Post

Jackie avatar

Have been instructed no longer to add to the monthly planner,

HAIRDRESSER, MANICURE, HOLY COMMUNION, SONGS OF PRAISE, told not an activity.

Would like your views on this and thank you in advance.

Solange avatar

Hi Jackie, that's the first time I hear that. All the activities that you mentioned have to be planned and facilitated so the residents can attend them. How can they not be in the Monthly Activity Planner? Who is going to remind, escort, encourage, and make sure residents are well dressed and prepared for the occasions? Are your instructions from management or from government bodies? What are the reasons given to support such antagonistic instructions?

Susan avatar

I have to agree with Solange

I trust that your department is responsible for bringing the residents to some or all of these activities not to mention that you have to plan other activities around these events

I wonder who suggested this to you and shouldn't the residents have a say in this

Perhaps you can suggest bringing it up at a resident Council meeting to get the residents viewpoint

Jackie avatar

The instruction came from the owner of the home !

Susan avatar

Have you discussed this with the owner ??

He must have his reasons

Here are some sample calendars from other Golden Carers members you can share with him

https://www.goldencarers.com/sample-activities-calendars/3881/

I hope this helps

Susan avatar

Maybe try calling them something different. Like Nail Art for Manicure

Hair designs by Jackie for hairdresser

Fellowship blessings for church

just a couple ideas hope this helps

Susan

Susan avatar

That may be a good idea Susan however the owner is ultimately responsible for the running of the nursing home

You can try to make a convincing argument with him but ultimately it's his choice

Try talking to family members and residents to fortify your argument

So your choice would be to go along with it and just take it off the calendar

I know the family members like to see when the hairdresser will be in the building so they could make an appointment for their loved one

You could not take it off the calendar and risk being fired

Or if you were that unsatisfied look for a different job

Kathleen avatar

I have always worked in facilities where this is the case so it didn't occur to me that some places might do it another way. My understanding has always been that 1:1 activities aren't put on the calendar, for me the expectation is that you do them around the activity time when group activities take place. For hairdressing, are you the hairdresser? Is the concern maybe that you are canceling activities while a person or two are getting their hair done, when there could be another group? Perhaps they would be open to having it on there for the resident's to be informed if there was also an additional activity taking place at that time? Manicures I find a tough one, it can definitely be a 1:1, but I've done it where it is a group of ladies all sitting around a table having discussions, not just painting nails - i like susan's idea of nail art but you may want to be careful that you are not blatantly disobeying your boss as that could be problematic. I honestly don't understand why communion or songs of praise shouldn't be put on the calendar, but I work in Catholic homes where it is expected that religious services and happenings are on the calendar. It could again perhaps be seen as something activities is not actively leading and maybe they want something else to be offered at that time as well. More clarification on what your boss wants instead may be helpful. -- ps typed all this and then realized it was a post from three years ago haha

Susan avatar

Hi Kathleen

Thank you for your input

Even though this was from three years ago it could still be helpful to some members

Thanks again for sharing

Melissa avatar

Hi Jackie,

According to CMS all those activities, particularly self care activities are calendar activities.

Susan avatar

Hi Melissa

Thank you for your input

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Linda Small
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Linda Small

I co-own and operate a small assisted living home in Pittsfield, NH (U.S.A.). We consistently seek ways to improve upon our senior activity program, providing a diversified balance of a purposeful and enjoyable time of recreation, crafting, exercise and others to reach all of our residents. I must say, it's been a challenge. This past October I began researching options online and came across your site, subscribing for a year to see what you were all about. Let me tell you, you have not disappointed! Your site is a priceless resource that we are extremely thankful for. We find a significant increase in resident participation and look forward to the new ideas that each month brings. Our residents love the changes!