Hi I'm waiting for my dbs to go through for my new role as an activities coordinator . could anyone give me any advice for when I do start. I am at the last stages so hopefully won't be too long
Hi Kelly, I started about three months ago and I have learned that while it is always important to have a plan for what activity to run, it is also really important to be flexible according to which residents are in the room and what mood they are in.
Some residents will prefer things that make them think (newspapers, reminiscing, quizzes) others prefer more practical things (gentle exercise, crafts, baking). Make sure you are prepared for either.
Once you meet your residents and find out what they are like, it will get much easier.
Hi Kelly, I agree with Martin, it is important to be flexible in your new role and it will make it less stressful if you have a 'backup' activity in 'your back pocket'. It is also important to find out what your residents like doing and to assess their ability so that you can make a program and adapt your activities to suit them. The program will grow naturally once you start getting to know your residents. Be patient.
Once again Golden Carers has come to the rescue. I live in a retirement village and calling on my years as a Diversional Therapist I constantly use the Golden Carers for new ideas to run my group in the village. I especially love the Read Aloud Audience Participation activity and I always pick a very shy resident to take a part. It is amazing how much it brings them out of their shell. The quiz always helps keeps their minds active and gives them such a feeling of self worth when they get a correct answer.
I do not live in the United Kingdom so I am not sure of the policy
Perhaps you can ask this question in our Facebook group
https://www.goldencarers.com/activities-for-seniors-facebook-group/4782/
Some residents will prefer things that make them think (newspapers, reminiscing, quizzes) others prefer more practical things (gentle exercise, crafts, baking). Make sure you are prepared for either.
Once you meet your residents and find out what they are like, it will get much easier.
Good luck!
Thank you for this information