by Positive Promotions
Activity professionals make a difference every day in the lives of clients and their families. No mater the adult community, these folks are there assisting, coordinating, connecting, stimulating and supporting folks in living life to its fullest.
This diverse group of professionals are movers and shakers. They create activity calendars based on the interests of the individuals, the corporate recommendations and the state requirements. A door is always left open for spontaneous activities, too. They work to meet the mental, spiritual, social and emotional needs of each individual. From bingo to bowling, from dominos to Bible study, from crafts to current events…these folks try to make each day special for as many someones as they can.
Activity professionals manage to create a lot of opportunities for memories and fun with limited amounts of time to prepare and plan. That is part of the reason so many of my posts and my newsletter (Bright Ideas) are free, easy to use ideas.
Some may wonder why they are important. When you don’t have a job, how do you spend your day? If you have spent your waking hours for many years working and spent little time in leisure, it can be a re-learning process. If you have limitations, you may require assistance with leisure. This video of quotes has many reasons activities are important: http://youtu.be/ciKQv6TKsj4
The week of January 20-26, 2013 is set aside to honor activity professionals. Take time to acknowledge their efforts. Let them know they make a difference every day in someone’s life.
HiJoAnn,
I would like to name Carolyn Frost, the music therapist in the skilled nursing facility at North Hill in Needham, MA. Carolyn made a special connection with my mother which enriched her last years and gave me much comfort!
Yay!
Carolyn
Thank you for sharing how Carolyn enriched your mother’s life.
Dear JoAnn – I love the leisure people at my mothers place, They make the day brighter for the residents.
So true, Kathy!
The moms (and a few dads) who regularly volunteer at my son’s elementary school. They serve as ad-hoc T.A.s and they enable the teachers to teach and not worry about a lot of the clerical/busy work.
Oh, and most importantly, all the volunteer dog walkers at our local Humane Society 🙂 <–love them, too!
Let’s here it for volunteers who assist with activities!
JoAnn,
It has been a few years since I was regularly in care facilities, but I know that the activity office staff were doing critical work to brighten the days of many residents. Thanks for highlighting them.
Ann