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Who Are You Activity Director?


Guest Tinki

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:lol: hellol my name is Bea ,,,,I just started working as AD and medical records,,,i took my first class today in becoming certified for AD..I live in Texas and work at a nursing home that houses approx 50 residents....im looking forward to getting to know all of you and sharing ideas

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What is your name? Mashonda

 

What is your occupation? Activity Director/Recreational Therapist

 

•What are you listening to right now? Radio station 104.3

 

• What was the last thing you ate? Wheat Thins

 

•Do you wish on stars? Sometimes

 

•If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Orange

 

•How is the weather right now? Sunny and unseasonably warm around 70 degrees

 

•Last person you spoke to on the phone? Ex-boyfriend

 

•How old are you today? 29

 

•Favorite drink? Sweet tea, lemonade

 

•Favorite sport(s) to watch? boxing, figure skating

 

•Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes

 

•Do you wear contacts or glasses? yes

 

•Pets? cat, named Nala after simba's girlfriend on the lion king

 

•Favorite month? august (it's my birthday month)

 

•Favorite food? Not too much i don't like to eat, but let's say cake and breads.

 

•What was the last movie you watched? King Kong

 

•Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving

 

•Fall or Spring? Spring

 

•When was the last time you cried? About 3 days ago

 

•What did you do last night? Download songs to my mp3 player

 

•What inspires you? my grandmother

 

•What are you afraid of? Spiders and mice

 

•Favorite car? not sure

 

•Favorite dog breed? German Shepard

 

•How many years at your current job? almost 7

 

•How many states have you lived in? 1

 

•How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Guest_Christine

Hi everyone! My name is Christine and am currently working at a 99 bed facility. 10 of the beds are assisted living and 89 are skilled. I was hired in July of 2005 as an activity director with this big action plan (which failed to materialize) for training. THEN, we found out this week (corporate visited in preparation for our survey from DOH) according to state regs I shouldn't even be there...they wanted to terminate my employment as soon as they found out that I am not a certified activity director. Thankfully, my ED stood up for me saying it was her fault...she never read that my experience had to be in the last 5 years. ( (See, I had a baby and stayed home with her till she started school.) So, now my title has been changed...I am an activity assistant and my previous assistant is now my director. See, she is a certified AD. Around mid February I will begin my training to be a certified AD. The company is going to pay for this...I will receive 10 tapes in the mail and will have homework assignments, tests, etc. to complete and mail back. It is supposed to take 12 weeks, but I still will not be certified...they will mail me a certificate which will only be a stepping stone to my actual certification. Is anyone familiar with this?

 

I also need to know how you all keep residents aware of resident rights...I have resident council monthly and always begin by reading 4 resident rights...well, none of them remember so I need some other way...I've heard of resident right bingo, but can't imagine how to do that, since none of the rights are too short. Help!!!!

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Guest Guest_Christine

One more thing...I'm registered and have subscribed to the 9.99 a month thing...love it, except that I can never get logged on...sometimes it takes me like several times at work, but then it finally will work. Help! I am unable to log on tonight at home...my username is clickner

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What is your name? Crystal DeBord

 

What is your occupation? AD, CNA, Restorative Aide

 

•What are you listening to right now? My dogs picking on each other...

 

• What was the last thing you ate? KFC

 

•Do you wish on stars? If I can catch it..

 

•If you were a crayon, what color would you be? All of them...a color for every mood

 

•How is the weather right now? cold, yuck!

 

•Last person you spoke to on the phone? My soon to be

 

•How old are you today? 31 and holding

 

•Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Dr. Pepper Alcohol: Am. sour

 

•Favorite sport(s) to watch? I don't do sports....he does

 

•Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes – Blonde/Red/Brown

 

•Do you wear contacts or glasses? Contacts, glasses if I run out of contacts

 

•Pets? 3 dogs, 1 cat who runs the house

 

•Favorite month? October - when the leaves change

 

•Favorite food? I like it all!

 

•What was the last movie you watched? L.S. a Series of Misfortunate Events...

