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


3499 Comment

Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

Thank you Olwyn
It sounds like you're doing great things and have great ideas
Just make sure that your notes state that the residents like children's stories and they give them great pleasure because you really need to keep things adult like
Thanks again for your comments and suggestions
Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

This is very ambitious of you
I do not know how well those with dementia will be able to stay focused for that long of a period of time
I would think about splitting the group up and talking to the Carers and how their job has changed as I assume it's their loved ones have a declined
You could give out handouts about dementia such is this
https://www.goldencarers.com/what-is-dementia-alzheimers-disease-vs-dementia/4054/
Have a discussion for about an hour with just the caregivers
Then you can invite the residents into the group

Here are some ways to conduct a reminiscing group
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-conduct-a-reminiscing-session/4452/

You can demonstrate how to best engage those up with dementia
Using hatsis a great idea because this can evoke many memories
This article may help
https://www.goldencarers.com/hats-headgear-game/4928/
Here is an article about hat trivia
https://www.goldencarers.com/hats-quiz/4927/
You could also do a simple craft making an easy hat or something else fairly easy where the carer and the persons with dementia work together
I hope this helps
Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

I did send you the calendar I hope I got your email correct
Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

I am sure this is not what you have in mind but these are good questions to ask you can include what you want
https://www.goldencarers.com/pdf/3934/
Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

I agree with Olwyn
What a great idea Leslie thanks for sharing
Susan 17th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

I like to give out qurterrs aor the equivalent
The residents seem to like the idea of money then they can use the money to buy things
Susan 16th Apr 2019 Activity Director

Forum

Great ideas Tania
Help