Burn out

For those LTC professionals who have been in this position for a while, I am wondering what you do to reinvigorate your love of your job. I love the seniors that I work with, but it is all the rest of the junk that gets me down and makes me want out. Our facility has gone through lots of changes in the past few years, and some have been for the better, but others definitely have not. We have certianly lost the family feeling that once made this a nice place to work. What do you do to get your enthusiasm back?

Technology

How do we integrate or at least introduce some newer technology into our programming and even charting? Do you have an electronic medical record where you work? Do you keep track of your attendance on a computer program? If so what do you use? Do you use an iPad or other device with your older or younger patients or residents? How does it work for you?

Salary

I recently was reading facebook posts related to various salaries for activity staff. I find it pretty sad that many in this profession are only recieving $10.00/hr or less. That is not enough to show that facilities are valuing what we do. If Activity Departments are required by DOH to be in nursing home, and we provide the quality of life for our seniors we work with, as directors, we need to be paid more. I know various states have different costs of living and some are lower and therefore pay in those areas are lower, but $10/hr still seems to be an insult to the profession.

September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

What are you doing at your facility?  We do some small fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association since our Walk to End Alzheimer's in our area is next month.  I try to do some education in the newsletter for family members as well.  Does anyone actually do anything in relation to this? 

Easy Game

Everyone loves Bingo, well, almost everyone.. .  One easy version that we play is BIG Bingo.  We enlarge several cards, at least 6, and hang them on the wall.  The residents divide into three teams, each team has two of the cards for them.  Each team member takes turns pulling a bingo ball out of the bag.  When a number is called we use a post it to cover it up.  The team who's card wins first, wins just like bingo and the entire team wins a prize.  We do this is small groups of 6-18 residents.  It is a fun easy game for socialization, and promotes a sense of community.  

Facebook

I would really like some feedback and comments on this one.  Does anyone's facility have a facebook page?  I am sure some of you do.  If so, who monitors it, is it used by families and really, do you find it helpful for you facility?  Do you have any privacy issues with it?  I would like my facility to "catch up with the times", but there are concerns of course from the powers that be...  Thoughts everyone?

Satisfaction Surveys

Wondering how many facilities do Resident and Family Satisfaction Surveys?  We do them every year.  On it , there is one question related to activities/recreation.  Part of my annual review, and therefore my raise is based on the results of that survey.  This is challenging.  Since only about 1/2 they surveys get filled out and returned, it doesn't take much to sway the results into a lower score.  The respondents can answer Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor to any question.  The facility wants excellent.  A good response is not good enough.  Personally I am happy with all Goods and excellent replies.    The challenge is the families.  When families are filling out the surveys,(if a resident can't fill it out themselves) and they don't come in the the facility often, they have no idea of the hard work and dedication of the activity staff and no idea of the quality and variety of programs.   Does anyone else do surveys and how do you address them in your facility?

Nursing Home Week

Happy Nursing Home Week everyone.  I recently went to a Dementia training where the speaker was talking about moving away from celebrating life in the nursing home.  What does everyone think of that?  I have never been one to plan lots of big crazy events.  I feel that most of our residents don't love being here, and it confuses others, and quite frankly it is a lot of work!  With everything we do on a daily basis, Nursing home week celebrations can be exhausting.   Don't get me wrong, we do have several big events this week, but I don't hype it up as much as I use to.  With Nurses week and CNA week around the same time, there is so much going on!  What does everyone do at their facility?

Dog Show

April is Dog Appreciation month.  Each April we have a Dog Show at our facility.  We let staff and families know the date ahead of time and ask them to bring in their friendly dogs on a leash , if the dogs shots are up to date.  Prior to the dog show, the residents make homemade dog biscuits.  We give each dog a goodie bag of treats.  They are delicious, usually peanut butter based, or garlic and cheese.
When each dog arrives, before entering the room we ask the owner to fill out a short info sheet about the dog.  Ie, Name, breed, age, favorite activities, any tricks or other info.  Then each dog gets a few minutes in front of the crowd.  After all dogs have their time on stage, they have time to wander the crowd, and say hello to everyone.  The owners decide if their dog can handle visits with load of people.  The main activity room has a courtyard right off the room, so dogs can also take a break outside if need be.   We award a "best of show" which the residents vote on by cheering for their favorites. 
The dog show is one of the favorite activities of the year for our residents.  They look forward to it for months! 

Birds on the Web

I recently did a Science class that around Spring and birds.  There are several great websites that have live webcams of bird nests.  Some great ones are on the Cornell University bird site.  Its allaboutbirds.org.   My residents loved it.  There is a variety of birds, from red tailed hawks to great blue Heron.  Its pretty interesting.  National Geographic also has a cool website with all different animals, but some great video of penguins as well.