Molly

Hi Lisa, have you tried balloon volley? I always have success with this especially for individuals with movement challenges here is a link I found on Golden Carers https://www.goldencarers.com/balloon-games/3196/.

Also, you may find some tweaked activities here https://www.goldencarers.com/spice-up-your-activity-calendar-with-new-twists-to-familiar-activities/5586/.

Suellen, I echo everyone here. Age is never a factor in learning a new trade, especially in aging services! Activities are a great way to keep active, give back, and have fun! I think it is an excellent choice if you are interested. As for your concern about employable, I sure hope that it wouldn't be a factor - we just hired a recently retired school teacher, and she has brought so much to the team already. You might find this article I wrote on important points on your resume and interview process helpful https://www.goldencarers.com/6-important-points-for-an-activity-coordinators-resume-interview/5522/.

Hi Tina, how difficult this must be for the wife and all of you as you try to redirect! I've seen this a lot, and despite efforts, it is difficult to redirect permanently without a move to a new unit (which can cause a host of new issues for the resident). I like the idea Susan offered regarding the Social Worker. It is important that the wife feels supported!

Hi Mary,

I love the ideas offered in this thread! Trivia is a resident favorite for us and we try to get outside in the morning too if the weather is nice.

Hi Kat,

We've only just recently started incorporating technology. The iPad is a favorite though and we've gotten some wonderful use out of it when doing 1:1's, music groups, and armchair travel. It is also better to bring with you in case a scheduled activity isn't working and you want to switch it up without having to dig in the activity closet.

Hi Heather! Here are a few ideas found here on Golden Carers!

https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/19098/

https://www.goldencarers.com/cinderella-christmas-pantomime/3638/

https://www.goldencarers.com/party-themes-for-dementia-care/4829/

https://www.goldencarers.com/celebration-ideas-for-the-festive-season/4333/

Wow, there are so many wonderful suggestions here! Thank you, Michelle, for such a thoughtful question.

1:1 's are great ways to ensure everyone is receiving proper social pursuits.

There are so many factors into participation, but have you tried asking the aids/nurses for help? If they know what activities are going on, they are better able to pitch them to the residents and may even bring them down.

Also, you may want to try changing up your calendar routine we all need to have specific items on the calendar but jazzing it up with new activity ideas or trips and entertainment could be fun ways to entice them out of their room.

We've even held activities in common areas to peak the interest of those listening from their apartment.

Hi Karen,

Could you hold a raffle? We typically raffle off things like the front row parking spot, meal vouchers for the cafeteria, or an extended lunch break for staff at a $1 a ticket. We've also sold things like hand made arts and crafts by the residents or hand made knitted scarves for $5 a piece. I'm not sure if you have an independent living section, but we (skilled nursing) would always ask for hand-crafted donations to sell at our events.

I love that these are beneficial for those residents who stay in their room! Thank you for sharing, Liz.

Hi Carol,

Does he have a clipboard and a badge? We once had a resident who missed his working days as well so we gave him a clipboard with a spreadsheet and a badge. We would have special projects like checking if everyone had a name tag on their door, but mostly he took it upon himself to assign his work tasks for the day. Everyone knew that he was at work and would speak to him as if he were this type of structure seemed to work for him and has been replicated with great success on our unit!

Molly