Member Profile:

Cathy

Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT From South Australia, Australia

About Cathy: Hi, I was an EN for 24 yrs but due to a bad back retrained in Diploma Community Services Leisure and Lifestyle at TAFE SA. I have been in lifestyle for 8 yrs.

25 Comment

Cathy 10th Jul 2017 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

Forum

OP shops are a great source of cheap prizes. My favourites are: buying bulk bags of stuffed ( good quality) toys, small ornaments and jewellery. Also we have sachets of different flavoured coffees and teas, small packets of cream or chocolate biscuits ( buy these at a "dollar" store in multipacks.
Cathy 6th Jul 2017 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

How to Create a Culture of Happiness

We have a lot of fun with impromptu dancing in any area. Just put on a CD with suitable music ( any fun dance music) and before we know it there's a disco going on!! Care staff join in as well.
Cathy 7th Jun 2017 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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Ask the men themselves! Give a few suggestions to start the ball rolling. :)
Cathy 7th Jun 2017 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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Hi, we recently did a collage and turned it into an "I spy" board. The residents and staff cut out images from magazines, they coloured in Mandalas and cut them out, collected odd bits and bobs and glued them onto a canvas board. It was then decorated. Then I wrote out an I spy list of things the residents and others would be able to find on the board. It is a big hit with both residents and staff. It didn't cost anything to make as everything we used was recycled.
Cathy 1st May 2017 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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Can you "buddy" him up with another resident with similar interests and get them together for a coffee and chat about the things they like etc.
Cathy 29th Aug 2016 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

How to celebrate International Peace Day

We are going to send messages of peace, in helium balloons, to the community. First we will discuss what peace means and then write the messages on small cards tied to the balloons.
Cathy 29th Apr 2016 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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We occasionally use incense for relaxation, this we put outside but it wafts inside through the window. Early mornings when ADL's are done or the occasional offensive smell occurs, we use an air freshener. Other than that we open windows and doors when ever possible. In winter we open a them just a little to circulate fresh air. I suggest discussing with your facility manager ways to reduce the smell permanently.
Cathy 26th Aug 2015 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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Hi everyone, I have a handy hint. I have found a that "Google Translate" is the best I have found for translating languages. Not only does it give you the translation in that countries written word but what it is in English and dictionary meanings. Have a try next time you need to translate. :)
Cathy 30th Jun 2015 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

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Do any other Lifestyle coordinators have carer staff doing all activity shifts? If so what education do you give them besides daily documentation? I tried to have an education session but no one turned up. They are not really interested in lifestyle at all , just the shift.
I'm a little bit worried how this will stand when Accreditation comes around and they find out carers and not trained lifestyle are doing lifestyle shifts, as the boss tells them!
Cathy 26th May 2015 Lifestyle Coordinator/ DT

Forum

HI everyone, I have to set up an induction/ orientation check list to use when new lifestyle staff (usually untrained) start. Any ideas? I guess the usual documentation training, where equipment is kept etc, policies and procedures but what else? Or if someone has one already could I have a sample. Thanks :)
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