Guest Can anyone help me? Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 Hi everyone, my name is Sandra, I am currently in a Recreation program and will graduate with my degree next May 2007. The problem is my university dropped the Therapeutic Recreation degree because there was not enough students in the program. So my Bachelors degree will be only in Recreation and Leisure studies. I still need something like 5 Therapuetic Recreation courses so I can take the national exam to be certified. I have the list of universities that offer the degree, but I would have to wait a year to two years to become a resisdent of that state and I really don't want to wait that long to finish my Therapeutic Recreation degree. Plus the fact of finding a place to live while I am going to school in the new state, I really can't afford it. Does anyone have any advise on what I should do? I only found one school that offers distance education classes, but once again I would have to pay out of state fees and I can not afford that. Does anyone know any place I could live in your state by a unverisity that offers a degree in Therapeutic Recreation that wouldn't cost me alot, I would only have to live there one or maybe two semesters. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank, Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_ErinE Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 Since you've already researched the Universities and know your choices, I think your next step is to check into smaller towns within a reasonable communiting distance---cost of living will be much cheaper than living in the college town. Also, do any of the states that have the Universities offer reciprosity with the state you currently live in? Usually the states have to be "next to each other" and the college is located close to the border. I know some of the Universities in Minnesota/Iowa offer this. I live in Iowa but can attend certain colleges in Minnesota and pay in-state tuition--or vice versa. Also some offer that if you work in a state for a year (or more) and provide the paperwork to verifiy that, you can be granted in-state tuition for that college. Hope this is helpful and good luck. Too bad the program was dropped---where are you located? Can you present your case to the University that they should allow the students currently in the process of getting their TR degree to finish and then discontinue to the TR program? This at least would not leave anyone partially done without options to finish their desired education track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_Pegge Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Hello I am Pegge, Certified Activities Director, STNA, Owner of my own Assisted Living, I have 12 beds. 24 hour care of the elderly. I'm District Rep for Resident Activity Professionals of Ohio. Name of my business is Dream Haven- website: wwwexpage.com/dreamhavenagh - I'm not adverstising just telling you about my business. Anyone can do this if they want to. Dream Haven came from My dream and their haven. A nursing home alternative. Its something I've always wanted to do since I was 10 years. old. not to tell my age, but its over 40 years ago dream. I've had lots of hills and curves, but I'm making it happen for the elderly to make a difference in their golden years. I live here with my residents. Its a 24/7 job some weeks. If I can be of any help to anyone in Activities or otherwise, send me an email and put in subject activities. Special_72@hotmail.com Be Happy! Hugs from Pegge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MISSY!!! Report Share Posted June 26, 2006 Hey!!! I'm a new Activity Director. I live in Las Vegas, NV. I am originally from Mississippi!! Far way from home! I work for a company that their headquarters are in Calf. Does anyonyone have problems with their personal message thing, when I logged on I tried to send one and it would not let me!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katlipstick 0 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 What is your name? Kathleen "Mimi" Taylor :-) What is your occupation? ADC at longterm care facility •What are you listening to right now? Adult alternative radio • What was the last thing you ate? Veggie Phyllo at a restaurant •Do you wish on stars? no, I wish on eyelashes, and time, like when it is 11:11 •If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red •How is the weather right now? 64 muggy, and rainy •Last person you spoke to on the phone? daughter in South Carolina •How old are you today? 51 chronologically, 43 in my head (that was my best year) ;-) •Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: really really good coffee Alcohol: red wine <grin> •Favorite sport(s) to watch? superbowl •Have you ever dyed your hair?for years.. I like spicing up my life as a redhead •Do you wear contacts or glasses? ah, after reaching the age of 50 bifocals are a must! •Pets? had a little beta fish,Sensei on my desk. He's gone now, and buried in my geraniums •Favorite month? October, I love autumn •Favorite food? Ice cream •What was the last movie you watched? oh my..it HAS been a long time.. Shallow Hal, I think.. •Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving •Fall or Spring? Fall •When was the last time you cried? Last Sunday morning. I didn't want to say goodbye to someone special •What did you do last night? Went out to a retirement dinner with the Dept