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


3491 Comment

Susan 31st Jan 2022 Activity Director

Forum

Thanks for your input Jean
Susan 30th Jan 2022 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Elsie
To be honest I did much of the paperwork at home so I could spend more time with the residents
Sometimes I would do paperwork at meetings
This article might help you
https://www.goldencarers.com/reporting-tools-for-activity-coordinators/4488/
This one might help also
https://www.goldencarers.com/the-importance-of-documentation-for-activity-directors/5577/

Susan 30th Jan 2022 Activity Director

Forum

Hi again Natalie
This might be a good question to ask the golden Carers Group on Facebook
https://www.goldencarers.com/activities-for-seniors-facebook-group/4782/
Susan 30th Jan 2022 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Natalie
I do not live in the UK and I never worked in independent living
However my mother is in independent living now and they definitely have an activity calendar and many activities
I guess it depends on the budget for the facility and what they want to do
The trick to having a good calendar is to get a lot of input from the residents
Of course things can change over time
Susan 30th Jan 2022 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Hannah
Graduations on your new role
I find that music is a good activity for many with dementia because it relies on many parts of your brain
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search=Music+&search_tag=Activity
These articles should help you in trying to get people to go to your activities
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-get-reluctant-residents-to-attend-activities/5980/
Susan 29th Jan 2022 Activity Director

Valentine Bingo

Hi Mariann
Thank you for your kind words
Susan 28th Jan 2022 Activity Director

The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Hi again Nancy
That’s so lovely that you are such an advocate for your mother
I too have looked for contests and alike but could not find any
My suggestions are
Call the local library or Townhall and ask them
Call a museum in the area or ask at the Golden Carers Facebook group
https://www.goldencarers.com/activities-for-seniors-facebook-group/4782/
Susan 28th Jan 2022 Activity Director

The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Hi again Nancy
That’s so lovely that you are such an advocate for your mother
I too have looked for contests and alike but could not find any
My suggestions are
Call the local library or Townhall and ask them
Call a museum in the area or ask at the Golden Carers Facebook group
https://www.goldencarers.com/activities-for-seniors-facebook-group/4782/
Susan 27th Jan 2022 Activity Director

How To Review Your Activity Calendar

Diane
Did you read the information I sent to Tamara
I think making these residents part of the volunteer team always worked for us.
Tell these residents that you are starting a volunteer program and you need their help
Have a list of things you need help with
Then see what they can do
If they follow through make sure to include them in the volunteer event
Give them a certificate and a small gift
Susan 27th Jan 2022 Activity Director

The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Nancy
Thanks for the information
Help