Creating In-Services for your Activity Department and the Facility - ActivityDirector.org

Creating In-Services for your Activity Department and the Facility

by M. Celeste Chase AC-BC, ACC, CDP

ActivityDirector.org

Learning opportunities through in-services not only sends an intrinsic message that staff is highly valued but will also boost employment retention and job satisfaction. Appropriately supported, in-services have an added benefit of preventing job burnout for those in the demanding healthcare industry and that is a win-win for everyone!

Interpretive Guidelines Tag 679 – Identifies that “all staff” is accountable for assuring that meaningful activities are provided to ALL RESIDENTS regardless of resident limitations or lack of response.

To this end, all staff members must fully understand not only the therapeutic value of engagement as it relates to quality of life, but must possess appropriate skills, techniques and strategies to deliver meaningful activities. The Activity Director is the key individual to take the lead in this training through facility in-services.

A great place to find topics (“good bones”) for in-services can easily be found within the Interpretive Guidelines.

Let’s take a look at three up and coming guidelines from:
[Phase 3] - OBRA 87’ Interpretive Guidelines effective on: November 28, 2019

F940 §483.95 Training Requirements
Facilities must develop, implement and maintain an effective training program that is based on the Facility Assessment. Training must be completed for new staff, existing staff, contracted individuals and volunteers (consistent with their roles). The amount and type of training required should be reflective of the services and patient acuity identified in the Facility Assessment.

This guideline states that training topics must include, but are not limited to:

• Communication
• Resident’s Rights
• QAPI - Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement
• Infection Control
• Compliance and Ethics
• Behavioral Health

F941 Communication Training
Facilities must have mandatory training for direct care staff on effective communications. The importance of communication is emphasized, including communication across all shifts and information sharing between staff, residents and representatives. Direct care staff needs to understand their responsibilities for reporting change in condition and sharing information between team members for continuity in care provided that is based on individualized interventions.

F942 Resident’s Rights Training
Facilities must ensure that all staff members – not just direct care staff – receive appropriate education on resident’s rights and be knowledgeable in the facility’s responsibilities in providing care for its residents.

Under F550 Resident’s Rights, residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and all interventions with residents by staff must assist the residents in maintaining/enhancing their self-esteem and self-worth, show respect for each resident’s individuality and incorporate the resident’ goals, choices and preferences.

NOTE: This training requirement is likely to already exist in most facilities, but facilities that do not have this topic included in its staff education requirements will need to do so by the [Phase 3] deadline mentioned above.

You can easily see that OBRA 87’ Interpretive Guidelines makes training expectations abundantly clear and sets the bar for specific materials for learning opportunities. This will provide you with a strong arsenal of tools from which you can reference for new in-services to ensure that your facility complies with recommended standards. Be sure to compare these topics with your new staff member’s orientation training topics as well as your annual mandatory re-education plan.

For a successful in-service experience, develop a strategy that supports team synergy and mutual respect to get other staff members excited and willing to be committed to your program.

In-Service/ Foundation Plan:
Listed below are the preliminary steps to develop your in-service program. Each component is a building block to the next and will get you well on your way to creating a strong and successful in-service that will enlighten your fellow staff associates in a way in which they will better understand and respect the complex nature of the work you do as a professional Activity Director.

Component # 1 –Training Order
The order of presenting in-service training sessions can start with the most urgent to least urgent or oldest information to newest information, or build upon the initial session to the next. The ladder works well if the attendees need to understand certain things before assimilating more advanced materials.

Component # 2 - Ask How Your Attendees Learn Best
Another effective time saving strategy is to incorporate learning styles that are well suited to in-service attendees. As you most likely know, many of us attain information better when given specific ways to learn. Some people learn the quickest through reading, while others prefer visuals and hands-on experience. Understanding the learning styles of your audience will make your time more effective and productive thus, getting the most value for the time spent.

Component # 3 - Materials Distribution Before the In-Service
Consider distributing informative materials such as manuals, or short “cheat sheets” or step-by-step introductions relating to the topic scheduled for the in-service before training session begins. This is a great way to build up in-service anticipation and interest. Distribution prior to the in-service will also decrease the customary introduction time at the beginning of the in-service and help you jump right into the material to be presented.

