (and I love the ideas!!), I'm trying not to do it on my time off, like you said it doesn't help to bring work home with you. Are you able to fit that into your day to be able to go out and buy things you need?

 

I will definitely take you up on the offer to contact your further..Later on I'll figure out how to access the member profile feature!

 

Take good care and thank you again.

 

P.S. Any more info about ADHC care plans would be great. For people who don't want to participate, we can't do room visits like in SNF. Still wondering how to reach those people, yet still do stuff for everyone else.

 

~

[kmbreid 0]

Everyone has given great advice. Maybe you can incorporate the help of the clients who come in My groups love to help. The younger ones can help the less functional ones. Someone can call out bingo numbers or get out craft supplies. They even like to clean up.sweeping, picking up garbage,dusting. Men as well as women love to help, they need to feel important and useful. Also document client (resident) self directs (directed) their own activities . Chooses to read paper, clip coupons,sign cards for the sick etc... chooses to walk around room and view others doing activities. You can get 5-6 different groups going by having the clients do the leading with you starting them out. ones who were teachers love to do this. Then you can just go group to group writing the participation or reactions. We have a picture day when they bring in a few pictures to share with a round table activity. Some love to give coffee or tea to the other clients. Chooses to determine own activity for the day. Ask the client what goals they would like to do for the next month they come. Make calendars and have them label what they plan to do each day of the week also with self directed clients).We also have ---staff time out -- a 15 min break for the staff to do a activity with a client or group. They get a change of pace with their job and you get 15 min for paper work. Take to the admins. We also have a announcement for each staff member to bring a client to the room for those who are needing to bring into the rec. area. Hope this helps a little. Best of luck. Karen

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Everyone has given great advice. Maybe you can incorporate the help of the clients who come in My groups love to help. The younger ones can help the less functional ones. Someone can call out bingo numbers or get out craft supplies. They even like to clean up.sweeping, picking up garbage,dusting. Men as well as women love to help, they need to feel important and useful. Also document client (resident) self directs (directed) their own activities . Chooses to read paper, clip coupons,sign cards for the sick etc... chooses to walk around room and view others doing activities. You can get 5-6 different groups going by having the clients do the leading with you starting them out. ones who were teachers love to do this. Then you can just go group to group writing the participation or reactions. We have a picture day when they bring in a few pictures to share with a round table activity. Some love to give coffee or tea to the other clients. Chooses to determine own activity for the day. Ask the client what goals they would like to do for the next month they come. Make calendars and have them label what they plan to do each day of the week also with self directed clients).We also have ---staff time out -- a 15 min break for the staff to do a activity with a client or group. They get a change of pace with their job and you get 15 min for paper work. Take to the admins. We also have a announcement for each staff member to bring a client to the room for those who are needing to bring into the rec. area. Hope this helps a little. Best of luck. Karen

 

These suggestions all sound great! Still looking at making time to go out and get supplies on company time. It's a bummer to do on my own. I love the picture day idea. We have some patients who have already brought in some pics and shared with the group. One gentleman brought his book of autographed pics from celebrities of long ago.

 

Also heard a good tip to have an international day where everyone brings something from another country and shares it. Will have to stick it on my August Calendar.

 

Well, to make matters more interesting we have just gotten some 5 Spanish only clients. I wrote up their care plans to ensure the a plan is developed for ongoing translation, seeking Spanish speaking volunteer. I have been giving them some crosswords to do in Spanish which they are working on. However with only me there most times it's going to be interesting to plan concurrent programs..Hmm. Hope we get some more staff soon!

 

Thanks again to all for the excellent advice.

 

Would someone please help me find a calendar which fits on one 81/2 by 11 sheet of paper so I can try printing the month there and use the hilighting charting method mentioned on this site? I have found some online but when I enter the activity info, they always go over one page. I have about 8 or so activities each day.

 

Hugs! GCL

[bkcoogler 0]

I too work in an adult day care and my clients range in ages 18-85. Luckily our facility is made up of several different rooms... ONE MAIN activity room where most accumulate first in the morning. I work as the only activity director with no assistants. Here's a breakdown of what goes on during the week; I've found that a routine schedule works well with our clients.

 

Monday - Movie Day: I rent a movie at the local redbox for $1.00 and make popcorn. We also do coupon clippers on this day... where I bring in coupons from the Sunday paper and clients clip them and take what they want for shopping days. Art club meeting: those that have signed up and want to participate in arts and crafts can do so (this is now lead by a higher functioning client)

 

Tuesday - Shopping Day: Take clients who have money to Wal Mart to do the needed shopping.

 

Wednesday - Bible Lesson: A local pastor comes in for about an hour with his wife and sings and delivers a spiritual message. Nature Walk: We take a nature walk for those that would like... and normally stop by a local thrift store that is only a few blocks away.

 

Thursday - Library Day: Take those that want to go to the local library. Writing club: those that have signed up and want to participate work on the monthly newsletter that is sent home. (this is also now lead by a higher functioning client) Current Events/News: I bring in newspaper clippings/online print outs and we discuss what's happening in the nation. (this was GREAT during the election)

 

Friday - Shopping Day: Take clients who have money to Wal Mart to do the needed shopping. Nintendo Wii - I bring in my personal Wii system and hook it up to the tv in one of our rooms so that they can play bowling, golf, baseball, mario kart, etc...

 

This isn't my calendar per se but is a basic guideline that I follow and add extras to so that each day is different. Hope it helps!!!