Need New Things to do

[Sblauvelt 0]

Hello, I am new to the whole AD thing but I do love crafts, organizing, and making people smile. I am the AD  at a nursing center for long term care in Louisiana. We already play bingo, pokeno everyday but not many of the residents like to do arts and crafts?? How do I get them all involved. Also I am doing an Olympics for National Nursing Home Week and any ideas would help. Also any activities that are successful would be great too. I plan on doing a "SENIOR" prom at the end of June. Thank you

[BethAMack 0]

I've been an AD for ten years and have learned that the web is your friend. I love planning themed weeks throughout the year and they are usually based on the interests on the residents. For example, I had a Civil War Days week planned for my residents for the 150th civil war anniversary. I had trivia like, name the general, famous Lincoln quotes, etc. I invited a speaker to talk about how the civil war effected out local area in WNY.

Also, check out monthly special days throughout the month to get ideas. If it's dill pickle day, have a dill pickle social or do a pass the pickle game. Yes, some ideas flop but others turn out well and the residents have alot of fun. Be creative!

[thad39 0]

I agree the internet is your friend. I have had activities go south to. You learn from trial and error. You will also find that pulling together a group sometimes can be extremely difficult. There are times I can have 15+ people in a social and other times 4-5. That is ok. Tell the residents you need them to help you or that your administrator wants more resident participation. I have found that both of these situations help increase the participation level. Good luck and I hope this helps!