How to Conduct an Activities Survey

Activity programs are a vital component of providing quality care to seniors in long-term care facilities.

Prospective residents and their families often evaluate the quality of care based on various factors, including the facility's environment, services, living quarters, the demeanor of current residents, and, crucially, the Activities Program.

Addressing Lack of Engagement

One of the common challenges faced by Activity Coordinators is the lack of engagement among residents in the activities provided. This issue can arise due to several reasons:

Habitual Participation: Some residents might attend activities out of habit rather than genuine interest.

Social Gathering: Residents may congregate in recreation areas simply because it's a social hub, not necessarily because they are enthusiastic about the activities.

Boredom: Even if residents don't express it openly, they may be feeling bored with the existing activities.

Activity Imbalance: Giving too much importance to specific activities can lead to a decline in interest in others.

Lack of Enthusiasm: Staff conducting activities must display enthusiasm and energy to engage residents effectively.

Behavioral Factors: Behavioral disturbances in clients, such as apathy, can contribute to reduced engagement.

The Power of Surveys in Improving Activities

To address these issues and improve the quality of your Activity Program, consider conducting regular surveys of your residents. Annual or bi-annual surveys can provide valuable insights into resident preferences and needs. Two template surveys have been provided.

Activity Program Survey: A brief survey that can be quickly examined to gather essential feedback regarding the current activities.

Resident Lifestyle Survey: A more comprehensive survey that delves into various aspects of residents' lifestyles and preferences.

Optimizing Your Survey Process

Self-Reflection: Before conducting surveys, evaluate the relevance of your current activities to the needs of your clients. It might be time for a program makeover.

Client Involvement: Encourage resident involvement in the survey process. Relatives can assist their loved ones in providing feedback.

Survey Distribution: Disseminate the surveys through various channels, including in-person distribution, online forms, or through the facility newsletter.

Anonymity: Ensure that residents can provide feedback anonymously if they wish. This can lead to more honest responses.

Feedback Analysis: Carefully analyze the survey results to identify trends, areas for improvement, and resident preferences.

Action Plan: Develop an action plan based on the survey findings. Consider implementing changes and new activities that align with residents' interests and needs.

Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and adapt your Activity Program based on ongoing feedback and changing resident preferences.

Resident Involvement is Key

By actively involving residents in shaping the activities they engage in, you can create a more vibrant and engaging environment in your senior care facility.

Remember, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for your residents, and their input is invaluable in achieving that aim.

We'd love to hear your feedback!
Have you run a survey in the past? Were you able to gather useful data from it?