chele721 0 Report Share Posted December 28, 2004 Help!! I am a the new Activity Director at an assisted living facility. I was the Activity Asst. for 1 year and then was recently promoted to director. My problem is the lack of participation from the residents. The director before me treated the residents like children. During residents gatherings, socials and events she spent the entire time talking about herself and her life. The residents have become so accustomed to listening to her they seem to have forgotten how to socialize with one another. They will just sit and stare at you waiting for you to entertain them. When I try to involve them only 3 out of 25-30 will say anything. My frustration level is growing. Does anyone have any ideas? Help!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_Linda Report Share Posted December 28, 2004 We have a social hour with Coffee, tea and cookies and go around the room asking residents to share, where they are from, do they have children, what was theri occupation etc. Helps us know them better and helps them learn about each other. My problem is since a week before Christmas everyone has been blah. They have no motivation, can't get them up and out to do anything. Any suggestions? Mdscpc2003@aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana 0 Report Share Posted December 30, 2004 Hi Chele- Welcome to our site!! Hope we can be helpful to you! Going from being Assistant to being AD can always be a challenge. Even when you just take on a new job with new residents at a new facility, you have the challenge of residents who are used to another director's way of conducting activities. Don't be discouraged - they'll come around. I know you are concerned about residents not "socializing with one anther." That actually seems ideal of residents in a nursing facility. Especially when you have 25 to 30 people in a group, it is going to be intimidating for a resident with dementia of any sort to feel comfortable socializing, talking or responding in a group that large. Start a few off in a smaller group that you think might socialize and then gradually make the group bigger and see how they respond. Linda mentioned a great idea of asking them personal questions to help them feel comfortable sharing, such as who they are, where they're from. Good luck! You'll get it. Don't change things too quickly - ease into it. It helps the residents who are used to the other director's way of activities, to trust you and feel comfortable around you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigchris 1 Report Share Posted December 31, 2004 Make sure that they know that you are a different person. One way that I shake things up is by random/spontaneuous activities. A resident mentioned to me that she wanted a chili dog one day, so we got in the van and went. She is now one of my biggest fans. Create fans on a day to day basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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