 

•Favorite day of the year? Christmas and Thanksgiving, family gatherings

 

•Fall or Spring? Both when you know the season is changing

 

•When was the last time you cried? When I got divorced

 

•What did you do last night? Got interviewed for a college paper, kissed my son, went to sleep

 

•What inspires you? Everything around me

 

•What are you afraid of? Getting bit on the butt by a snake - daddy is from W.Va. and most people had privies when I was little....

 

•Favorite car? A really big, nice 4x4....

 

•Favorite dog breed? Aussie

 

•How many years at your current job? 4 in the facility, 1.5 as AD

 

•How many states have you lived in? 1 Indiana

 

•How many cities/towns have you lived in? 2 Indianapolis, and Shelbyville

 

I currently work on a memory unit (locked) and have adopted for them a little dog named Iris. She is my family pet, but she goes to work m-f. They love her and she has made a major difference in many of the people in the whole facility. She usually gets a reaction where nothing else has worked. I am lucky that my administrator likes new and fresh ideas...

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi! Jodi Kimball here...I'm an Activity Director at an assisted living in Toledo Ohio. We average at 50 beds. With respite and Day Care, it is constantly changing. I have a BA in Art therapy, with minors in Gero and Psych, and also have the 90hr Activity Course. I'm not certified yet (even with 12yrs) because my first population didn't fit the required age. My first 11 years were with MI and MR/DD. That was an AWESOME learning experience! I just recently made the switch to Seniors which was my first passion. I am truly happy here and have used my experiences to bring a new level of activities to this facility. The biggest difference I've noticed is how weather sensitive the elderly are! (yeah, I knew it, but hadn't experienced it yet ;-) ) My previous residents just threw on the needed gear and followed me to the ends of the earth, rain, shine, or blizzard! Best part about Ohio is that we experience every season to its FULLEST!!

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Guest Guest

What is your name? Belinda

 

What is your occupation? Activity Director

 

•What are you listening to right now? t.v.

 

• What was the last thing you ate? Peanut butter Sandw.

 

•Do you wish on stars? sometimes

 

•If you were a crayon, what color would you be?red

 

•How is the weather right now? cold

 

•Last person you spoke to on the phone? my daughter

 

•How old are you today? 41

 

•Favorite drink? iced tea

 

•Favorite sport(s) to watch? baseball

 

•Have you ever dyed your hair? once

 

•Do you wear contacts or glasses? no

 

•Pets? 2

 

•Favorite month? june

 

•Favorite food? burgers

 

•What was the last movie you watched? roseanne

•Favorite day of the year? Christmas

 

•Fall or Spring?Spring

 

•When was the last time you cried? abou two weeks ago

 

•What did you do last night? stayed home watched tv

•What inspires you? music

 

•What are you afraid of? bees

 

•Favorite car?mustang

•Favorite dog breed? beagles

 

•How many years at your current job? 7

 

•How many states have you lived in? 1

 

•How many cities/towns have you lived in? 1

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Wendell Greenleaf

What is your name?Wendell Greenleaf

 

What is your occupation? CNA 12 Years/ Actvities 1 1/2 Years, soon to be Cert. AD

 

•What are you listening to right now?Bo Bice, Nickelback

 

• What was the last thing you ate? Butter Flavored Popcorn

 

•Do you wish on stars? Always; Even got one named for each of my children!

•If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Blue

•How is the weather right now? Raining and cool

 

•Last person you spoke to on the phone?American Idol answering service

•How old are you today? 35

 

•Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Mt. Dew / Sweet Tea Alcohol: Tequila

 

•Favorite sport(s) to watch? UFC

 

•Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. Lighter streaks once. Highlights

 

•Do you wear contacts or glasses? Reading glasses at times

 

•Pets? 2 dogs. We raise Cocker Spaniels

 

•Favorite month? August

 

•Favorite food?Lasagna

 

•What was the last movie you watched? SAW II Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump

 

•Favorite day of the year?A Peaceful One(Do they exist?)

