Increasing awareness

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hi All,

 

I'm asking your help on an especially irritating issue. I am the AD & only activity dept. staff member, and we have a new program where there is a LOT to do, constantly.

 

I like to get things from the store for my programs, (walmart, kmart, craft supply etc, home supply store) and often find more selection than from the catalog..Plus I don't have to pay shipping from my budget.

 

The admin has a hard time letting me take work time out to go to the store, stating "well that is a cost too, because of your pay rate while you are gone". (even tho' I pay my own gas and do not ask for reimbursement) To me it makes more sense to go out because then I make sure I get things that the residents respond more to. Example, you can't order a pumpkin online w/o paying shipping too!

 

Any suggestions how to encourage them to "see the light" and provide necessary time once or twice a month to go out and get things I need? Getting frustrated going out on my own time.

Edited October 19, 2008 by ILoveMyLVN

[heavenstar 0]

The only way I can see your point being made is by doing it "their way" for a whole month. Then, presenting them with a total of all your shipping costs. Also, give them an estimate (or actual) of what it costs them for you to go and do the errands - your time, etc. but don't put in your gas or mileage if you don't ask for it.

 

Also, you could list some benefits that are received by you going out and doing the errands on work time. For instance, in my case anyway,

1. I can usually find things cheaper and on sale when I see them at the store verses buying them online.

2. Stress reliever for me to get away from things for a bit.

3. May find better quality or better ideas while comparison shopping. Also, it is a lot easier to put something back on the shelf when you are at the store versus returning a shipped item and waiting for a replacement.

4. I am more creative at work because while I am shopping, I get more or different ideas. Plus, once I see a decoration in person, I can usually figure out how to make it a lot cheaper-- and then put it back and make it myself.

5. Shopping after the holidays at stores getting up to 90% off of holiday items can save lots of money in the budget.

6. Get to network with the store managers and possibly work out projects together or at least get a discount.

 

 

My boss lets me go on errands during work, but recently, the Residents' Council Committee (who pays for the decorations) complained that I was spending too much. I told them that I drive about 50 miles round trip-- not asking for gas--- to save them money at a discount store. In addition, I make what I can out of cardboard and free items I can find. I will not do this next year. I will go to the more expensive Party City if they want decorations, or I will not decorate at all. Maybe this will teach them! Lol!

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

Hi Heavenstar, Thanks so much for the response.

 

Also wondered, do you have an assistant to help you?

 

Have a great day.

Edited October 20, 2008 by ILoveMyLVN

[heavenstar 0]

No, I don't have an assistant-- but there are times when I would love one! I do however, use my residents as volunteers and a couple have become my assistants! This is the most wonderful thing I can think of. One lady loves doing activities, so she runs all of the exercise programs (videotapes) and movies. She was an electrical engineer in China and loves all kinds of electronics and computer stuff. She is also very helpful when other residents need help in the computer room. The president of the Residents' Council comes to my aid a lot when I have parties or trips that I can't attend. She takes charge and runs everything. I know I am unique because I work in Independent Living and therefore, most of my residents are very capable and independent and are able to do most things themselves! I would not be able to do my job without them!

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

I think it's great for you to have help in whatever form it's available. Independent living sounds fun. Do they vote on the groups they want too? I'm thinking of adding a review of our activities to the participant council next month so they can vote or suggest new ones.

 

I will use those tips you shared about explaining the benefits of going out on the clock to gather supplies for the month.

 

Take Care!

[heavenstar 0]

To answer your question, yes, we do have a vote to see what programs to offer. The way it works is we have a program meeting once a month. All residents are invited and then we sit down at a table and discuss who we want for the birthday party next month and where we want to go for a trip. Also, we discuss any fundraising ideas-- we try to do one a month. And then any new groups, programs and whether to keep the existing programs or not. Also the most important part of this meeting is that if we plan on doing a new program, I ask for volunteers to do things. If there are no volunteers, then we don't do it. We will try to find people to help us before the next month's meeting.

 

My job is to prepare an agenda to pass out, to include a calendar of the future month's events already scheduled and to include ideas on what to do and where to go. Since we like to keep to a routine, I know that if June is coming up, I will include a bake sale, in December, we will go and look at Christmas Lights. We just vary it all a little bit. In November, we usually have a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. This year, we are inviting the fire department and police department to share with us so that we can give them thanks for all they do.

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

To answer your question, yes, we do have a vote to see what programs to offer. The way it works is we have a program meeting once a month. All residents are invited and then we sit down at a table and discuss who we want for the birthday party next month and where we want to go for a trip. Also, we discuss any fundraising ideas-- we try to do one a month. And then any new groups, programs and whether to keep the existing programs or not. Also the most important part of this meeting is that if we plan on doing a new program, I ask for volunteers to do things. If there are no volunteers, then we don't do it. We will try to find people to help us before the next month's meeting.

 

My job is to prepare an agenda to pass out, to include a calendar of the future month's events already scheduled and to include ideas on what to do and where to go. Since we like to keep to a routine, I know that if June is coming up, I will include a bake sale, in December, we will go and look at Christmas Lights. We just vary it all a little bit. In November, we usually have a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. This year, we are inviting the fire department and police department to share with us so that we can give them thanks for all they do.

Great set up and very mindful of your clients input. Sometimes our events take longer to organize so I'd like to try it now for December. Lots of holiday happenings will be on the way then. Do you have staff "adopt a client" or be a secret santa for the holidays'? I'm currently looking for a speaker about the history of Hannukah, and something that the clients can make that they can give as gifts. We have lots of crafts but not everyone is into them.

 

Take care & thanks again

[ILoveMyLVN 0]

To answer your question, yes, we do have a vote to see what programs to offer. The way it works is we have a program meeting once a month. All residents are invited and then we sit down at a table and discuss who we want for the birthday party next month and where we want to go for a trip. Also, we discuss any fundraising ideas-- we try to do one a month. And then any new groups, programs and whether to keep the existing programs or not. Also the most important part of this meeting is that if we plan on doing a new program, I ask for volunteers to do things. If there are no volunteers, then we don't do it. We will try to find people to help us before the next month's meeting.

 

My job is to prepare an agenda to pass out, to include a calendar of the future month's events already scheduled and to include ideas on what to do and where to go. Since we like to keep to a routine, I know that if June is coming up, I will include a bake sale, in December, we will go and look at Christmas Lights. We just vary it all a little bit. In November, we usually have a Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. This year, we are inviting the fire department and police department to share with us so that we can give them thanks for all they do.

Great set up and very mindful of your clients input. Sometimes our events take longer to organize so I'd like to try it now for December. Lots of holiday happenings will be on the way then. Do you have staff "adopt a client" or be a secret santa for the holidays'? I'm currently looking for a speaker about the history of Hannukah, and something that the clients can make that they can give as gifts. We have lots of crafts but not everyone is into them.

 

Take care & thanks again