gina 2 Report Share Posted June 24, 2005 Hi All, Well, most of ya know me, and if not my name is Gina and I have been doing activities for over twenty years now and have two websites,Activity Ideas that Work and Activity Chat and I am a moderator on this site.I am in the process of geting a few books published that I am working on and I had an idea for one and want your opinions.....What do you think of a book with "Activity Ideas that Work" with ideas from different directors from all over the states and countries? I am working on an Alzheimer's activity book and Assisted living activity ideas as well.Please let me know what you think and if you have a particular activity idea that has worked well for ya and would like to be in the book( with full credit ) please send them to me at:crazee_g2004@yahoo.com. Also, I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks! Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted June 26, 2005 Hey, I e-mailed you and I got a message back with nothing on it. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina 2 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2005 Hi Tinki (Karen), I dont know what happened to my message that I sent to ya,my mistake.Sorry. Anyway,I dont know the name of the company that is publishing my ideas(my friend works for a book company and showed her bossmy ideas for the books and I will have a meeting next month) so I will let ya know as soon as I know what happens at that meeting.... As far as writting something together,what did ya have in mind?I am open to that idea as well.Let me know, and thanks for the quick response! Have fun! Gina 8-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tigger Report Share Posted June 28, 2005 Hi Gina, I would just like to say I think your book would be a great idea. The more help the better, and Ideas from all over thats even better. I am a AD in Oregon and would love to here other AD`s ideas from other states. I would love to give you a good idea but will have to get back to you on that. Keep up all of your good ideas we do appriciate all of them. Thanks Rhonda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
actpro 0 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 Hi Gina, I am always looking for different kinds of activities to do with my resident's. Somthing different that they would like. So I always need help. I run out of things to do. The book is a great idea. I have done so many things with my Alz. resident's, from reading to them, take them strolling, which is very good, when they are in their walking stage. Alot of sensory act. with them. Good luck on your book. God Bless you. actpro from Texas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigchris 1 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Gina, Let's talk....I work in GA and have been considering the same path.... bigchris1974@hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_seags Report Share Posted November 27, 2006 The more resources available the better - but how about a book of activity ideas + how to modify the activity to maximise participation / involvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennie 26 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Hi We had a lady place & order for a book & she got the wrong one by mistake. Anyway long story short I had her mail me the wrong book. I just got it in the mail. It was a really good book. Had it not been for this mistake I would have never read the book, so what a great mistake this turned out to be. The book is called "One to One is not the Loniest Number". The book is full of great activities, most of which I think are useable! The activities are diffenent from the usual ones read in other books. Also the cost is very affordable. I am not writting this post as a sales gimmick for our site but to let those interested it really is a good one to add to your library. You can find it in our store. Anyway Gina I like the ideal of your book, Karen has been talking about doing a similar book for over a year now too. The only thing I have to suggest is that since so many of us have to pay for these things out of our own pocket is to make it affordable. Let us know how the book is coming along I am sure lots of AD's would be interested in purchasing it. best of luck in writting it Pennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caringforyou 0 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Hi All,Well, most of ya know me, and if not my name is Gina and I have been doing activities for over twenty years now and have two websites,Activity Ideas that Work and Activity Chat and I am a moderator on this site.I am in the process of geting a few books published that I am working on and I had an idea for one and want your opinions.....What do you think of a book with "Activity Ideas that Work" with ideas from different directors from all over the states and countries? I am working on an Alzheimer's activity book and Assisted living activity ideas as well.Please let me know what you think and if you have a particular activity idea that has worked well for ya and would like to be in the book( with full credit ) please send them to me at:crazee_g2004@yahoo.com. Also, I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks! Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-) Hello. I hope you had a great 4th. I have been working with the elderly and helping out in activity programs. I just wanted to say that I think that the activity book with ideas that work would be a great source for Activity Directors and Facilities. Because people are running out of great ideas. People also need activities that enhance and stimulate the residence mental, physical, and spiritual abilities so they can feel great about themselves no matter what limitations they are facing. Great Idea! I also had a question. I'm looking into going forward in the activity coordinator and program industry. I had a concern about one issue. Where can you find great entertainers that actually enteract with the residence at activity time and what is a accurate budget to hire or pay entertainers or singers. Also how many times to hire them a month without going over budget. Everyone does things different. I need I guess like your book; new ideas that work. hahahahahahaha! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faith Elizabeth 0 Report Share Posted September 12, 2007 Great idea all around, there is never enough info to keep our residents going nad assisting them as they need it. The more resources available the better - but how about a book of activity ideas + how to modify the activity to maximise participation / involvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightdozenroses 0 Report Share Posted October 6, 2007 HiWe had a lady place & order for a book & she got the wrong one by mistake. Anyway long story short I had her mail me the wrong book. I just got it in the mail. It was a really good book. Had it not been for this mistake I would have never read the book, so what a great mistake this turned out to be. The book is called "One to One is not the Loniest Number". The book is full of great activities, most of which I think are useable! The activities are diffenent from the usual ones read in other books. Also the cost is very affordable. I am not writting this post as a sales gimmick for our site but to let those interested it really is a good one to add to your library. You can find it in our store. Anyway Gina I like the ideal of your book, Karen has been talking about doing a similar book for over a year now too. The only thing I have to suggest is that since so many of us have to pay for these things out of our own pocket is to make it affordable. Let us know how the book is coming along I am sure lots of AD's would be interested in purchasing it. best of luck in writting it Pennie It's a great idea and if I can help, please let me know. I've always said I'd make a great editor; I'm always correcting everyone else's grammatical errors - not that you'll make any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLouise 0 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 Hi All,Well, most of ya know me, and if not my name is Gina and I have been doing activities for over twenty years now and have two websites,Activity Ideas that Work and Activity Chat and I am a moderator on this site.I am in the process of geting a few books published that I am working on and I had an idea for one and want your opinions.....What do you think of a book with "Activity Ideas that Work" with ideas from different directors from all over the states and countries? I am working on an Alzheimer's activity book and Assisted living activity ideas as well.Please let me know what you think and if you have a particular activity idea that has worked well for ya and would like to be in the book( with full credit ) please send them to me at:crazee_g2004@yahoo.com. Also, I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks! Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-) Hi Gina.... with over 35 years in Therapeutic Recreation, administration and teaching, I have found that AD's are looking for "how to".... How do I teach this...? How do I lead a large group?..... What can I offer that is new and fresh? .... I will send you a few ideas that I have found to be successful... if you like. (Great name by the way.... it is my daughter's name!!!) Dorothy P. M.S., CTRS, NHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracy 0 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks!Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-) Gina - I am also an "old-timer". The things I look for in a publication are: *A book that lays flat - good wire spiral bound is great. cheap plastic spirals are a pain. *New ideas - not a re-hash. *complete with step-by-step instructions. Usually by the time I get to pulling out a book, it is an immediate need and I am brain-dead. *Things that can be completed in an hour or less. *Short - sweet day to day activities. The large special event type things are pretty easy to put together. It's the day-in-day-out that I need more ideas for. (Example: one of the most enjoyable activities for low functioning residents that we employ is using aromatherapy lotioin. We make the morning rounds of those that primarily sit at the nursing stations or in their rooms. Provide them with these great smelling, rich lotions and encourage them to rub their hands, tell them good morning and sometimes offer a hug) It's sensory stim (touch, smell, auditory, sight & verbal 1:1 interaction). It's these type of things that I need help with. After 10 years at the same facility, with some of the same residents - I feel like we are in a rut and have done it all! *I would much rather purchase a book written by a peer, that is still a peer instead of someone who is no longer working with residents and I think compiling a book from suggestions from other ADs is wonderful.... I'LL BUY IT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfjones 0 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 Could you send me some new ideas also. I am ADC at a very large facility with SNF, Rest Home & Alzheimer's levels of care. Thanks, Gfjones email at gjones 1946@hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katlipstick 0 Report Share Posted July 15, 2008 The most challenging time of day for us is during the late afternoon fatigue that we used to know as sundowning. We have had a group called Gathering Time for a few years now. This group is held to keep residents who are restless, at risk of falling, exiting, etc in the late afternoon safe. We need some new ideas that recall familiarity and will calm some, while others get stimulation. Typically, we have some kind of video going in one corner of the dining room for interested folks to watch, we serve refreshments, and have smaller hands on groups or individual projects, but we sure could use some successful ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmbreid 0 Report Share Posted July 16, 2008 Hello. I hope you had a great 4th. I have been working with the elderly and helping out in activity programs. I just wanted to say that I think that the activity book with ideas that work would be a great source for Activity Directors and Facilities. Because people are running out of great ideas. People also need activities that enhance and stimulate the residence mental, physical, and spiritual abilities so they can feel great about themselves no matter what limitations they are facing. Great Idea!I also had a question. I'm looking into going forward in the activity coordinator and program industry. I had a concern about one issue. Where can you find great entertainers that actually enteract with the residence at activity time and what is a accurate budget to hire or pay entertainers or singers. Also how many times to hire them a month without going over budget. Everyone does things different. I need I guess like your book; new ideas that work. hahahahahahaha! Thanks Hello, call other facilities and find out who they have. Most entertainers work in a round of places each month. I look for ones who get the residents to sing and dance the norm is piano player, slide show presenter, pet performer visits, readers, magician , special events harpist, violist. Residents really love kids who sing from local schools. Singers, music players here in upstate ny get $50 readers $10-$25,slideshows,pets $25- $40 . special events no more then $75 some retired folks from the senior centers volunteer and we give a donation to them. Same with family members who may have a talent. Birthday music singers once a month to where the slideshows or piano players if you want once a week can be good. I usually only had each person 1 time a month. They can add up to once a week if you have a lot once a month. one a week is 4 cost a month. 2 performers a week is 8 costs a month It all depends on what your facility will put as priority . My admst. was very supportive with funds for entertainment separate from my activity budget. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennb54 0 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 Hi Gina.... with over 35 years in Therapeutic Recreation, administration and teaching, I have found that AD's are looking for "how to"....How do I teach this...? How do I lead a large group?..... What can I offer that is new and fresh? .... I will send you a few ideas that I have found to be successful... if you like. (Great name by the way.... it is my daughter's name!!!) Dorothy P. M.S., CTRS, NHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennb54 0 Report Share Posted November 8, 2009 hi I would like to see more quick and easy activities that are in reproducible format and large print to accomodate those who are vision impaired. Spend a lot of time copying and enlarging print for my residents. More examples of life stations would also be useful. Bennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
