Hello everyone I have just started a new job as a activities co ordinator 2 days in I’m feeling the pressure first time in this role I am enjoying it, little bit nervous but I’m finding it hard to engage some of our residents some mobile some not so much some would prefer to do nothing we have played a game of bingo today and some who wanted to play just didn’t warm to it or me can I have some advice or some more ideas currently haven’t been showed my activities cupboard yet so I’m working with not much at all thank you.
Hi Coral! It's challenging, indeed. Just keep in mind you can't please everyone. You must try smaller groups for short time -30 minutes/activity and then change the group. The 1 to 1, for me, easier to do in the morning - take a walk around the home with a ball, a book with pictures, a memory box. Or, I'll do my walk after group sessions - I feel like I'm 'breathing' and relaxing a bit. Try music & gym - old songs, even nursery rhymes- they good for memories, pamper days - nails & light hands massage - open a conversation while pampering, you'll be amazed, it may turn into a group session - people start bringing back memories - also with pamper day you'll get to know the residents better and build a trusty relationship. Good luck Coral!
Hey Coral. Congratulations on your new role. You are going to have so much fun with it. When I start in a new Coordinator role I like to firstly organise a residents ad relatives meeting to introduce myself and get an idea of what the home enjoys doing as a group and individual interests. Do they have any old programs you can have a look at and see what the previous coordinator did? Maybe hold a morning or afternoon tea, have residents mingle, chat with them, if you are able to invite families along also. This is a great way to get to know your families and residents. Hope this helps
Thank you Jenna and Camelia for your strategies and advice I am sure they will help Coral Coral let us know how things are going Thanks to all of you for being members of Golden Carers
Thank you so much for this site I use this every month, I do a flyer of what's on each month for my facility and use all the wonderful ideas, quizzes, trivia and craft. It makes my job so much easier.
Paula Sait RLO / Resident Liaison Officer Australia
Congratulations on your new job
Being an activity coordinator can be challenging but here are some articles to help you get residents more involved
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-get-reluctant-residents-to-attend-activities/5980/
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/9805/
Let me know if you need more help I would be happy to assist you if necessary
Coral let us know how things are going
Thanks to all of you for being members of Golden Carers