Component # 4 - Create a Training Schedule
When in-service trainings are conducted during “on-duty” hours it is wise to set a predictable schedule. This allows attendees to plan for floor coverage and seek necessary supervisory approval in advanced. Be cognizant and adaptable to staff availability to ensure optimum participation. Mindful scheduling during on-duty hours to reduce staff “off the floor time” will also be looked upon favorably by your administration.

HINT: In-services held after regular work hours should also be respectfully scheduled so that it doesn't infringe upon the staff’s anticipated leisure time. Once again your consideration and sensitivity in this area will more likely create eager participation.

Component # 5 – Incorporate Session Breaks
It’s a given that long in-service training may not be permissible particularly when staff’s “off the floor” coverage proves to be challenging. That said, take a moment to break away even for s short bathroom visit. It may be all you need to keep your attendees focused and refreshed thus, moving the in-service in a positive direction throughout the session.

Component # 6 – Serve Light Refreshments
As a very common and familiar adage goes, If you feed them - they will come! Providing food at a business event can promote attendance and provide a welcoming atmosphere which in turn, will get your in-service off to a great start. Keep it simple – consider dietary restrictions. What you serve will depend on the time of day that you schedule your in-service. Morning events tend to focus on coffee, tea, fruits, pastries, etc. Afternoon events are more likely to be about soda, cookies, pretzels, etc. Bottled water is always appropriate no matter what time of the in-service and decaffeinated options should always be offered.

Creating and organizing interdisciplinary facility in-services for staff will set you apart from the rest and help you develop a reputation as a knowledgeable and credible professional in your field. Fellow staff members and associates will quickly recognize the complexity of your position and will readily get on board to ensure that every staff member provides “quality of life” opportunities for all the residents within your facility.

“Opportunities for learning - present an extraordinary prospect to expand our knowledge base and growth both in personal confidence and competency skills that ultimately will benefit the residents we serve.”

 Have a topic request or question for Celeste?
  Send them over to CelesteChase @ activitydirector.org





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Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. Activity Directors are the key to creating environments that we ourselves would be excited to live in. We envision facilities that feel like homes, not institutions. Facilities that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe providing the best education available, with the most talented teachers we can find, is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network. Copyright © 2019 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Planning for the Spiritual But Not Religious Resident - ActivityDirector.org

Activity Directors have traditionally planned and understood the importance of continuing their resident’s religion within the facility. Often multiple religious activities are planned weekly in order to meet the needs of those they serve. Things they are changing, though. According to a study conducted by the PEW Research Center from 2012 to 2017, approximately 27% of U.S. adults identify as ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’, with 75% identifying as both. This may seem like a vague identification and it certainly leaves the Activity Director in uncharted waters when it comes to planning activities for it. First, we must understand what ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ means. It is defined as a life stance that does not believe that organized religion is the best or only path to personal spiritual development. In other words, spiritual people prefer a more customized approach, which can add another layer of complication while trying to plan for multiple people. The spiritual quest is ever evolving and the direction it goes in comes from the resident’s internal ques within. One week they may wish to work on past regrets, while the next week finds them guided towards meditation or mindfulness. Spirituality is not a one size fits all in the same way uniform religion is. For this reason, the Activity Director will need to stay in close communication with their residents and take their inspiration from their needs. In order to make your job a bit easier we have provided a list of suggested spiritual activities that may help guide you and your resident as you take on this noble quest. Spiritual Activity Starters Meditation and Yoga- There are numerous guided meditations available for purchase or free on YouTube. Jason Stephenson is a good place to start. Research a guided yoga program that suits your residents. There is such a thing as chair yoga, which might be ideal. Mindfulness- Practicing being in the present moment during daily activities. Create activities that keep the resident tuned into what they are doing. This would include activities that require concentration such as painting, crafting, puzzles, playing an instrument, or learning to do familiar things in a new way (i.e. writing an entire letter using their non-dominant hand). Slant these activities towards the spiritual side of things and make it known that the overall goal is to remain mindful and alert. Shadow Work- According to Lonerwolf (a respected site that specializes in soul work), "shadow work is the attempt to uncover everything that we have disowned and rejected within our Shadow Selves". These are all of the things we dislike about ourselves or were taught to dislike, perhaps even impulses that would be considered vile if carried out. This is deep work and Lonerwolf recommends that you attempt shadow work only after establishing a strong degree of self-love. Spirituality Book Club- Spiritualists love a good “self-help” book. There are so many fascinating books on the topic and many can be found directly through the publisher or on Amazon. Some of my favorite spiritual publishers and authors are Hay House, Sounds True, Eckhart Tolle, Michael Singer, Brene Brown and Wayne Dyer. A book by any of these authors is sure to generate much reflection and communication for the book club. Conscious Dancing- This basically involves free style dancing. Turn on some tunes and encourage your residents to move freely to the music. They may feel embarrassed to do this, as most of our lives are dictated by socially acceptable behavior, however you can make the difference in their comfort level by displaying your own. This could also be undertaken in smaller groups until participants feel more free and confident. Another option is to begin by having the resident remain seated, close their eyes and move their arms freely. Overtime you will have a room full of free birds! Chanting- Chanting is another one of those activities that can feel silly to do at first and this makes it a bit off putting to many. However, it is believed that as you are chanting something is slowly transforming within you. I would recommend beginning by having residents listen to a chanting video or audio on YouTube to warm to the idea of chanting themselves. Set the tone by dimming the lights and having residents close their eyes and focusing on the chant. Chants are generally in another language so make sure you select the right one for your residents and inform them of the translation. In Closing... These are just a few of the possible spiritual activities you could plan for. The most important thing is that you allow for flexibility and modifications to suit your residents. The ‘Spiritual but Not Religion’ mindset is one of fluidity and honoring oneself. The very fact that you are attempting to modernize your program to encompass all belief systems is admirable and so beneficial. You can be certain that as spirituality gains broader acceptance and becomes more mainstream you will be called upon to adapt your calendar. Some of these practices will benefit many of your residents, spiritual or not, therefor beginning to incorporate these ideas now will surely serve you and your department now and in the very near future. Namaste (I bow to you). Resources: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/09/06/more-americans-now-say-theyre-spiritual-but-not-religious/ https://lonerwolf.com/shadow-work-demons/ https://www.spiritualawakeningprocess.com/2014/11/10-fun-spiritual-things-to-do.html

