Hi everyone I thought I should introduce myself. My name is Michelle I have been an activity coordinator for 7 weeks now , I am from Scotland and work in a care home with 45 residents with mixed needs . Looking forward to learning lots of new activities and more of an insight into my role .
Hi Michelle and all, I have been working in a nursing home for mental health patients for 2 years now and have seen such a turn around in the residents attitudes, abilities and independence it has made my career change so worth it. Previously I worked in childcare for 26 years but this has been a real help in my activity planning as many resident's are unable to cope with higher levels of activity but thoroughly enjoy a children's rhyming story or a game of skittles. this site has been so helpful, I love my job!!
Hi Everyone I have worked as a activity coordinator for 11 months now but lately I have been feeling quite disheartened as the management has changed where I work and I feel that every activity I do is being scrutinised and there are a number of residents who don’t want to take part
Morag
7th Aug 2018
Hi Michelle, I have been a DT and Lifestyle coordinator for over 20 years here in Australia. I started in aged care in Scotland when I was only 16 before Activity officers were thought of. I have seen many changes in aged care over the past 40 years and think we are a very worthwhile and important part of aged care. I have a team of eight activity officers who all love what they do,they find Golden Carers a very useful sight. I also use the information we get on here for toolbox talks. Good luck in you new career.
Hi Diane, don't feel disheartened, there are ups and downs in all professions. Just change your activity program. It would help if you were to ask residents what they prefer. Give them alternative activities to pick; riddles, table games, quizzes, cooking, ball games, craft, and others. Hang in there, you are just going through a low phase; you will be fine!
I have been working in a nursing home for mental health patients for 2 years now and have seen such a turn around in the residents attitudes, abilities and independence it has made my career change so worth it. Previously I worked in childcare for 26 years but this has been a real help in my activity planning as many resident's are unable to cope with higher levels of activity but thoroughly enjoy a children's rhyming story or a game of skittles. this site has been so helpful, I love my job!!