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
We work hard at planning activities we know residents will enjoy. There is usually a core group of residents who attend and engage in these activities, but there are some who regularly decline invitations. Once they get to an activity, they enjoy themselves, yet they remain reluctant. Here are some simple techniques to improve reluctant resident engagement over time.
2 Comments Member Activity
SaveEach group of residents is different in their abilities, likes, and dislikes. The trick is to offer math activities that are fun, stimulating, and failure-free. Here are two fabulous group math activities that are easily adapted!
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SaveBunco, pronounced "Bunk-Oh", is a fun dice game that encourages socialization. It's based on luck, has a simple rule set, and uses some math skills.
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SaveThere are so many benefits to involving your residents in outings! The fresh air and adventure will lift spirits, promote socialization and give everyone a welcome break from the routine.
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SaveThe stereotype that women do not enjoy math may be one reason why there are fewer math resources available for your residents to enjoy. Using math keeps the brain sharp!
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SaveIf you ask most activity professionals what their least favorite part of the job is, they will say the documentation. It is part of our job to make sure that activities and attendance are recorded accurately.
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SaveDice games are fun and versatile! They provide social opportunities and stimulate the senses. There are hundreds of easy and entertaining dice games that can be enjoyed.
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SaveMany seniors enjoy playing board games and your residents probably have their favorites. Make sure they are available for them to play and keep your eye out for new games that are released each year!
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SavePlaying card games is a social, entertaining and enjoyable pastime. Card games are among the most popular indoor games for adults.
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SaveIn the US, “Residents’ Rights Month” is observed in October each year. This is an important event that honors residents living in long-term care facilities.
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SaveWe all know that exercise is good for us but for some reason, the older we get, the less we do. Contrary to popular belief, poor balance and muscle weakness has a lot more to do with inactivity than age.
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SaveAs people age, they should continue to express themselves and learn new things.
Creative pursuits are known to enhance communication and concentration, with more opportunities for recreation and socialization.
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SaveA great day to celebrate on September 12 is, "Chocolate Milkshake Day". This is a US holiday, but no matter where you live, your residents will enjoy it.
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SaveRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, often called the High Holidays, are the two most holy days of the year for those who are Jewish.
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SaveA Tie One On Party, is a party where everyone wears a tie.
This is a simple and fun theme for a party that everyone will enjoy!
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SavePractising forgiveness is a worthy pursuit. It is a wonderful opportunity to let go of hurtful feelings and build stronger relationships.
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SaveIt is necessary to communicate regularly with your staff. You should have a formal meeting at least once per quarter.
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SaveHow do we overcome time, staff and budget constraints to make optimal activities happen for our residents?
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SaveAn optimal activity environment greatly influences your ability to provide the best possible activities for your residents.
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SaveWorking with people living with dementia, especially those with problem behaviors, can be challenging. How can you make the best of any situation?
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SaveHanukkah is a fun, exciting, family-oriented, Jewish holiday celebrated in December. There are many traditions associated with this holiday. One of them is playing dreidel which is a special top spinning game.
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SaveHanukkah holiday honors the struggle of the Jewish people to restore the Temple of Jerusalem.
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SaveA Residents’ Rights themed Bingo!
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SaveA bio poem is a poem that is written to describe a person. Here is a template you could use to write one.
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SaveHere is 10 x 10 grid that I used to help the residents make their own words searches which they can share. It is easy enough to do and makes residents feel good that they created something.
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SaveHere is some interesting trivia about the history of milkshakes to enjoy!
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SaveA milkshake themed word search!
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SaveGiant Word Search & Crossword Puzzles
Forum
This sounds great
Maybe you can leave some thing for the sitter to do while you are at work
Keep up your good work