Enroll Now Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. Activity Directors are the key to creating environments that we ourselves would be excited to live in. We envision facilities that feel like homes, not institutions. Facilities that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe providing the best education available, with the most talented teachers we can find, is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network.

Copyright © 2019 Activity Directors Network, LLC All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2010 US HWY 190 W Ste 120 Livingston, Texas 77351

Dementia Care - Critical Pathway Forms Help Identify Programming Deficiencies

Lime Green Might be Your Color! The Effects of Color with Alzheimers and Dementia Residents

Visual Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia                                Author: M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP    The goal in all communications with a person living with Alzheimer’s should be to connect with him/her in positive, constructive, effective ways. But while most of us have long since experienced the positivity of supportive “words” to communicate; those with progressive Alzheimer’s/dementia will eventual lose the skill of language both receptively and expressively.        Using the Environment to Communicate? – Color My World Studies have shown that the use of various colors, particularly in the environment can be helpful in restoring some level of independence often lost with the disease progression. Strategic use of colors in the environment also has an uncanny way of improving mood and thereby lessening the occurrence of unwanted behavior incidents. NOTE: The most effective color preferences for individuals with dementia are red, blue and green. Red has shown to increases brain wave activity and gives and appearance of a smaller room. This color tends to increase the perceived temperature of the room. The use of red is very effective in getting the attention of an individual with Alzheimer's or dementia. Thus, often used to draw the senior to areas or things you want them to pay attention to. Blue is a “restful” color with a calming effect. The use of blue in the physical environment can actually lower blood pressure and rooms painted in this color are cooler than other shades; like red or orange. Painting walls Blue gives the illusion of increased room size. Green reduces central nervous system activity and is recognized as being symbolic of growth and life; having the most restful affect of all colors. It is often used to helps individuals remain calm much like blue. Painting walls green gives the appearance of a larger area. Lime green is particularly effective color to use with individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia for visual attention, i.e., visual cues for bathrooms, bedrooms, walkers, etc. Blue and red are ideal for a dinner plate and eating utensils colors as it too offers good contrast with food to stimulate appetite. Studies show that individuals feel happier when wearing colors such as coral, peach and variations of orange. Incorporate these colors in clothing wardrobe, to support happy emotions throughout the day. NOTE: Those with acutely aggressive unwanted behavior issues tend to act out less when pink is the color of choice. It should be noted that the use of pink, blue and green will often be found in facilities that work with individuals with violent or hostile tendencies. Contrasting Colors Benefits: The use of contrast is extremely important for marking edges to delineate the amount of space the item occupies relative to the surrounding environment to help define objects more clearly. It is used to draw attention to furniture or other items that may be tripping hazards to prevent falls. Contrasting colors are strategically used for dinner plates or finding the toilet seat in a white on white bathroom. It is not uncommon for seniors to completely misjudge the location of the toilet seat or even the bathroom itself. Adding color to seats and bathroom doors can significantly reduce toileting accidents. Color contrasting is useful in drawing attention to key features on walls. Making it easier to locate switches, railings or handrails. Color Differentiation: Research has shown that a person with dementia can be less sensitive to differences in colors – including color contrast such as black or white. The aging process is known to lead to natural thickening of eye lens, affecting distinction between certain colors. It causes a ‘washed out’ affect, making it difficult to differentiate between