What Is Your Budget

[darlenebe 0]

Thanks everyone,

Submitted my budget and was informed that I was only being funded $750.00 a year for everything! 31 residents and 9 AL residents........can this be possibly the going rate? What is the average $ amt you all are funded per resident per yr? mo?

darlene be

[Guest Budget]

I have multiple budgets , but for general supplies, I have $4.00 per resident every month. I have 250 Residents so that's 1000 dollars for supplies and out trips.

so to be honest I have to say your budget seems low, but it can be workable. Just use this site for ideas!

Heide

[phxville 0]

Hey Darlenebe,

I feel yur pain. I get $100.00 a month for everything! Supplies, entertainers... Fortunately for me my ED understands that this is not very much money so if I ever need anything I just ask her permission. I have never gotten in trouble for asking. Also another thing you can do to help you out is fundraisers. I usually have atleast one per month. That can double my budget in one shot, which is ALOT of $$$ to me, hahaha. (my facility has 138 residents all together) Good luck! And remember all you can do is your best with what you have and thats GREAT!

[CateinArizona 0]

My budget is SUPPOSED to be $200 and some odd dollars depending upon census, which as we know, changes through the month. My problem is that my budget is held in PETTY CASH. Every time I go to the business office to retrieve money for anything, I am told that petty cash has not arrived or that there IS no more petty cash. I know this is a little off subject but can anyone tell me where I go to look up the regulations on how and where the Activities budget is to be held? The way my facility is dealing with this, my residents are receiving the brunt of this. I was actually told by the business office staff, "You will just have to pay for it yourself"! I need information. Can anyone help me here?

[jeneen 0]

Sorry to hear that Catein.  It sounds like you really don't have a budget.  I'm don't know the answer to this but you're right, it is the residents who will suffer.

[EmilyNB1 0]

Our yearly budget is quite large.. however, the majority of it is eaten up by our Music Therapy program ($10,000/year). This leaves roughly $100/month for all staff combined (5 Activity Directors). But I do feel that if we needed something really vital, they would find moneys elsewhere to pull from. We are non-profit so we get some donations every year towards our department to go towards big events, etc. 

[lorried 0]

On ‎7‎/‎19‎/‎2005 at 8:11 AM, wonytineres said:

Unfortunately it is a fact that when budgets get cut activities is the first to feel the pinch. This is because the majority of long term care companies operate in a medical model; meaning they treat the entire operation as an 'old fashion' 1980s nursing home. The reality is that activities is the most important department. It is our department that makes life worth living and provides a sense of purpose for the residents. The other unfortunate fact is that sometimes the only way we get what we need is AFTER surveyors have pointed out the problems. You may share you concerns with your administrator, corporate offices, etc. and they will only throw their hands up, however when surveyors point out to them that the activity department does not have the necessary supplies to provide an adequate program they may listen. I have been in your shoes; my previous position was with a large long term care chain (maybe even the one you work for), our budget was cut every year. Don't lose faith though, I now work for a nonprofit organization that truly values activities. I have a hard time spending all of my budget and when we go on outings the facility pays for the staff's meals, movie tickets, etc. You could try posting an 'activity department wish list' listing the items you need i.e. craft supplies, bingo prizes, busy box items; I've had good luck with this.

do you have an Auxiliary volunteer group or are you affiliated with a hospital that has volunteers. Often times the Auxiliary is looking for places to put some money. Also many of them have items that could be donated.