Heads, for our Social Services person who is leaving. •What inspires you? Being noticed and needed •What are you afraid of? Hate to admit it.. driving :-( •Favorite car? Well, if I was driving, I would love a Volkswagen Beetle •Favorite dog breed? Basset hound •How many years at your current job? just about 3 years •How many states have you lived in? 2 mostly NH, but Wyoming for a bit when my dad was in the service years ago •How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3, the one town in Wyoming, and 2 back here in NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smls71 0 Report Share Posted July 15, 2006 What is your name? Shonna Lawson What is your occupation? AD in a LTC Facility and Activity swing bed Consultant to our local hospital •What are you listening to right now? Movie "Batman Begins" • What was the last thing you ate? Onion Rings •Do you wish on stars? usually •If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Orange •How is the weather right now? Scorching 105 today •Last person you spoke to on the phone? My brothers Girlfriend. We are going to garage sales tomorrow •How old are you today? 35 •Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Diet Coke, Alcohol: Jack and Coke...mmmmm <grin> •Favorite sport(s) to watch? Any – Colorado Rockies •Have you ever dyed your hair? Oh yea!! 4 Kids Youbetcha •Do you wear contacts or glasses? Neither •Pets? 2 dogs •Favorite month? December In the Facility is Awesome •Favorite food? Anything B-B-Q •What was the last movie you watched? "The Lakehouse" •Favorite day of the year? Christmas and 4th of July •Fall or Spring? Spring •When was the last time you cried? I generally cry once a month <grin> (The ladies know what i'm talking about!)...ditto •What did you do last night? State was in the building yesterday so i went home and passes out on the couch!!! •What inspires you? Seeing the residents smile •What are you afraid of? Snakes •Favorite car? the new volkswagon bugs •Favorite dog breed? Labrador •How many years at your current job? 1.5 •How many states have you lived in? 3 Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas •How many cities/towns have you lived in? Cant Count that high. 3 in texas, 2 in New Mexico, and i lost count in Co. You can go across the stree and be in another suburb of denver... lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRiffic 0 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 (edited) Hi everyone I am Jane. I am the Assistant Recreation Director on 30 bed Dementia Unit. This is my first job since graduating with my degree in TR last August. I am also a CTRS. I will be at this job a year in November '06. I like my job but the field to me is very frustrsting :hammer: and I go back and forth with the idea of going back for a master's in something else, but this is my first job and for right now I am happy to stay at and stick it out. I look forward to talking to all of you and exchanging ideas. :-D Edited July 26, 2006 by TRiffic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cecilia519 0 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 I am employed with an organization in New York that is looking for an Activities Director for an active 55+ gated community. The qualified candidate should have a minimum of 5 years hands on experience. I would like to know what the best search engine is to find such a candidate? Please contact me at cthomas@beechwoodhomes.com or 516-935-5555, ext 24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 Jamie, Get out now! The feeling of overwhelmth never got better for me. Why spend a year of your life there, when you could be spending it someplace else! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Theanna Report Share Posted August 14, 2006 (edited) Thanks Karen for this form. It sure helps to break the ice. Wonderful web site. What is your name? Theanna What is your occupation? Activity Director for a 120 full care facility What are you listening to right now? News What was the last thing you ate? McDonald's Do you wish on stars? I send my wishes and prayers to God. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple How is the weather right now? Hot, it's Texas. Sure wish for Rain. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Daughter How old are you today? 49 Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Iced Tea Favorite sport(s) to watch? Texas Hold'em Have you ever dyed your hair? For many years now. Do you wear contacts or glasses? Glasses most of the time, but I do wear contacts too. Pets? 3 dogs, 3 indoor cats and slew of others that decided they like where we lived. Favorite month? Octoboer through December Favorite food? Italian What was the last movie you watched? Harry Potter * Goblet of Fire Favorite day of the year? Any that get my family together, usually the summer ones so that we can go out on the boat. When was the last time you cried? July 11, 2005, the death of my Father-In-Law What did you do last night? WaWent out to eat and went with my daughter to Wal*Mart. What inspires you? God What are you afraid of? My children dying before me. Favorite car? Anything new Favorite dog breed? Jack Russell How many years at your current job? 2 How many states have you lived in? – 9, the last being Texas. How many cities/towns have you lived in? 6 in Texas alone, the last being Lubbock. To many to count in the other states. Never stayed put growing up. Edited August 14, 2006 by Theanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 :-D Hi There! This is my first time using this mode of communication to other AD's out there and it sounds great. I am currently at an Assisted Living Facility in Wyoming. Yes, there really are people in Wyoming! I have been at my job as AD for 8 years and love the job. I have my under graduate degree in Human Rehabilitave Service and my Masters in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Gerontology. However, the degree means very little when it comes to salary in a state with less than 150,000 people. Good thing I love what I do. I was previously in Denver, CO working at a Senior Center as there AD. And I was at an Assisted Living Facility in Arvada CO before that. I hope I can learn some new and different information. There are days when I feel like I have tried everything and I'm out of ideas. Thanks for this opportunity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magichat 0 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Hi...My name is Tina and I am the Activity Director for two facilities, one assisted living and one SNF, SRC and ICF. The buildings are joined which makes it a little easier. We have a budget of about $600 a month for entertainers and supplies. I have a staff of four full time aides. Never enough people or money though. I haven't been there long but am planning some fundraisers for the Resident Fund. We are having a large craft/rummage sale this fall where I'm hoping to raise between 2-3K. I'm also doing a Resident Cookbook for Christmas, so hopefully that'll bring some money in as well. Always looking for new ideas!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cara Report Share Posted August 28, 2006 Hi everyone! I'm Cara and I work in East Texas. I've been an AD since 1995 and I love it! I am working on my BA in Behavioral Science and I plan on cont. to work with geriatrics, just maybe in another form. I was really glad to find this website! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaRee 0 Report Share Posted August 29, 2006 Hi everyone. My name is Lisa Perdue, I'm activity Director at Lakeview Nursing Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. I have been in activities for nearly seven years now, activity director the last three. We are a 160 bed facility, we have LTC units, PC rooms, and also a skilled unit for rehab. With the new regs I am desperate to know exactly how I'm supposed to organize a new activity program to each of our residents individually. I'm loosing my mind here! ANy help would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi7 0 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 :cry: Hello everyone! My name is Judy. I have worked as an sctivity director in a 77 bed facililty for the past 4 years. 6 years before that I was a CNA. My administrator which is very new and very young called me to the office one week ago and asked me to give up my job :cry: !! I was totally shocked!! No clue, no warning!! He proceeded to tell me to clear my desk the new girl would be there on Monday to take my place. I have worked very hard as most avtivity directors know, we have very little help. My residents meant the world to me, what is a person suppose to do?? We have to sit back and take it!! I am sooooooo angry!! Thanks for listening. Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle 0 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 Hi everybody! My name is Heather and I work at a 173 bed SNF in a rural community. I also stumbled into this job. I taught school for five years and was becoming frustrated with the education system. I decided to take a break from teaching for a while and applied for a different job here. The human resource manager remembered me from when I taught her son and decided I could put all of those skills to work as an AD. I have been here two years and have decided to pursue a degree in Rec Therapy. I really planned to go back to teaching but this job is just too much fun (most of the time). I love it. I even enjoy working with all the different functioning levels we sometimes wind up with in one activity. I once taught five grades simultaneously on an Indian Reservation so this is nothing compared to that. I forsee a wonderful, long career in this field in my future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeniseRieser 0 Report Share Posted September 12, 2006 Hello, I have just passed my 1 year anniversary and I can't tell where the time went!! It has been a great job for me. I am at a small Assisted Living Residence in Rockland County, NY and I tell people that this has been my best job ever. I have people here who tell me how much they love me and respect me every week!! No other job have I ever had that... let alone my private life!! I find this job a good mix of all my background and best of all the days fly by. Currently I am searching for some resources to keep us challenging our gang of word lovers. Our group is especially good at making smaller words out of large ones. Does anyone have a book or a website that is good for finding new, multi-syllable words for Anagrams? I have been on the Anagram site but there isn't a list of just multi syllable words that are good for this. Also, I am having the first meeting here this afternoon for a Rockland County Association of Activity Professionals and I would like to get some organizational help from you all out there who are active in