blues, greens and purples (these colors would then be easily used interchangeably to create the same affect). The distinction between blue and black may also become difficult to identify. NOTE: Keep in mind that color preferences can change for those seniors living with dementia as they begin to experiences increasing sensitivity to all things, so it is necessary to create a balance throughout the journey of the disease. Visual Complications: Difficulties with sight and perception can cause people to misinterpret the world around them, further fueling the confusion and isolation they’re already feeling. The ability to detect movement may be reduced along with problems with double vision, or struggle to change their gaze. Reflections may also be mistaken for other people and shadow areas become a place of overwhelming fear. Patterns can cause confusion, so keep patterns on the wall and floor to a minimum or eliminate completely where possible. Seniors with Lewy Bodies dementia may view carpets with patterns to be at different heights and levels. Rugs regardless of patterns or solid colors are often seen as holes in the floor and viewed as obstacles to avoid. Overview Summary: Highlight important elements – prominent color contrast for a backdrop adds clarity to the environment and the objects occupying the space. Things such as floors, skirting boards, walls, and stairs should all clearly contrast with one another so that they’re easily distinguished.     Example: Chairs should be in contrasting color to the floors, sinks and toilets     should be in contrast to the walls and floors, and table settings must contrast with the table or tablecloth. Use color to highlight risks – For someone living with dementia, changes in hue values can often be perceived to be changes in floor level. Avoid patterned carpets, especially striped or checkered, which could be perceived as holes in the ground. Ensure thresholds don’t contrast – If the flooring in one room contrasts with the flooring in the next room it could be perceived as a change in floor level. Try to ensure that the flooring for rooms and areas that lead into each other are the same color so that it is perceived as a continuous level surface. Reduce unwanted visuals – Clutter can be overwhelming and lead to confusion. As dementia progresses it creates a profound lose of our identity and frequent bewilderment causing ever familiar locations to feel strange. High risk wandering behaviors and attempts to escape the place that no longer feels safe can be colors and patterns advantageously with low contrast to make exit doors recede into the background and become more inconspicuous. NOTE: Not surprisingly, using colors to paint an exit door or a window image on the wall has been known to distract and camouflage the location of the real exit door and window to redirect attempts to wander. Many of us are drawn to our favorite colors, and some colors evoke happy memories, but as a general rule of thumb the following colors encourage these reactions: Blue: Cool colors like blue make a room feel bigger, and have a calming and restful effect, so they’re often used for bedrooms and quiet areas. Green: This earthy color is associated with growth and life, and is thought to reduce activity in the central nervous system and help people to feel calmer. Red: This warm color has the opposite effect to blue, making a room feel smaller and often used for rooms that are cool in temperature. It’s also a highly stimulating color which is often used in activity areas to increase brain wave activity and stimulate the production of adrenaline. Orange: Another warm color with similar properties to red. It is considered an earthy color and is often used in natural environments. Yellow: This is a stimulating color which is used in activity areas to increase brain wave activity as well. Stimulating colors are good for Alzheimer’s patients as they can trigger fond memories and improved cognitive function.

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Behavioral Health Programming Guide for Skilled Nursing Facilities , written by M. Celeste Chase AC-BC, ACC, CDP

Behavioral Health Programming Guide for Skilled Nursing Facilities
written by  M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP,

• Price: $14.95
• Product Code: BHealthGuid
•   Buy Now

Product Information

The New Behavioral Health Regulations F740-F744, F758 & F659 have become part of the 2018-2019 CMS.gov Survey Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities. The regulations are facility wide but the Activity Department is right in the middle of things.

