Lisa

I "interview" the residents who are having a birthday that month. I ask questions like where were you raised? Do you have siblings? Where did you go to school? How did you meet your spouse? Children & grandchildren? Did you work outside the home & where? Their interests and hobbies. Then I write a paragraph about each person and read it at the birthday party after they've had their cake. People who don't even participate in activities much will come to the birthday party because it makes them feel special! It is also having one on one time with them and reminiscing, which they love to do.

Hi! I work in an Assisted Living facility as the Activity Director. I was wondering if you have any ideas on how to handle rudeness in residents. Two of them are mostly rude to the people with memory problems. I'm always shocked when they say something that I'm at a loss for words. I also don't want to talk down to the residents and make things worse, but I want to get through to them that it is inappropriate and to practice compassion. Another one interrupts our activities to put people down because they're not talking loud enough for her to her, even if they're not talking to her. I have asked people to be louder, but they often don't speak louder. Any ideas would be appreciated!