Good and bad day on Friday - had done all the prep. work for Word Games & Quizzs, promoted this by PA announcement and walked around the dining room reminding residents of the days events but they didnt seem interested. no one turned up to the activity,I felt a bit flat at first. but what a good opportunity for 1-1 visits, interviewed a new resident re: interests etc.so wasnt to bad a day after all.n residents just wanted to relax and watch the tennis which was fine to. but the numbers are dwidling for activities. does anyone else experience this ??
Kate please don't feel too bad about this it is not you it is usual at this time of year' remember your residents have been with their families over christmas new year, it is hot and they are tired so watching tv in their rooms is what they want to do remember how you feel on a hot day and for them it is twice as bad. I used to complete a couple of 1-1 visits during this time and then catch up on some of that much needed paperwork. The residents will let you know when they are ready to put their time in for activities and believe it or not it is usually about the second week in february when the entertainers start coming back. pauline
Mel
14th Jan 2014
I also have experienced this Kate, it does make you feel a bit flat, but use the down time to connect by doing 1.1 visits and perhaps some pre planning. They will regain that energy, especially if your volunteers have a break, like ours do during January. Good Luck Mel
thank you Pauline - its what I needed to hear, bit of reassurance. I can understand the residents situation during this time. I might provide more word games etc.to leave in their rooms.
Heather
14th Jan 2014
Hi kate yes your not alone in this area we all feel like this at this time of year and even sometimes throughout and because we all love our jobs and want to do the best for our residents we are the ones who get disheartened. just like Pauline said, use the time to do the much needed paperwork we all have that goes with the job or 1-1 sessions. Good luck and keep your chin up. xxx regards Heather
Sooooo happy and thankful I have this medium as it saves so much time and energy collecting info and collating it. Thank you everyone for all your ideas it covers sooo much!
Catherine Gibb Activity Coordinator United Kingdom
Mel
regards Heather