 

This Programming Guide, written by  M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP, provides a Step by Step approach to help the Activity Professional and Staff to understand the challenges Behavioral Health presents and how to respond with activities that help redirect and reduce disruptive or unwanted behaviors.
Celeste has deconstructed the most common Behavioral Health issues into a language easy to understand, triggers, strategies, engagement, adaptations, interventions, samples and goals. This Programming Guide will help you and your facility become Behavioral Health Compliant with minimal stress.

Behavioral Health - Behavioral health encompasses a resident’s whole emotional and mental well-being, which include, but is not limited to the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders.
Not surprisingly, federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) support behavioral health and psychiatric well-being for individuals in senior care facilities. Specifically, the concern centers on the over-reliance of anti psychotic medication use for residents with disruptive behaviors. Unwanted behaviors must first be treated through behavioral interventions before psychoactive medications can be administered.

:::::: Behavior Management mandates requires:

THAT STAFF MUST:

§      Possess appropriate competencies and skill sets to care for residents diagnosed with mental and psycho-social disorders as well as those with a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
§      Provide treatment and services to correct the assessed problem or to attain the highest practicable mental and psycho-social well being for residents that display/diagnosed with;

•     mental disorder
•     psycho-social adjustment difficulty         
•     history of trauma or post-traumatic          
•     stress disorder (PTSD)

§      Monitor for patterns of behavior difficulties not previously diagnosed, assessed or revealed that decreases social interaction and/or increases withdrawn, angry, or depressive behaviors- unless the clinical condition demonstrates that development of such a pattern was unavoidable.
§      Provide a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia with appropriate treatment and services to attain or maintain his or her highest practicable physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being.
§      Provide medically related social services to attain or maintain his or her highest practicable physical, mental, and psycho-social well-being.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ sample ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Big Changes Announced by the NAAPCC Activity Director Credentialing Center

The Credentialing Center is excited to announce that we have now been in 
business for 8 years! Over that time, trends and expectations in the 
field have evolved. The Board met in March to look at how The Center 
could keep up with trends and continue to set and follow high ethical 
certification standards. NAAPCC continues to follow the standards of the 
National Commission for Certifying Agencies, including those related to 
conflicts of interest. No one on this Board or anyone associated with 
the Board benefits financially from any certification criteria. NAAPCC 
is happy to announce that beginning immediately, several changes will 
occur:

1. NAAPCC will be offering three certifications. You will be able to 
find the PATHs to reach these certifications on our website by April 15 
2019 or you can request an emailed copy from the office.

Activity Professional -Board Certified: AP-BC
Advanced Activity Professional -Board Certified: AAP-BC
Activity Consultant/Educator- Board Certified: AC-BC

As of now, all current AP-BC’s will be grandfathered to AAP-BC per 
industry grandfathering standards. All new applicants will follow the 
new criteria. Certificates will automatically be mailed for those 
grandfathered to
AAP-BC. This will take some time so thank you for being patient. You 
will continue to meet F Tag 680 with your
AP-BC.

All certifications meet F tags 658 and 680 and are national 
certifications.

2. NAAPCC has made some additions to the Standards required, which you 
will also find on the website by April 15, 2019.

3. NAAPCC has added a PATH under the AP-BC that will accept any 
*recognized basic or advanced activity course that equals 36 hours, 
toward AP-BC .

4. All CE credits from any *recognized basic or advanced activity course 
can now be used toward required CE credits (note that 12 required CE 
credits must be from live, face to face education for all PATHs).

5. The face to face, live education hours requirement for all renewals 
and applications will now be a minimum of 12.

* No specific course is required per NCCA standards, but recognized 
courses, including state courses already recognized by CMS, will be 
accepted toward NAAPCC certification under PATH 2 for AP-BC. The 
definition of a recognized course will be in the standards and on the 
website by April 15, 2019.

Please contact the office at naapcc.office@gmail.com with any questions 
or call (303) 317-5682

The NAAPCC is proud to continue to be the Board Certification choice of 
Activity Professionals across the country.

