Member Profile:

Susan

Activity Director From Nevada, United States


About Susan: Susan Berg is a freelance writer, retired healthcare professional, retired Activity Director and current writer for several senior care e-magazines with more than 20 years of experience working with Senior Citizens and eight years experience writing for a number of publications. She is the author of a book for those with dementia and their caregivers. Susan has two blogs about activities for seniors and information vital to all wanting to know about dementia. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and North Shore Community College.

Senior Citizens
Susan is an expert on senior citizen issues. She is currently a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(COTA). In this role, she has worked with senior citizens. Susan is an expert on adapting and modifying activities so that seniors can participate in them. She spent twenty years as an Activity Director in nursing homes. She devised, planned, coordinated, and facilitated stimulating activity programming. Also she designed a program for homebound senior citizens. Currently, Susan shares her knowledge about senior activities on one of her blogs.

Dementia

Susan is also an expert on dementia and related issues. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner(CPD). She has participated in numerous workshops, seminars and alike where she has gained much knowledge. Her work as an Activity Director and COTA has given her much knowledge and experience in relating to individuals with dementia. Susan is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She is hopeful that people will do what they can to prevent or at least slow down dementia in themselves or loved ones. Susan has shared many tips on how to prevent dementia or slow it down on her other blog.

Feel free to visit and comment at either of Susan’s blogs at
http://activitiesdirector.blogspot.com
http://dementiaviews.blogspot.com

28 Activities


3500 Comment

Susan 25th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Diana
I sense your frustration
I am not sure what the purpose of this facility is
But if you don’t want it to be boring start with your self
You need to be excited enthusiastic and engaging
Your attitude reflects on all those who come as you have witnessed
Do you still want to continue? your role??
Is there someone above you who you can share your frustration with???
You should not have to spend your own money
Where do you get the food for lunches? You serve??
Start by asking the few who come on a regular basis for their help
Here are some fundraising ideas that hopefully will help you get some more supplies, etc.
https://www.goldencarers.com/fundraising-ideas-for-nursing-homes/3457/
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-tips-on-asking-for-donations/6563/
https://www.goldencarers.com/optimal-activities---marketing-fundraising-sourcing-free-resources/5105/
I am sure you cannot use all these ideas but you certainly can use some of them and raise funds so you don’t have to pay for things
I have worked for organizations, but not exactly like yours, and the activity department was a mess
It takes time to turn things around
First assess your purpose of the center
What are your goals?
I have gotten donations from a lot of different sources
It does take time and effort, but hopefully it will pay off
Let me know if you need any specific instructions or let us know how you are doing
Susan 23rd Jun 2023 Activity Director

Doll Therapy and Dementia

Hi Carolann
I am not sure what you are asking
Are you a resident in a facility and want to go to a different one?
Are you a staff member at a facility or a volunteer and want to go to a different one
Or are you an independent contractor and want to go to a different facility to share your service?
Susan 21st Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Tori
Here are a number of articles that may help:
https://www.goldencarers.com/pet-therapy/
Susan 20th Jun 2023 Activity Director

3 Minute fudge


Hi Dana
I found this recipe for fudge in a bag Let us know how it turns out
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/79853/ziploc-fudge-in-a-baggie/
Susan 19th Jun 2023 Activity Director

The Importance of Client Assessment in Residential Care

Hi Mary
You try to use it as many services as possible to get a complete picture of what that person is like
Sometimes you will only have unlimited number of options so you do the best you can
Susan 17th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Oliver
This is a challenging situation
This article may help you and read the comments as well
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-respond-to-challenging-behavior/3847/
Hopefully something will help you
Susan 17th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Thank you, Oliver, Terri and Cindy for your input
You have shared valuable information
Susan 16th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi
Here is an idea, shared by Elaine
Elaine United States17th Sep 2020 ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR/ SPEECH PATH
For July 4th, I bought battery operated lights that look like capsules and are put into the balloons before blowing them up. ( Party City) Then after dinner and a parade around the facility with patriotic music from my I- pad, we made our own fireworks. We placed the balloons on a large parachute and then turned out the lights in our immediate area.
Flying up into the air with the lights inside the balloons
Here is a link to more ideas
https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/7-fun-parachute-games-for-all-ages-toddlers-to-seniors
Susan 15th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Holly
Thank you for your thoughts
An art show sounds like a great idea
Susan 14th Jun 2023 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Nessy
I am not from the UK, but I did find this, and perhaps you can ask the question here
https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance
Help