hi everyone i have been in the care sector for many years from hospitals to residential and nurseing homes i have enjoyed my time as a carer/senior carer i have just been offerd a job in a residential home of 24 residents as a activities coordinator and cant wait to start my new job role i have free range on this to be able to make it work for the residents in my care i would be glad of any information to help me on my way my first point of call would be to introduce myself to each resident and find out about there interests hobbies etc i also will be trying to create a homes news letter each month would preciate any help on this
kind regards
debbie
Best of luck in your job a and welcome to TP. Of course activities are healthy and good. I believe that is is the clients who should choose the activities if possible and not activities imposed on the client/patient.
My OH hates bingo, too much loud music, playing what he considered " silly word games and proverbs"
You have an awesome task and am sure you will do your very best. Just some pointers...gather as much informations as possible from patients, their families and staff.
This information is totally confidential.
Don't assume that one size fits all. Everyone is so different.
Get to know your patients by conversation / observation
Learn about their abilities, hobbies etc
When you have some information, start with very short sessions eg 15 minutes
Observe patients reactions and keep a personal diary about the session
Have something in place so that if you notice a patient bored, upset etc., then this patient may be taken out of session quietly.
Don't assume that "activities" is the core of sessions, it is involvement of patients.
Not everyone likes singing sessions, bingo, finger dancing, painting etc. etc.
Be prepared to stop and change activity as necessary.
If people enjoyed a certain activity in the past it doesn't follow that they still enjoy it. If they do then something connected to that activity may still be relevant.
Not everyone likes walking.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
It is an awesome task but magical when in works.
Scented candles can be dangerous for people with certain conditions.
Loud banging balloons.
Flashing lights.
I hate people trying to "encourage/force" me to wear party or Christmas hats. Am allergic to some scents, hate the smell of lilies........
If possible short activities outside. An "activity" can be sitting/ standing/ observing outside. ( " they also serve who only stand and wait") Milton?
Yes a challenging job but I think you will be amazing.
Remember; gather information, observe, review, keep an open mind, get to know your clients/ patients. People may enjoy different activities in session, they don't all have to be doing the same thing.
Best of luck,
Aisling