About Susan:
Susan Berg is a freelance writer, retired healthcare professional, retired Activity Director and current writer for several senior care e-magazines with more than 20 years of experience working with Senior Citizens and eight years experience writing for a number of publications. She is the author of a book for those with dementia and their caregivers. Susan has two blogs about activities for seniors and information vital to all wanting to know about dementia. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and North Shore Community College.
Senior Citizens
Susan is an expert on senior citizen issues. She is currently a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(COTA). In this role, she has worked with senior citizens. Susan is an expert on adapting and modifying activities so that seniors can participate in them. She spent twenty years as an Activity Director in nursing homes. She devised, planned, coordinated, and facilitated stimulating activity programming. Also she designed a program for homebound senior citizens. Currently, Susan shares her knowledge about senior activities on one of her blogs.
Dementia
Susan is also an expert on dementia and related issues. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner(CPD). She has participated in numerous workshops, seminars and alike where she has gained much knowledge. Her work as an Activity Director and COTA has given her much knowledge and experience in relating to individuals with dementia. Susan is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She is hopeful that people will do what they can to prevent or at least slow down dementia in themselves or loved ones. Susan has shared many tips on how to prevent dementia or slow it down on her other blog.
Feel free to visit and comment at either of Susan’s blogs at
http://activitiesdirector.blogspot.com
http://dementiaviews.blogspot.com
28 Activities
3613 Comment
26th Mar 2023
Activity Director
It sounds to me like you’re doing a good job
Here are some other ideas that might help you
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Sensory
Perhaps these residents are over medicated, and that is why they are sleeping so much
Also, there is a school of thought that you should let those with
late stage dementia sleep
In addition, it has been lmy experience that nurses, butt in to Activities are not handling their staff very well
Have you ever gotten a tag from the state survey Activities???
In 2006, the activity guidelines were changed so that all staff is responsible for activities
20th Mar 2023
Activity Director
How to Make Sensory Blankets for Dementia Care
You may want to incorporate these no sew blankets
https://www.goldencarers.com/no-sew-knotted-blanket-kits/7041/
20th Mar 2023
Activity Director
I have hired clowns but I am not from your area
Ask family members ,staff or volunteers
How professional do you want the clown to be?
You may want to use a high school student or another volunteer
You can always look online, but that may be expensive
18th Mar 2023
Activity Director
So glad that golden Carers has been such a help to you
I find that no matter what you have to modify and adapt Activities to meet the needs of your residents
Even at your facility residents change so you may have to change your approach but it sounds like you’re doing a great job
If you would like to share something you have done, that would be great
Again, thank you for your kind words
15th Mar 2023
Activity Director
Hi again, Tina Here is an idea for trivia and exercise
https://www.goldencarers.com/trivia-with-exercise/4478/
You might find these to be useful also
https://www.goldencarers.com/exercise/
15th Mar 2023
Activity Director
Hi, I like to do a singing along with exercise or another idea is to do trivia with exercise
https://www.goldencarers.com/im-gonna-sit-right-down-and-write-myself-a-letter-singalong-exercise/6494/
Choose a song that they residence know and like and then ask them to help you make up moves that go with the song
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I accidentally stumbled upon goldencarers, it's been four years, and the site never ever fails to satisfy and create happiness throughout our communities weather they be assisted living or memory care. You complete our monthly gift of smiles, laughter and fun. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the many for your contributions, sharing and overall love to goldencarers! God Bless
Janell Lachner
Guest Services
United States
Forum
You might try looking on eBay or Amazon
You might try looking at a Goodwill type store
You could put signs up at local churches asking for what you want