Assisted Living & Skilled Programmimg

[Laree 0]

Hi guys...I am the Activity Director in a facility that was all Assisted living up until 2 months ago at which time we became certified for skilled nursing. We are fairly small, census now is 45 with 28 of those being assisted. When we are full. census will be 90. I am finding it difficult to prgram for 2 very different areas. I have been using one activity calendar for both units and filling in on skilled with small group programming and 1:1's. But, there are only 2 of us in activities and trying to cover both units with meaningful activities is getting difficult. A few of the skilled people can participate in the activities on the assisted side. Most of the otheres rarely leave their rooms. Should I be doing 2 separate calendars? I am also helping out with Social Service as we are currently without a Director (and I have completed the SS Designee course) so MOST of time is spent keeping up with assessments, MDS's and progress notes. (This was supposed to be temporary but it has been going on for 2 months!) My assistant is the one who is trying to cover all these activities on both sides. I just feel our program is lacking and I hope to get some good ideas from all of you! Thanks!

[lllucas 0]

Dear Laree, :-)

 

I can appreciate your problem :hammer: .

 

You are on the right track. However, you need to create a calendar for your small groups and 1:1's. You are right, residents not coming out of their room must have 1:1 activities. You will find that most skilled persons are too sick to come to group activities.

 

When planning your activity calendar, don't stretch yourself too thin. Don't put on the calendar what you cannot accomplish. I don't know how advanced your volunteer base is, but in some states they can do one-on-ones for you.

 

Keep reminding your administrator (politely) that you NEED a SSD. There is no way two people can do what you're trying to accomplish and keep it up for very long. The paperwork for skilled is intense and involved; and the resident turnover is often and endless.

 

Hope this helps you out,

 

Linda Lucas, AD ;-)

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

[Laree 0]

Linda..Thank you for your response to my dilemma. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our Ed just hired an SSD who will start in 2 weeks. The paperwork has just about done me in! I will be doing 2 calendars for the first time this month...one for skilled and one for AL. Hope we can keep up. I need to boost our volunteer base Will be working on that ASAP! Thanks again for your advice & insight. It's amazing what an encouraging word can do! Thank you!!

[Matt 0]

This is my first posted!!!! :-D Well, if I may add, (only being a student), I think that you should have two separate calendars, because the assisted residents may be going to the programs, but could find them challenging, so you may need to alter them,a nd put them on a separate calendars, so you meet both needs. It may be the fact that the assisted feel too overwhelmed with the other side.

 

Another idea could be that you may want to use some volunteers to assist you with your programs, give them some kind of training, or allow them to complete your one to ones.

 

I hope that I can help you.

 

Matthew

[Guest Pat8231]

Hi, Just a thought. How about getting the ALF residents help the SNF residents. The ALF'ers might just enjoy helping out where they can. Paperwork is paperwork - need I say more lol... Mix the the calendar up a wee bit so that the ALF'ers are mixed within the SNF residents. You might be surprised at the results. People love helping in that age bracket because they feel useful again. Pick a few ALF'ers that might be interested in helping with SNF only. Then maybe once or twice a month mix the calandar up with both. Pat8231 8-)