SPNH

Thank you for the feedback. All of our other activities are mixed , it was just the two gender specific sessions we have once a month ( and I must say that we have had the occasional session where an opposite gender has particpated.)
I will run a poll at the next resident meeting and get their feedback also.

Hi all,
One of the carers in our facility questioned me about our Men's and Ladie's groups whether it is appropriate to now have seperate sessions due to gender equality etc.
What do you think? Should I stop having gender specific activities?
PS Most of our residents are 80yrs and up and grew up in the age of gender specific roles.

I have been conducting the service before the actual date for years as we don't work public holidays. The residents are always grateful to have the service no matter what day. I also make sure the care staff on shift on ANZAC day are aware of it and give out poppies ( which I supply) and put tv's on channels which may play the morning service.

Music! music! music!! live or CD or DVD. Add musical instruments like maracas, tamborines, bells and beat along to the tune, assist some to dance with you or each other. Also I find the promise of a yummy afternoon tea with punch ( no alcohol) gets them up and about. Get to them before they go to lay down for the afternoon , direct them to the activity room straight from lunch, have music on to welcome them.
Another thing to consider is the room where they fall asleep, is it too warm and stuffy?
Having said all that , some days it feels like you wasting your time but you never really know what impact you are having in someone's life. :)

A few years ago I was stressed and needed more time so I did a "time and Motion" study for 2 weeks and submitted it to my E.O. who thought my job was "easy". I wrote down every interaction with a resident ( getting a blanket, TLC chat, offering extra drinks etc), staff member interactions re residents and care, phone calls to family and entertainers etc, extra tasks asked of me by the C.N. as well as my regular duties and documentation. I have to tell you that I not only got more hours but also long needed recognition by the E.O. that lifestyle is NOT all bowls and bingo! Oh! and I have also done a staff education on the process of idea - developing to running and evaluating an activity. They did not realize how involved it all was!! I have care staff that refuse to cover lifestyle shifts as it's too hard!! Keep a personal diary and write everyday your tasks and any interruptions etc to go back to if you have any disputes about your work.

Our residents love snack size chips ( crisps). We also have snack size chocolates and lollies ( what ever is on special at the supermarket). When it's Easter we have Easter eggs, Christmas we have small lolly ( candy) bags with Christmas mix lollies and so on for Halloween etc. I occasionally throw in little essentials such as pens, little packs of tissues, little packs of handi wipes, mini shampoo and conditioner, hand cream and trinkets but the biggest choice by far is the chips LOL!! We have a limit of 2 packs of chips they are so popular, if they win again a choice of other items.

HI and Happy New Year,
I am looking at getting new display boards for the facility I work at, currently we have cork boards the size of 2 A3 pages. I would like some input to what others have found the best for displaying notices, decorations for events eg: picture cut outs, flyers. I'm thinking fabric backing and 900mmx600mm. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I use this in summer to encourage residents to drink extra fluids. I don't do opposing sides, just one pyramid of cups and each resident takes turns in tossing a ball ( or bouncing on the table) into the cups.

How about enticing them with a cuppa and cupcake for when you have a guest speaker etc , say 10 mins before start time? or a ticket for a door prize for those who come by a certain time? Would you be able to use a hand bell or horn to "remind" the residents in each area, instead of knocking on each door? think "town crier". LOL

You Tube! Ipads! You must have amazing budgets! :)
I have DVD's from the Readers Digest and ABC of scenery and music for relaxation.