NicoleSmith 0 Report Share Posted July 11, 2005 :-D Hello! I'm starting on Tuesday as an Activity Director in an 85 apartment Assisted Living in Northern California. I have no idea what I'm doing! and no idea what to expect! I'm coming from a completely different field and just kind of "winging" it. Any advice would be wonderful! Thank you in advance! Nicole brianandnicoles@comcast.net P.S. This website is the best resource I've found on the internet - THANK YOU! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted July 11, 2005 Ask questions and we will help you answer them! I have a good AL background, I may be able to help you! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana 0 Report Share Posted July 11, 2005 very few of us really knew what we were doing when we begame AD's - but you are one of the blessed for doing it in AL! In long - term care you would have too much paperwork! In AL, you just enjoy the activities and getting to enrich the lives of your residents! Welcome to the site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 Hey Nicole, I loss your e-mail. E-mail me with some questions and I will help you! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phxville 0 Report Share Posted July 18, 2005 Hi All, I have a question for you "experienced" AD's out there...Can you compare and contrast your views of an AD's job in LTC as opposed to AL. I just started in a LTC facility about 3 months ago but I always kinda thought my long term goal would be to work in AL. What do you think about that? I would like to hear different perspectives cause I know very little about either field!! THANKS, JANICE PS. I really love this site too!! It has taught me so much already!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelanieLynn 0 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hey Nicole! I started 6 months ago in assisted living. i love it! One of the most important things I ahve learned is to listen. Not only do the residents love to talk about their past but you get really valuable life lessons. They are the experts when it comes to lifes ups and downs. That's the most important thing you can do! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 My opinion is working with AL is easier! No paperwork, higher functioning residents most of the time, and less residents! You will notice that is AL the families are more involved then most NF due to the fact that it is private pay. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phxville 0 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Thanks Karen! How does the pay compare in the two? Are AL facilities harder to get into?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 What I have seen in Texas is that NF do get paid more - not much more. But they are required to do sooooo much more! I would think AL's are easier to get into without experience- because it is all activites- no paperwork, paperwork requires training. But AL are more competetive because they are private pay they really have to market the activity program. So it is more important for the AL's to be picky about who they hire! Most the time in AL's the AD is a big part of the marketing team and a department head so they want someone who has a professional apperance. In NF the AD is more like part of the Therapy team doing care plans and MDS etc. So knowledge is more important I would think. But when a facilities is in need they don't always take the time to look for quality AD they just hire the best candidate out of what they have at the time. Hope that helps Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonytineres 0 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 I can share that I work at a large retirement community as the activity director for the entire campus- I find that it is much easier for myself and my staff who work the AL unit because of the reasons others have mentioned. I also have found that the residents are very capable of planning their own leisure events. We have a resident activity committee that meets monthly; they have a blast. Last month they planned a dinner outing to a local supper club. We were out until 10:30 pm!! Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina 2 Report Share Posted July 19, 2005 Hi All, Well,let me tell ya my opinion on both types of facilities.... I started in a SNF in the early 80's and back then there was hardly any paper work and not alot of meetings and regs.,hippa, or none of that..It was actually really FUN to work in skilled nursing! Then came MDS,more people on medicare-medicaid ( more gov. paperwork),Hippa regs,f-tags and all that came with it.No more fun,just tons and tons of paperwork. I worked for SNFs for about 15 years. In the mid 90's A.Ls started poping up all over the place,in turn the need for Activity Directors, but the owners did not want to pay as well as SNFs.I worked for AL facilities for about ten years.I really enjoyed working for AL facilities but the residents are alot more demanding and alert so you really need to be on your toes! There is alot less paperwork and usually more family involvement( this could be a good or bad thing,LOL!) There are pros and cons of both types of facilities but if you just really want to be with the residents choose ALs,if you like to deligate and do paper work and attend meetings most of your day choose SNF. Its really up to you and what you like to do with your day. Both jobs are equally fun and rewarding and will keep ya busy!! Have fun! Gina :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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