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


3558 Comment

Susan 25th Jul 2024 Activity Director

11 Tips for New Activity Directors

Hi Brenda
I assume you are talking about people with memory issues
Here are some articles that might help you with ideas
https://www.goldencarers.com/25-comfort-activities-for-dementia-care/3257/
https://www.goldencarers.com/aromatherapy/
Susan 25th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Jenny
Thanks for the kind words and for the information
Susan 25th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Joanne
So glad this worked. Where are you?
Thank you for sharing
Susan 25th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Debbie
Thanks for the information
Susan 25th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi again Janet,
I used the techniques here to get people to come to Activities https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-get-reluctant-residents-to-attend-activities/5980/
Susan 24th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Autobiography Club

Hi Sunya
The library Is a good resource also the Internet
Susan 24th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Janet
First of all congratulations on your new role
Sell bingo and happy hour or a good start
I would try a resident council meeting and perhaps you can delve into what activities they might want to do
I would also explain to them how important activities are
There was an article that stated that those participating in activities are more likely to maintain brain function
I would have to find the article again if you need it
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-run-successful-resident-council-meetings/4215/
With that being said, have you tried other food Activities food do usually is a big draw
Music is also good
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
Even though this article it’s for dementia care Dallas is some good ideas here
Related to that you might want to have entertainment
What about spiritual or religious activities
https://www.goldencarers.com/30-spiritual-activity-ideas/6332/

One game I really like that is easy and fun and is fairly inclusive is bunco
You can adapted in so many ways to meet the needs of people who are playing and he might be able to get a group of 12 because it is the ideal number to play the game but you could play with only a few if that is how many people you get
https://www.goldencarers.com/bunco-dice-game-for-seniors/5724/
What about tabletop games?
https://www.goldencarers.com/tabletop-games-bingo/8783/
If you have any specific questions about any of these activities, let me know
Susan 22nd Jul 2024 Activity Director

Jamaican Bingo

Dear Marie
Thank you for your kind words
Susan 19th Jul 2024 Activity Director

Forum

Hi Sonia
We had a special breakfast for them, which they seem to really like
Here are some other ideas on golden Carers
https://www.goldencarers.com/tie-one-on-party/5149/
https://www.goldencarers.com/fathers-day-program-sample/4046/
Help