browndeborahlp 0 Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 Hi All,Well, most of ya know me, and if not my name is Gina and I have been doing activities for over twenty years now and have two websites,Activity Ideas that Work and Activity Chat and I am a moderator on this site.I am in the process of geting a few books published that I am working on and I had an idea for one and want your opinions.....What do you think of a book with "Activity Ideas that Work" with ideas from different directors from all over the states and countries? I am working on an Alzheimer's activity book and Assisted living activity ideas as well.Please let me know what you think and if you have a particular activity idea that has worked well for ya and would like to be in the book( with full credit ) please send them to me at:crazee_g2004@yahoo.com. Also, I am wondering what do most directors look for when purchasing publications for their work?.Thanks! Have fun! Gina :-D :-) ;-) Hi Gina, unlike you the activity field is new to me. I've being doing this for about a year now. In dealing with alzheimers especially the later pahse when they are totally dependent on others for care, I find that incuding them in group discussion and other low physical activity functions seems to stimulate them more mentally than one on one visits. Even those residents that are aphasic and geri-chair dependent seems be more attentive in groups that is if you include them in the activity. I find that calling there names and touching them at the same time is especially of good benefit during discussions. For example, I might say "Mr. Brown did you know that we are planning a party?" I will simutanueously be touching him. I watch theirface for signs of a response and usaully their eyes will light up or a slight twitch of the mouth can be noted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen 0 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 Gina, One of the things I look for in building my work library is some truly practical & doable, but unique ideas. What puts me off from purchasing is cost. A special event that we do is a Christmas Pageant starring the residents. There are no speaking parts beyond a narrator reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 & then Matthew 2 which includes the 3 wisemen. Our choir of residents sing traditional Christmas carols in between the action of the cast coming in. We borrow costumes from an area church. This program never ceases to get me choked up & other staff feels the same way. The reisdents are so proud of themselves & it's very meaningful for the families. Good luck on your books! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azz10 0 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Hi Gina, I am a activity director in TN I think the best book that could be written in activity's is one for administrators and corporations on time issues activity directors face often I feel that there is a lot of time spent on residents who are up and attending group activity and partys and not enough time for those residents who are 1:1 or in rooms. 10 Min. 3x per week is not enough time to do something truly meaningful with a very sick lonely person in there room however that is the only time most activity departments have most of activity is spent on big out of room groups, small interest groups and activity which helps with falls etc. for example if you do 5 1 hour group activities and 2 30 min. activity a day and take off for lunch ( you cant visit at meal times at my facility that is from noon til 1:30 it leaves little time for in room activity. I have been to many siminars and confrences and met lots of activity directors from around the world this is a problem that all struggle with it is a problem I have always struggled with and a book of possiable solutions and sample schedules for both small and large facilitys is something I would buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joelle 2 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Hi Gina, I am a Life Enrichment Coordinator at an Assisted Living/ Memory Care Community. I have used your Activity idea's that work website, you have lots of great idea's. I would be interested in a book with some new idea's. Especially for our M.C. unit. I am also always looking for idea's for men. Seems like they are a little more tricky to find their specific leisure interest. What made you decide to become an Activity Director? What type of setting do you work in? It is always nice to visit with other activities directors and share idea's. Joelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina 2 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 Wow! I have not been on the site for a while! Thanks for all the replies. I never wrote that book I had spoke about as I moved to Arizona and have just been so busy working as a Activity Director still. I do appreciateall the ideas and suggestions for the book and maybe someday will get around to doing it! Lol! I do have my Facebook, Activity Ideas That Work page and try to put fun ideas on that. Well, just wanted to check in and say hello! Thanks again for all the replies. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorig7 1 Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 Hi Gina, thank you for asking. I am really good at coming up with multi stepped crafts for my higher functioning folks but I have a hard time coming up with simpler but rewarding crafts for the more impaired dementia and Alzheimer residents. I would buy a book with that sort of crafts in it. Dignified but simpler crafting steps. Thank you and good luck, Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriesl 0 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 Hi Gina, my name is Carrie I am interested in your websites, I caught the name of one Activity ideas that work? is that correct ? What is the other I am always looking for new ideas for activities. I work in LTC community and my activities really vary. There are so many different abilities and I like to spice it up! it gets them excited and something to look forward to. Thanks Carrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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