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Do your aids assist residents to activities?


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We have been having a major problem with getting the residents to actually come down to the activities (3 floors in facility). They will only come if we give them food, prizes, money or cigarettes. (The previous activity director basically bribed them to come to the activities by giving them things). I read on this forum the idea of offering "activity bucks' for the aids that bring residents down to group activities. This way, the aid is motivated to get as many of their residents to group activities. I thought it was a great idea, and so does the administrator. The CEO feels that it is not the duty of the Nurse's Aids to bring the residents to the activities because "they are too busy". We tried explaining to him that is what all of the other facilities do. But, now I need to back that up with some proof! SOOOO, how do your residents get to activities? Also, if anyone has any where or if this is documented in any regulations, etc. Would you please pass that along to me.

 

 

thank you all in advance,

Jennifer

Director of Social Services and Activities

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  • 4 weeks later...

We have been having a major problem with getting the residents to actually come down to the activities (3 floors in facility). They will only come if we give them food, prizes, money or cigarettes. (The previous activity director basically bribed them to come to the activities by giving them things). I read on this forum the idea of offering "activity bucks' for the aids that bring residents down to group activities. This way, the aid is motivated to get as many of their residents to group activities. I thought it was a great idea, and so does the administrator. The CEO feels that it is not the duty of the Nurse's Aids to bring the residents to the activities because "they are too busy". We tried explaining to him that is what all of the other facilities do. But, now I need to back that up with some proof! SOOOO, how do your residents get to activities? Also, if anyone has any where or if this is documented in any regulations, etc. Would you please pass that along to me.

 

 

thank you all in advance,

Jennifer

Director of Social Services and Activities

 

my aides dont mind helping plus as an ex aid that is part of their job sub most the i dont have to ask

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Hi Jennifer!

Sometimes I feel that Activity Directors get bogged down with the image that if there are not large group activities with 20 or more residents than activities is not doing their job.

 

Activity professionals need to understand that activities vary depending on each and every person.. you may have those that like to attend group activities.. Those that like to stay in their rooms (making the activity departments role into a supportive one) and those that are so busy with their friends and family and doing their own thing..

 

I would suggest that you really look at what your people like to do and evaluate your population... You may identify that only about 10 residents really enjoy group activities and the rest are content doing their own thing.. Just make sure you have an outlet where they can be given things to do.. such as cart programs, etc.

 

per the interpretive guidelines for activities, we need to an all inclusive environment for the residents activity interests. CNA's need to help, but it honestly is not their main priority.. Common sense to your CEO is that their are only 2 activity staff (just guessing) and depending on the number of residents you have its not realistic to expect activity staff to.. Set up programs and keep residents there while also running to round up other residents..

 

I would suggest you pull out the Activity Interpretive Guidelines and read them carefully (are you skilled nursing?)

 

Hang in there!

Hope this gives you some ideas.. don't hesitate to e mail me should you have any questions!

 

-Miguel

sarasa_miguel@yahoo.com

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We have been having a major problem with getting the residents to actually come down to the activities (3 floors in facility). They will only come if we give them food, prizes, money or cigarettes. (The previous activity director basically bribed them to come to the activities by giving them things). I read on this forum the idea of offering "activity bucks' for the aids that bring residents down to group activities. This way, the aid is motivated to get as many of their residents to group activities. I thought it was a great idea, and so does the administrator. The CEO feels that it is not the duty of the Nurse's Aids to bring the residents to the activities because "they are too busy". We tried explaining to him that is what all of the other facilities do. But, now I need to back that up with some proof! SOOOO, how do your residents get to activities? Also, if anyone has any where or if this is documented in any regulations, etc. Would you please pass that along to me.

 

 

thank you all in advance,

Jennifer

Director of Social Services and Activities

 

 

HI - I AM ALSO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES, HAPPY TO SEE OTHERS OUT THERE - OUR AIDES HAVE ALWAYS BROUGHT RESIDENTS TO ACTIVITIES AFTER THEY HAVE GOTTEN THEM READY, ACTIVITY AIDES WILL ALSO ASSIST, IF NEEDED, BUT PRIMARILY IT IS OUR AIDES THAT BRING THE RESIDENTS TO ACTIVITIES, NOT SURE IF IT IS STATED AS A REGULATION, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN QUESTIONED BY OUR AIDES AND THEY FEEL IT IS PART OF THEIR JOB DUTY. EACH AIDE IS ASSIGNED CERTAIN RESIDENTS FOR THE DAY AND THEY WILL BRING THEM INTO THE LOUNGE WHEN THEY ARE READY OR IF THEY WANT TO GO TO AN ACTIVITY. THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP THE ACTIVITY AIDES AND THE AIDES ON THE FLOOR IS VERY GOOD. I HOPE YOU GET THIS WORKED OUT, IT DOES SOUND LIKE AN INCENTIVE WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA AND IF ADMINISTRATION IS BACKING YOU, MAYBE HAVING A STAFF MEETING WITH STAFF WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA. KIMBERLY HENDRICKSON :huh:

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Hello out there. I have seen several people post that they are part of social services and activities combined - I must say KUDOS to you. Our social worker was previously an activity assistant and we were discussing how incredibly busy you must be!