Men's Activities for Senior Care by Celeste Chase AC-BC,ACC,CDP Activity Directors Network

 

Activities for Men . . . .

Author M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP   Activity Directors Network        ActivityDirector.org

While walking through most Long Term Care facilities you will easily take note that the ratio of female versus male residents is significantly tipped towards the female population. Women residents outnumber men at the rate of about 2 to 1 (partly due to the fact women live longer than men). Contributing factors that tip the scale further is that it is not uncommon to find that approximately 80% of the staff is also female and the majority of visitors in general are female as well. Men are simply outnumbered in Long Term Care facilities.

            http://digg.com/2017/sex-ratio-america-map

            “this map of America shows the male/female sex ratio for all the states and    

            counties — It's worth noting that, at a glance, the most populous counties in

            America seem to tilt towards female”. 

Upon further glance it may appear that a vast number of activity calendars have more programs geared for women than men. Activity calendars often do reflect a variety of feminine-based domestic activities such as cooking, baking or “unisex” geared activities. One might speculate that Activity Directors focus on meeting the needs of the majority (female) residents but it is more the case of how much more challenging it is to create male oriented programs than it is for the female persuasion.

Consider some of the following factors that contribute to the increased challenge in planning for men’s activities.

·         Of the less than  30% of male residents in Long Term Care facilities, approximately 1/3 of the population present with less ability to communicate than women due to their respective medical or mental status.

·         Some men suffer from strong fear of failure; particularly relating to starting a new skill in which they may appear incompetent to others.

·         Men of past generations may feel embarrassed or self consciousness relating to their particular disability and how it may cause unsuccessful outcomes.

·         Career responsibilities that have long since pasted may leave a sense of loss or void that may damage self-esteem, and instill feelings of uselessness.

All of the above are useful information when planning for men’s activities but are only a fraction of the possible scenarios that today’s Activity Director needs to consider while planning for a balanced and purposeful activity calendar.

Additionally, there are lifestyle differences that contribute to men’s personal attitudes regarding leisure pursuits between white collars versus blue collar workers. White collar workers engaged in less physical job related labor, shorter work d hours and benefited from higher paying salaries than blue collar laborers.  Thus, white collar workers were more likely to feel more energetic, have additional time in the day for leisure choices and possessed the financial means that allowed him to select from a range of interests and pursuits.

Below are some considerations that may help you to best identify how to plan for men’s activities, specific to Blue Collar Workers.

·         Men put in exhaustive long hours and often were left with little or no time for leisure pursuits thus they tend to be lacking in leisure related skills.

·        

What little available free time in any given day was spent with family members, particularly with their children.

·         Minimal earnings did not allow for financial means to spend on leisure activities.

Starting  Point – the assessment /gender reviewed

Fine tune your Assessment Forms

Most likely you already have a standardized assessment form. Take some time to review your assessment form and activity check sheet and take note of the types of activities that may be more specific to male residents.  You can create a framework of questions that will help you probe for more details regarding his preferences. As you check those areas of interest expressed by your resident make it your mission to elicit and document more information describing what makes his specific selection particularly appealing.

Example - Resident selects Sailing:

Questions to ask:

·         Can you describe what your sailboat looked like?

·         Where is your favorite sailing destination?

·         What time of day do you like go sailing?

·         Who do you like to be with when you go sailing?

·         How often did you go sailing?

·         How do you take care of your sailboat?

Your resident’s answers can be used to engage him in a conversation at a later time about this past time experience and will aide in re-affirming a particularly meaningful memory.  Men of this generation often thoroughly enjoy exchanging stories of past days of glory, sports or children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Look within your male population to group residents with common denominators that you can foster in friendship and mutual camaraderie.

Once you incorporate your residents’ noted interest in the activity calendar and highlight care plan objectives you are well on your way  to providing for the needs and interests of your resident as a unique individual within the facility community - thereby meeting federal laws for nursing homes.

Men might be the minority in this club but given the opportunity, appropriate resources and a through comprehensive assessment, men may not only be able to participate but contribute greatly by adding to the overall program enrichment through a well balanced activity calendar schedule.

NOTE:

Although the Activity Director professional who will focus on planning these activities keep in mind that the ALL staff members are charged with ensuring that the needs and interests of each individual is met to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial quality of life possible. Such programs are essential to the health and well being of all men and women living in Long Term Care facilities today.