 

•Fall or Spring? Spring

 

•When was the last time you cried? Valentine's Day(Tears of Joy)

 

•What did you do last night? Watched American Idol (Go Taylor!!!/ and Chris!!)

 

•What inspires you? The memories of my Grandfather

 

•What are you afraid of? The Unknown

 

•Favorite car? 1970-72 Chevy Camaro

 

•Favorite dog breed? Cocker Spaniels of Course

 

•How many years at your current job? 3 @ this Facility 12 in the business, 5 for this particular Company

 

•How many states have you lived in?3- Florida, Alabama, North Carolina. Then Germany also.

 

•How many cities/towns have you lived in? 1) Jupiter, Fl. 2) Gadsden, Al. 3) Bonn, West Germany 4) Russellville, Al. 5) Carthage, N.C. 6) Southern Pines, N.C. 7) Laurenburg, N.C. 8) Florence, Al. 9) Sheffield, Al.** Note: Moved around the city of Russellville while living with my mother to more than five homes in a ten year period. Can you say Gypsy!!! ;-) ;-)

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Guest Elizabeth B

What is your name?Elizabeth B

 

What is your occupation? Life Enrichment Coordinator

 

•What are you listening to right now? Harvey Ried on the Autoharp

 

• What was the last thing you ate? a piece of chocolate (I stole it out of my hubbys birthday box) hehehe

 

•Do you wish on stars? Yes, most of my wishes have come true

 

•If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red

 

•How is the weather right now? A little cool, but nice.

 

•Last person you spoke to on the phone? My wonderful daughter.

 

•How old are you today? 56

 

•Favorite drink? Non-alcohol: Sweet Tea, flavored coffees and diet coke Alcohol: No alcohol for this girl. been there done that.

 

•Favorite sport(s) to watch? Tampa Bay Bucs!

 

•Have you ever dyed your hair? Every 6 weeks.

 

•Do you wear contacts or glasses? Glasses when I can find them.

 

•Pets? Mini Dachshunds. We have Sammy who weighs just under 6 pounds and runs thid household. A 30 gallon aquarium filled with little fishes.. 2 cockatiels, 4 parakeets, 3 diamond doves.

 

•Favorite month? November

 

•Favorite food? Anything southern.

 

•What was the last movie you watched? "The long long trailor" Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez ( I love old movies)

 

Favorite Movie: Bridges of Madison County

 

•Favorite day of the year? Every day

 

•Fall or Spring? I cant choose.....

 

•When was the last time you cried? Last month when my youngest turned 21! I am not dealing well with this "empty nest"!

 

•What did you do last night? Went shopping with hubby,,,, I needed new clothes.

 

•What inspires you? Groups like this one.

 

•What are you afraid of? Lightning

 

•Favorite car? 57 Chevy

 

•Favorite dog breed? Mine Dachshunds

 

•How many years at your current job? 6ish years

 

•How many states have you lived in? 2, Minnesota where I was born. and Florida where I have been since 1963

 

•How many cities/towns have you lived in? 3, Esko, Minnesota (13 years) New Port Richey Florida (many years) and Spring Hill Florida for the last 32 years.. gosh that seems like a lot of years.. I dont feel that old... hehe

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Guest_Robin
I would love to know who is out there and where they are from and what they do! I think it would be to be able to put a name with some info maybe even a picture!

:-D

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Guest Guest_Robin
Hi, my name is Robin and I've been in activities for 6 years, I'm a mom of 2 been married for 20 years. I love animals and all out door activities. I'm 40 yrs old I live in Corydon IN and work in New Albany IN. I'm working on my ADPC at this time and only have one more thing to do in Track 4 My goal is to be a ADC so i can help other activity director that are new or just needs help.

:-D

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Hello, Fellow Activity Professionals,

 

My name is Celeste. I am the Director of Activities in a 261 bed facility in DC. We are the magnificent 7 of the Activities Department. I have been in Activities for 20 years now. I love it!!! Its like a ministry to me. I have been a Director for 8 years. It been enjoyable showing folks what the Activity discipline is all about. But, we've got a long way to go.