 

As for the aides at our facility, they do assist with transports to activities. It wasn't always that way. It took a lot of aking for help and reminders that there was group programs that Residentss could come to. There are activity reminders set out on the dining room tables and also activity highlights posted in the nurses stations and next to the sign-in sheet for visitors. This way the nursing staff is aware of time and location and can ask or transport any Resident that may be available for an activity. This saves a lot of time for the activity person when trying to round up some participants. Also any visitors that come through see the highlights and may also join an activity with whomever they are visiting.

 

I hope this helps, keep your head up.

 

Maria Blanco

Activity Director Green Valley, AZ

Edited by blancogreat1
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We have the exact same problem at our facility. It is very hard to get the residents down to the activities unless there is food or prizes of some sort involved. With the economy the way it is right now and with our census down there have been quite a few changes around the facility. Our DON implemented that the aides have to assist in getting the residents down to the activities. The activitiy is announced 30 minutes ahead of time and then again 15 minutes ahead of time and then again at 5 minutes. We are going to start an Aide of the Month reward program and the aide that gets the most residents down to the activities and also does a great job in other aspects of their job will be rewarded. This is still in the works we have not came up with a set way of doing this yet but we are thinking of offering them gas cards, gift cards to local restuarants, etc. I do not know of any regulations of any sort but our administrator and DON feel it is the job of the aides to help. I'm hoping this new program we implement will help because even though it is a small facility it takes a long time to get all the residents down to an activity with just one person doing it.

 

Best of luck,

Stephanie :huh:

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HI - I AM ALSO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES, HAPPY TO SEE OTHERS OUT THERE - OUR AIDES HAVE ALWAYS BROUGHT RESIDENTS TO ACTIVITIES AFTER THEY HAVE GOTTEN THEM READY, ACTIVITY AIDES WILL ALSO ASSIST, IF NEEDED, BUT PRIMARILY IT IS OUR AIDES THAT BRING THE RESIDENTS TO ACTIVITIES, NOT SURE IF IT IS STATED AS A REGULATION, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN QUESTIONED BY OUR AIDES AND THEY FEEL IT IS PART OF THEIR JOB DUTY. EACH AIDE IS ASSIGNED CERTAIN RESIDENTS FOR THE DAY AND THEY WILL BRING THEM INTO THE LOUNGE WHEN THEY ARE READY OR IF THEY WANT TO GO TO AN ACTIVITY. THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP THE ACTIVITY AIDES AND THE AIDES ON THE FLOOR IS VERY GOOD. I HOPE YOU GET THIS WORKED OUT, IT DOES SOUND LIKE AN INCENTIVE WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA AND IF ADMINISTRATION IS BACKING YOU, MAYBE HAVING A STAFF MEETING WITH STAFF WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA. KIMBERLY HENDRICKSON :huh:
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Hi,

 

I don't know how you ever get anything done!!! Let me see if I understand this right, you are over Social Services and Activities? If that is correct, I can't imagine what your day is like!! We have so many short term rehab resident's that, our social service director has an assistant, and they both work like mad to get done!!! I work in a facility that has 120 beds. Good luck to ya!!!

 

 

Beth Morgan

activity director :huh:

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  • 6 years later...

 

I understand the importance of making the residents life at a nursing facility as comfortable as possible but sometimes it is hard for all departments to get on board about this. Nursing has the most to do with this and I am finding it difficult sometimes to have the residents up to participate in those chosen activities of interest. I have talked to the DON the ADON and the floor nurses and also the GNA's. This has to do with the long time problem of staffing issues, myself and my staff can not get residents out of bed but can put shoes on them and sweaters and comb hair and things of that nature but it seems like this is a on going situation were we have to adjust our times for certain activities and make the planning of such difficult. I am hoping soon that this is corrected and all departments can work for the good well being of all our residents.
 
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Re: Working with Nursing to enhance the Culture change.
by Pennie Bacon - Friday, September 4, 2015, 11:28 AM
 
Hi Tracey

This I think is a universal problem. Why can't others respect us the Activity Dept like we do them. If a resident is in a activity then it is 1 less person for them to deal with. Now that being said it may be time to ask for you to do a in-service with the staff and have the Admin & DON there to show they support you.

1. Activities is not our responsible only. It is all staff members responsible. We have a form that we use on .com website that staff is to use when they do a activity with residents. It is called a Multi-Dept Part Form. The guidelines require all staff members to do activities.

2. Residents have a right to attend any and all activities f their choice. This is Care Planned and part of their legal records on the residents chart.

2. Staff is to be sure that they get to these activities. IE. Reminded about activity, gotten out of bed, dressed, assisted to and from activity as needed.

3. If a resident wants to attend a morning activity and their shower schedule is set for that time then the shower time is to be adjusted not the activity.

