kitschy 0 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 okay guys....HELP! today was my first day on the job and when i asked what my budget was, i was told to use what we already have and i get NO money! (what we have = 20 pieces of construction paper, a bottle of tacky glue, some pipe cleaners, indoor golf & a sombrero.) when they told me they loved all of my great activities ideas in my two interviews, this was not mentioned. i got home and pretty much cried all evening. i've been looking for an activities director job for a long time! this is what i really want to do! they're a 70 bed facility that's recently gone to down to 30! i understand we need to be frugal, but we can't all take off our socks and play puppets every day! my husband pretty much said, "Get out of there!" when i told him. what do you guys think? i was already told by another employee that this is consistent with their experience (they came and warned me), not just because it's december or low numbers. the facility is impeccably clean and the residents are all wonderful. also, i'm not saying there aren't free activities out there, but they want 2 fun things a day M-F on the calendar, and i'm thinking that's just not possible without spending any money. did i mention that i don't have a computer or internet access?! or a phone (that isn't in a lobby)! ~kitschy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aRBeRec 0 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 Kitschy, Yikes sorry to hear that, you mean to tell me no Bingo? no entertainment? You really should go over who your population is, put together a calendar and go to your administrator and say for this department to be in compliance I need XY and Z. As far as free activities, lots of trivia and word games you can find for free online, maybe work with the kitchen to supply food for socials? Also are you allowed to reach out for community donations? I get stuff donated from churches, schools, and other organizations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iloveoldies 1 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 okay guys....HELP! today was my first day on the job and when i asked what my budget was, i was told to use what we already have and i get NO money! (what we have = 20 pieces of construction paper, a bottle of tacky glue, some pipe cleaners, indoor golf & a sombrero.) when they told me they loved all of my great activities ideas in my two interviews, this was not mentioned. i got home and pretty much cried all evening. i've been looking for an activities director job for a long time! this is what i really want to do! they're a 70 bed facility that's recently gone to down to 30! i understand we need to be frugal, but we can't all take off our socks and play puppets every day! my husband pretty much said, "Get out of there!" when i told him. what do you guys think? i was already told by another employee that this is consistent with their experience (they came and warned me), not just because it's december or low numbers. the facility is impeccably clean and the residents are all wonderful. also, i'm not saying there aren't free activities out there, but they want 2 fun things a day M-F on the calendar, and i'm thinking that's just not possible without spending any money. did i mention that i don't have a computer or internet access?! or a phone (that isn't in a lobby)! ~kitschy. Gee, I thought my facility was cheap! I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. If you can get a hold of a childrens badmintton /vollyball net at a goodwill or yardsale ...get some residents on each side... blow up a balloon and have them volley ( thats cheap)....or if you can't get a net, you can arrange everyone sitting around a table and see how long they can keep the balloon up in the air. I got an old purse and put 10 items from around my house like thread, a spoon, lipstick and a few gag items like a huge pair of woman's undies and called it "What's in Grandma's purse"...you take everything out and show them, they have to try and remember everything once you put it away. Also, I made question and answer books for seniors that they love...we sell them on the internet...but due to your circumstances I would be happy to donate a book to you. Write your name and address on this forum and I will send you one of our memorystreets books. or go to www.memorystreets.com and you can get a free page and contact info for us. Good Luck. It's nice to know someone cares! Kim ( iloveoldies) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caroletaylor 0 Report Share Posted December 13, 2010 I think most care homes are in the same situation...no spare money, but they should supply even the basics to provide activities for your clients. I have a couple of ideas:- Ask the care staff if they have anything they can donate. If they have children they will have a spare game, colouring book, crayons, jigsaw etc. Staff are usually great at helping out. Use the community. get a local school to bring some of their children in. The elderly love kids (usually!). Are their any colleges nearby. get the students who are doing hairdressing, massage, art etc to come in and you will supply the volunteers. Do you have access to a community centre where you could take some of your clients. Get the mobile library to call in. Buy a local newspaper annd read it to the clients, theyll love hearing the latest news. get the homes administrater to let you get on the internet, theres loads of stuff you can download for free. have a cinema afternoon- all youll need is a videa/dvd. Have the clients doing 'household' tasks. Any that are mobile, give them a mop, duster or sweeping brush. The ones that arent mobile could fold t towels, pillow cases etc. reminiscence is a great one and doesnt have to cost much, just sit and talk about the old days, their children, what they did when they were children or where they worked etc. I think you definately need to start fundraising too so you can make some money to buy proper equipment. get the staff and families involved. Hope this helps, and good luck :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkc 0 Report Share Posted December 14, 2010 How about starting a kitchen band. Use "caned" music that they can play alomg with. Christmas carols is a great way to start. If you are excited they will be more likely to be too. Start with spoons to beat on the table if you have to. Ask the kitchen if they have any pots they could donate. This isn't a dream job but will be a challenge to your creativity. Odds are you will be able to learn what you did there on your next postition. Next interview I would suggest you and everyone else asks that question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytexan 1 Report Share Posted December 14, 2010 Your best bet would probably be to get in touch with the Church's in your community. Ask for one of them to sponser a monthly birthday party for your Resident's. You could ask another one to help with Art's & Craft's. Another may help with bingo prizes.Is there a VFW in your community? Ours comes in once a week and serve's ice cream cones to the Resident's.Maybe you have some family members that would like to help. I have several church groups that come in and entertain by playing gospel music. The staff is very good about bringing in movies for me to show & then return. Good luck, and realize you are not alone. Most of us have a budget, but a lot of us have very small budgets. okay guys....HELP! today was my first day on the job and when i asked what my budget was, i was told to use what we already have and i get NO money! (what we have = 20 pieces of construction paper, a bottle of tacky glue, some pipe cleaners, indoor golf & a sombrero.) when they told me they loved all of my great activities ideas in my two interviews, this was not mentioned. i got home and pretty much cried all evening. i've been looking for an activities director job for a long time! this is what i really want to do! they're a 70 bed facility that's recently gone to down to 30! i understand we need to be frugal, but we can't all take off our socks and play puppets every day! my husband pretty much said, "Get out of there!" when i told him. what do you guys think? i was already told by another employee that this is consistent with their experience (they came and warned me), not just because it's december or low numbers. the facility is impeccably clean and the residents are all wonderful. also, i'm not saying there aren't free activities out there, but they want 2 fun things a day M-F on the calendar, and i'm thinking that's just not possible without spending any money. did i mention that i don't have a computer or internet access?! or a phone (that isn't in a lobby)! ~kitschy. 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.