Below are a number of ideas for your consideration but remember, that you’re objective is to find a “match” between your resident’s needs and interests to the many potential ideas you come across. 

Train Hobby Club – The collection for the train hobbyist is numerous, everything from the train itself to the landscape and surrounding villages will keep your resident busy. Look for a location in the facility where you can leave the train convoy permanently set up for residents to watch throughout the day.

Men’s Choral Group – Rehearse all time men’s favorite songs to musical accompaniment or acapella style.  Let your residents listen to past male entertainment groups (Miracles, The Four Tops, The Platters, etc.) 

Car Talk – Collect car magazines and new car brochures and solicit a discussion about new cars vs. the old cars, foreign vs. domestic, manual vs. automatic transmission, 2-door, 4-door, convertibles, etc.

Car Wash – A simple hose, bucket, soap, sponges, and towels is all that’s needed. Solicit facility staff members to volunteer their car for washing. Each resident may choose whether to wash, rinse, dry, or just watch the scrubbing and polishing busy work.

Rope Tying – Former professionals and wanna-be ship mates will enjoy trying and re-trying various rope techniques to get it right - while sharing sea worthy tales. If there is no sea captain in the crowd just purchase the many rope tying teaching books out there and dawn your sailor hat to get the ship moving.

Santas Workshop – Doll houses, airplanes, train kits, bird house, mailboxes etc., make for a super great Santa Shop assembly line. Finished product can be donated to non-profit organizations such as Toys for Tots during the holidays. Your men will love knowing how meaningful their labor of love will be to a child.

Sports Time – Watching a live or a pre-recorded horse race, ballgame, boxing match on a big-screen will get the crowd in the mood. Set out peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels. Serve non-alcoholic beer and soda.  NOTE: keep in mind any issue with potential chocking risk/consult with nursing.

Competitors Club – Horseshoes, bean bag tosses, badminton, and bocce ball, balloon toss are fun games that involve a lot of movement while encouraging interaction, socialization, and teamwork.

At the Movies – Ask the residents to select a film (a western, war movie, or mystery). Schedule a matinee or an evening showing. Supply hot-buttered popcorn, movie-style candy, and soda (if permissible- relating to potential chocking/consult with nursing). NOTE: War movies may be triggering for some residents. Be sure to vet your residents for potential behavior relating to aggression that may be triggered from viewing war movies.

Honoring Veterans – Military veterans are often eager to exchange stories about the war days as a way to bond and honor veterans and the past memories. Create a list of “military positions” held by your resident and post in an easily visible location to honor their service.

Casino Night – Organize a game of dominoes, checkers, chess, or a card game (poker or Blackjack). Be sure to decorate with all the ambiance and glitz and glamour to set the tone. Arches ranging from roulette wheel to gleaming gold circle to let the residents make an entrance.

Tool Bits – Provide a variety of different sized nuts, bolts, and washers and a few empty containers. Either direct the person to sort the items or assemble the items and start up a conversation and provide pictures about what each item might be used to make. NOTE: Be aware if there is any evidence whereas you believe that your resident may want to ingest non-consumable items.

Trade Show – Journey out to a local hardware store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make a project list and ask the men to find the supplies to complete the job. Many men enjoy discovering new tools and many will spend countless hours at a hardware or home-improvement center.

Shoe Shine – Contac a local shoe shop to enlist the tradesman to come to the facility to show off his craft to the men of the house. Your residents can wear their Sunday best shoes for this shoe renovation. Offer newspapers, magazines, books for reading while resident shoes get a new lease on life.  The smell of shoe polish may evoke memories and provide opportunities to reminisce.

Card or Coin Collection Club – Many men collected and traded baseball cards or coins when they were young. Gather a collection of baseball cards or coins and set up a sorting/organizing station. Obtain detailed information about the items to share with the residents. Encourage the men to talk about their baseball or coin favorites and share how they acquired their treasures.

Career Day – Gather a collection of photographs with a focus on jobs, occupations, and careers. (Also consider: colleges, military service, sports activities, clubs or organizations, hobbies or leisure activities.) Encourage the person to discuss the photographs and their past employment. Pass around various hats representing different careers and ask residents to talk about which occupation they think the hat belongs to. Share information about each career such as, educational requirements and potential earnings.

M. Celeste Chase, AC-BC, ACC, CDP