associations in your area. What committees do you have? What format do you follow in meetings? How do you conduct business? What is your dues...do you have them? So I am glad to be here and would love to hear from you all !! EsplanadeDenise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heavenstar 0 Report Share Posted September 14, 2006 What is your name? Angie What is your occupation? Activity Director for a 300 apt Retirement Community What are you listening to right now? Nothing What was the last thing you ate? Homemade flour tortillas from our kitchen staff Do you wish on stars? Everytime I see one-- which is rare in the middle of Houston If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple Mountain Majesty How is the weather right now? Hot, it's Texas. But cooler than usual for Sept Last person you spoke to on the phone? My neighbor How old are you today? 32 Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Dr Pepper although I am trying REALLY hard to like water. Alcoholic: Pina Coladas or Kaluha Favorite sport(s) to watch? Baseball Have you ever dyed your hair? yes Do you wear contacts or glasses? Glasses most of the time,when I drive, but I usually forget them Pets? 1 choc. lab who is a nightmare--anyone want her? and 2 cats-- one is an outside cat because she won't use a litter box and one is a hymalayan who's owner died (he was a resident). He loved the cat so much he left a trust fund for her-- the cat is stupid tho. Favorite month? January-- when I can finally breathe! Favorite food? Homegrown vegetables! Grilled! What was the last movie you watched? RV Favorite day of the year? Halloween When was the last time you cried? can't remember-- I am not a cryer. What did you do last night? Cleaned house, watched RV, read book What inspires you? everything! What are you afraid of? Driving at night, getting in a car crash, giant spiders that I find in my house-- wolf spiders Favorite car? I love a saturn sky, or a hybrid Favorite dog breed? golden retriever How many years at your current job? 6 How many states have you lived in? – Just Texas! other states are not worthy! lol How many cities/towns have you lived in? Houston-- born and raised, Nacogdoches for college, Hockley first job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jacquelyn Report Share Posted September 14, 2006 Hi i'm Jacquelyn, but most people call me Jackie. I've been an A.D for about 2yrs now and i love it. I am currently an A.D for a 65 bed assisted living home in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I've just sent my pprwrk in to become certified and i can't wait. As far as activity staffing goes...its just me its alot of work but worth every minute of it. My activity schedules include three activities a day. 1 mental, 1 physical, and 1 craft. Crafts arent a huge hit around here so sometimes we call the 3rd act. of the day the "wild card" meaning if there isnt a good responce i give the residents other options and we do what they want. We usually have 1-2 outings per month and have entertainment once a month. Starting in October i'm trying "family fun days" one saturday a month we ask the families to participate with their loved ones in activities. Since our first one hasnt happened yet i'm unsure of how the turn out will be so i hope for the best, but i'm prepared for the worst. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Report Share Posted September 14, 2006 What is your name? Jacquelyn What is your occupation? Activity Director for a 65 bed assisted living home What are you listening to right now? Jumanji ( the residents picked that movie) What was the last thing you ate? Pretzels Do you wish on stars? sometimes If you were a crayon, what color would you be? red How is the weather right now? Chilly and rainy....blah Last person you spoke to on the phone? Tony from the blind association How old are you today? 22 Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Turners iced tea Alcoholic: Captain and coke Favorite sport(s) to watch? Basketball Have you ever dyed your hair? no Do you wear contacts or glasses? neither Pets? 1 gold fish named Fred Favorite month? August Favorite food? Halushki What was the last movie you watched? Jumanji Favorite day of the year? Christmas When was the last time you cried? yesterday because of the now ex boyfriend What did you do last night? everything i was sooo busy from 3pm to 9pm i couldnt even begin to list it all. wat inspires you? my mom What are you afraid of? Heights and death Favorite car? my new one ...Kia Optima...ok its not the best but i sure love it! Favorite dog breed? i dont have a fav i like lots of dif breeds How many years at your current job? 1 How many states have you lived in? – Just Pennsylvania How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recreate 0 Report Share Posted September 15, 2006 Hi! i am a Adtivity Director at a ALF in Plano TX. I have been at the facility for about a month and am new to Texas. I have won over the residents and am finding out how the management team operates, which is very frustrating. I am finding there is VERY little communication and even less organization. i had 3 days to plan national ALF week and had to take all of the money spent out of my activities budget. Also, because I am new to the area, I really have no resources or entertainment knowledge. The last person that had my position was a 19 year old pre med major that was home for the summer and had never