 

My favorite thing to see is a resident (61 -102 yrs old) acheive their goal.

My pet peeve is when the other disciplines, mainly Nursing, treat us like we're supposed to be babysitters for the residents. Or that we are not skilled professionals.

 

Anyway, we are blessed to have 2 wheelchair buses. They are 13 passenger so that a CDL license is not needed. We have an okay budget, but thank goodness for Donated Funds. We use that extra money for purchasing concert tickets, buying crabs, live entertainment and paying for party supplies. You know, the extra stuff that makes an event really nice.

 

Though we have it pretty good. My goal is to have an Activity Specialist for each unit. My Specialists document, attend IDT meetings and implement activities. I would also like to have five assistants for the department. One Assistant for the Skilled Care unit, those residents need extra attention. Another assistant for the Special Care Unit. And the other three to set up for our regular events, bus rides, etc... I would like to see an Aroma therapy program on each unit on a regular basis and have professional drivers for the buses. Am I dreaming or what?

 

I am currently taking the MEPAP 2 course. I want to go all the way to instructor.

 

 

 

Celeste

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  • 3 weeks later...
Guest davi wilson

Hi All,

My name is Davi and i am an A.D. in an 80 bed ALF located in oxford N.C. Currently, I have no assistant. Although for the last 4 years, I have been promised one.(HA) I love my job, all the residents and the staff/ Our family members are fully involved. I have a large volunteer base ( about 150 per month doing various things). However......even with this...I feel completly bogged down , overworked , and always always behind on paper work. I work about 70 hours a week at the facility with an additional 15 to 20 at home. ( yea i have a family and try to have a life in there ) I'm currently working on ideas for Volunteer week. Would love someone to share cheap, easy gifts are residents could make for them. I often come here for ideas but have never posted anything.( great stuff here) Remember...... we do what we do for the residents...not the pay....certainly not the glory... Keep up the good work........ :-)

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Guest Guest

My Name Is Misty. I've been a stay at home mom for five years. I just recently (one week as of Tue.) was hired as the new activities director @ a facility in Colorado Springs. I have no idea what other activities to try. I've tried EVERYTHING and I've crashed and burned on almost everything except Gambiling and Bingo, even Trivia flopped. Thank God for my assistant. If anyone can help a sinking ship I would be ETERNALLY thankful

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Hi every1! My name is Cassandra. I am an activity assistant at a nursing home called Care Inn of Abilene located in Abilene, Texas. I just wanted to introduce myself and ask for some help. We need ideas for our calender. I'm tired of doing the same thing every month, all ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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HI Cassandra! What a small world! I was at CI of Abilene 5 years ago! Is Janet still your administrator?

 

I'd love to chat more with you!!!!!!!!!

 

Please email me at

djcast@satx.rr.com

 

I moved to San Antonio 5 years ago and still come by Abilene!

 

Please, please, email me!

 

Diana

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My Name Is Misty. I've been a stay at home mom for five years. I just recently (one week as of Tue.) was hired as the new activities director @ a facility in Colorado Springs. I have no idea what other activities to try. I've tried EVERYTHING and I've crashed and burned on almost everything except Gambiling and Bingo, even Trivia flopped. Thank God for my assistant. If anyone can help a sinking ship I would be ETERNALLY thankful

Hi Misty,

Welcome to activities! A week is not a very long time so your ship is not going to sink :-D Get a subscription to Creative Forecasting-(719)633-3174 this will give you lots of ideas, find some classes to attend and other directors in your area to network with- this site is great too. Think outside the box and if your residents are used to lots of bingo let them have it with a smile; just introduce other things to them slowly. Cooking, gardening,penpals,community service,photo club- ask for their ideas at Resident Council. Good luck!