4. State look sat the activity calendar and they check that scheduled activities happen and on time. They will check with the residents.

5. Actives can not be interrupted. So no staff member can come in to give residents meds, take them out for ADL's etc. They must also respect the rights of residents and be quiet when come into a activity.

6. You should be part of the team that when new hires are doing a orientation meeting. You need to be one of the department heads that goes in and talks to them and explain how important activities are to the residents and the that all staff is involved in this.

7. It is a proven fact that residents who are involved in the facility/activities

  • Activities can bring enjoyment and pleasure.
  • By remaining involved and active, a person with dementia can maintain their skills and independence for longer.
  • Activities can help people to express how they are feeling and relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Activities can increase social interaction and reduce isolation.
  • Sharing an activity with others may promote shared interests, increased interactions and understanding.
  • An activity may help a person feel important and valued because it relates to past roles and experiences, such as raising children or helping around the home.
  • Shared activity can promote a sense of belonging.
  • Leading a physically active lifestyle can have a significant impact on wellbeing. Exercise is beneficial for physical and mental health and can improve the quality of life for people at all stages of dementia.
  • Take less medication
  • plus so much more!
So maybe some other AD's will reply to your post and offer some advise as well as some in-service hand outs etc.

Keep us updated on your progress.

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  • 1 month later...

Without a doubt, it seems that aids should assist in bringing residents to activities. I think this should be documented though in the care plan. There are plenty of residents who need assistance and someone has to help while activities directors are busy implementing activities. 

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  • 4 weeks later...
 
  • 2 weeks later...

Just wanted to chime in and add my 2 cents.  We are very blessed to have great teamwork between the caregivers and activities.  Generally speaking the caregivers bring the residents in, and we take them back.  However, I have found that if I get in a little earlier and go around to each section (or floor if that's what you have) and announce to everyone what's going on in 30 min. and do it with excitement and encouragement usually the residents will respond to me and I am able to spread my enthusiasm to them rather than expecting a caregiver to have the same enthusiasm I have for it.  Also, I pop my head into some rooms here and there and invite them that way they feel as though they are still being thought of even if they never come. By doing a quick flybye of each section or floor it also gives me a chance to get the caregivers excited about bringing them and it strengthens my relationship with the caregivers and the residents.  I always make a moment or two about them as well.

 

PS:  I do know there are times that caregivers get busy and I will call them for specific people to say..... "Jane loves to do sing alongs and she isn't here - could you let her know thats what were are doing i'm sure she would want to join us".

 

 

Teresa B.

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I work in the Medical Unit of a CCRC and we have two sections within the Medical Unit: Skilled Care and Special Care. Our Special Care Unit houses most of our Dementia residents. This section is under lock and door due to residents with "Wander guards." The aids in the Special Care Unit are typically very helpful in bringing residents to my activities, which we usually have in the Skilled Care side. We only have 16 beds in the Special Care Unit, so the CNAs keep a tight watch over the residents and like to encourage them to socialize and participate in group activities with the residents in Skilled Care. Most of the staff in both Care units inform the residents of upcoming activities and prepare them by assisting them with toileting, making sure they look presentable, etc. then assist them to the location of the activity. 

 

The only problem I have with my aids is I wish they were more involved in the activity programs. Activities create a bonding experience and helps to alleviate stressors that arise throughout the day and I wish the staff took advantage of working with the residents to complete the activities. I am fortunate, though, for the help I receive from my aids!

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Hi Jennifer,

 

We have the same problem at our facility although we do have many great aides who will help out of their concern for the residents and their desire to help them in all ways that they can.  What are the "activity bucks" you mentioned?  I've never heard of these and I don't know anything about them.

 

There are often times when it seems that nursing and activities are at odds and I hope things get better for you.  One thing I hope to be able to do once a become director is to be able to sit down with with the DON (who is a lovely lady) and have the "conversation" about how to open the lines of communication between our departments without it becoming a competition.  One idea I have been thinking over - and it may not be the best or even "do"able - it to discuss with the DON about the viability of scheduling more aides on the days of large wholehouse activities so more residents can attend programs, especially holiday parties and special events.

 

Not sure if this helps, but it's an idea.  Please post the information about "activity bucks" when you have a moment.

 

Thanks,

Nancy

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  • 1 year later...
 

I am fortunate that I have educated my aides to bring me their residents, especially their needy ones. I worked the floor as a CNA before I worked in activities, and I learned that groups are a good way to keep your residents occupied so that aide can chart, take a break, etc. I remind my CNAs of this, and they bring me their people :)

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I have educated my aides as well on how important it is for them to assist their residents in attending activities.  For the most part, there are still just a few that do assist, and half the time the aides come into our parties expecting to get some treats.  I inform them that if you cannot assist in getting your residents to the parties then you don't need a treat.  They are well informed of their job duties, and assisting their residents to activities is part of their job.  I know that some aides are busy, but the majority just sit around and gossip.  Those that do assist us, I give them a treat or a free soda or snack from our country store.

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