worked a day in his life prior. So, if there is anyone that might have some advise or guidance, please send it my way. thank :-D H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Goldenboy Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 Whats up out there hows your world? Mine is crazy busy. I just had State at my facility, am training a new employee in the building that state was at, am in charge of activity planning for 150 residents WOW! I respect all of you other Activity Director's because I know what its like. I am new to being a Director but have been in the buisness for 3 1/2 years as an assistant, I think it is a great start to becoming a director. I have great Activity Ideas to share but also need some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGGER 0 Report Share Posted September 18, 2006 (edited) What is your name? KIM What is your occupation? AD AT A 176 BED FACILITY SNF/ALZHIEMERS •What are you listening to right now? TRACE ADKINS • What was the last thing you ate? ICE CREAM (SONS B-DAY) •Do you wish on stars? Sometimes •If you were a crayon, what color would you be? PURPLE •How is the weather right now? NICE •Last person you spoke to on the phone? MY SON •How old are you today? TOO OLD 42 •Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: DIET PEPSI Alcohol: LEMON DROP •Favorite sport(s) to watch? DON'T WATCH SPORTS •Have you ever dyed your hair? YES •Do you wear contacts or glasses? GLASSES •Pets? 1 CAT •Favorite month? OCTOBER •Favorite food? MEXICAN ( ANYTHING) •What was the last movie you watched? HOW TO LOOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS •Favorite day of the year? HALLOWEEN •Fall or Spring? FALL •When was the last time you cried? I don’t know •What did you do last night? TOOK MY SON OUT TO DINNER FOR HIS BIRTHDAY •What inspires you? ALOT OF THINGS •What are you afraid of? OUT LIVING MY KIDS •Favorite car? MUSTANG 1968 FASTBACK •Favorite dog breed? WIENNER •How many years at your current job? 8 •How many states have you lived in? 1 CALIFORNIA •How many cities/towns have you lived in? 2 HERE AND A LITTLE TOWN TO THE NORTH OF HERE Edited September 18, 2006 by magictiger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asandlin 0 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 I am new and don't know my way around!!! What is your name? April What is your occupation? AD, housewife and mom What are you listening to right now? Over head radio!!! Christian R&B What was the last thing you ate? Pizza, bought by the administrator, licensure is here today. Do you wish on stars? Falling Stars If you were a crayon, what color would you be? A calm color, yellow, purple How is the weather right now? Very pretty 75 degrees Last person you spoke to on the phone? Husband How old are you today? 26 Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Never drank alcohol before, I live in the south and live on sweet tea. Favorite sport(s) to watch? None, Reality shows, HGTV Have you ever dyed your hair? Every shade of blonde Do you wear contacts or glasses? glassess Pets? Fish, if they would stop floating!! Favorite month? Warm weather months Favorite food? Fruit, I don't eat meat on bones (weird I know) What was the last movie you watched? RV Favorite day of the year? When my vacation starts When was the last time you cried? Every time I watch someting sad on t.v. Jerry Lewis Marathon, The Notebook What did you do last night? Shop for supplies What inspires you? Life What are you afraid of? dying and car wrecks Favorite car? Every new car is a jeep Favorite dog breed? Itty bitty teeny tiny- Don't care for dogs How many years at your current job? New center, new job, been here for 6 months preparing to open. This is my third one assissting to open. How many states have you lived in? – 1, AL How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3 all within 15 minutes of each other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capemom8741 0 Report Share Posted September 23, 2006 Hi... I am new to the message board and would introduce myself. After a scenic career of being a hospital L.P.N., working in customer service at a manufacturing company, daycare, and an administrator at a non-profit organization, I find myself in the best position ever... an activities director! For the past 8 years, I have been the activities director at small assisted living residences in Bucks County, PA. I'm at my present job for 3 years, and work for a wonderful administration who appreciates my role in activites. Since I am the only person in our activites department for our 16 residents, I am exicted that we are soon converting to the continuing care concept which will encourage our personal care aides to take a more active role in daily resident activities. Though there are days the job is very challenging, it is a job that is so rewarding in many ways. I implement my creativity while making a difference in the lives of my residents. I take home memories of smiles which I helped to create during my busy, full day. My boss' philosophy is that life itself is stressful, so work should be a pleasant place and experience. I arrive home from work with many stories to tell my family, and many smiles of my own. Even though I don't make a fortune in money, the gratitude achieved from the job is enough for me! I look forward to being an active participant on this wonderful site! Jill Murphy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.