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest Guest

Hi Everyone, I am brand new to being an Activities Director...I am scared but excited. I have been working since Tuesday for 4 hours a day. Getting to know the residents and just being there getting used to everything else. I have no experience with my new position. My brain is going 90 miles an hour. I have not done any activities with the residents yet..I will start this on Monday next week. I have no training and am just jumping in and doing the best that i can... I have worked factory jobs basically all my life and the last 6 years i have been a stay at home mother.. The lady that i had been following will be gone next week, which somehow is a good thing im sure so i will HAVE to do things. I think it would have helped to no a lil more about what to do, where things are at. Next week i am working from 10-3 since she will be gone she doesnt want me to have a real rough week since im just starting out. She says that i can paint the ladies nails that wants there nails done, take them outside to enjoy the sunshine (blowing bubbles is that appropriate?), bingo, story time, exercise, i will help pass meal trays at lunch, pass mail, we are having a administrator luncheon and invited residents. I just feel so clueless?I have been in tears (at the job HAHA) Tuesday and Weds. I had a hysterectomy in January so half is probably my hormones and the other 1/2 is being new and not knowing what to expect or what to do?Please someone tell me i will be ok, i can do this right???HAHA. I feel like a basket case!!!HELP, i so badly want this to work and i just no that i will be great for this position but being new is an AWFUL feeling :lol: I have been searching this site and plan on doing it a lil more later this weekend but if anyone has any advice to offer or encourging words pleas send it my way!!!Thanks!

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I can not even begin to tell you how many other AD's began their careers in the exact same way! I didn't think I was going to make it! I had negative feedback coming from all directions - including myself!

 

But I made it. and you will, too!

 

Have faith and a fun spirit and you WILL make it!

 

Either stay in touch with the outgoing Activity Director, or get in contact with others in your area for ideas and support.

 

Please, email me if you'd like to vent and be reassured!

djcast@satx.rr.com

 

Good Luck and Welcome to ADing!

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Good evening all, I just was hired as an Activity Director in Florida, I was an assistant in NC but we moved down here. I'l have to get use to doing this again. It has been 7 years :roll: I am looking forward to the new job and I hope I can ask y'al questions! And I hope I can help others too. Tracy

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Hi, I am Karen Henry, a relative new Activity Director (2.5 years). I work in longterm care and boy this is the most rewarding work I have done. I was an elemantary PE/Health teacher, wellness consultant before I became an A.D. I enjoy the work; I am never bored and the wisdom that I get from the seniors around me is wonderful. I try to remain positive, never allowing the stuff around me to take away my joy. I am very excited about this site!

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Guest Guest

Hi

My name is Isa and i've been an activity director for 10yrs. I work in a 120 bed facility in central Florida. I Love my job and the facility i work for. I have an ok budget and make decent money for my area. I've been in florida for 2 1/2 yrs now.

I don't know many directors around here, but am looking forward to talking to all of you! I have a mixed population. 1/2 building is short term rehab the other is alz and long term care. I have two Awesome Assistants. One is full time and one is part time. We also have a van driver and he helps in activities by baking bread , selling otis spunkmeyer cookies and cinnamon rolls. He also updates all the boards every morning. I'm lucky!! look forward to meeting all of you

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Guest Cassandra Cravotta

Hi my name is Cassandra Cravotta. I am an activity assistant @ Care Inn of Abilene; located in the wonderful state of Texas. I just wanted to introduce myself and ask where you guys get those cute pics by your name?

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HI Cassandra,

Click on your profile, and you will see an option for clicking on an Avatar - search for a picture you like and apply it.

I tried finding exactly how I did mine, and almost deleted Kermit the Frog! Oops!

 

I don't know if you noticed my earlier eentry to you, but I used to work at CI of Abilene as AD! Wanted to know how my old stomping ground is doing!

 

Diana

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Guest Claudia

Hi All,

I am starting in a new position on Wednesday the 17th! My title will be Activity Coordinator. It's a management position one step under the director. I've been out of the field for 3 years, singing with my husband. I'm a certified activity director and continue to keep my certification. I'm looking forward to sharing information with you all!!!

Claudia

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