ACTIVITIES...
THE HEART OF IT ALL
By Cathy Richards-Rivers, ADC, NCCAP Secretary
F248…the
activities in the facility must meet the psychosocial
needs of the residents through a program that is physically,
mentally, socially, and spiritually stimulating. WOW!
The
structured program must provide physically stimulating
programs that maintain a resident's ability to propel
their wheelchair or ambulate with a walker or continue
to be able to assist in their care. Does that mean there
is more to balloon volleyball, ball toss, beanbag throw,
and those morning exercises to music, than some people
think? You can bet your F248 on it! How do you meet
this need through the program you provide?
Structured
programs must also provide mentally stimulating programs
that offer residents the opportunity for education (continue
to challenge their intellect) and reminisce (life review)
that helps to keep their decision making skills sharp
and gives them the opportunity to make choices. Does
that mean programs like news and discussion groups,
voting opportunities, adult education programs, trivia,
and word games (and the list of programs goes on and
on.) are more than just a group of residents gathered
in the activities room to "occupy" them for
awhile?
You can bet your F248 on it! How do you meet this need
through the program you provide?
The
program must also be socially stimulating offering residents
the opportunity to interact with others of similar interests
and backgrounds and to laugh and have FUN...socialization
opportunities! Does this mean that programs like theme
dinners/lunches, outings in the community, parties,
and entertainment are more than just "having a
party"? You can bet your F248 on it! How do you
meet this need through the program in your facility?
Spiritually
stimulating programs offer residents the opportunity
to practice their beliefs and give them a sense of renewal,
purpose, and meaning. Does this mean programs like worship
service, bible study, gospel sings, or special religious
holiday celebrations are more than just something that
the residents are involved in because of their "age"?
You can bet your F248 on it!
Would
you say?
- Programs that offer residents the opportunity for
physical involvement is stimulating to the heart?
- Programs that remind residents how much they have
to share in knowledge with others, are they mental stimulation
to the heart?
- The social programs that the residents are involved
in to make friends and build relationships (with their
families as well as peers) and offer time to have fun…good
for the heart?
- The time to renew their spirits and have peace and
understanding of their purpose and roles in life…spiritually
stimulating programs…felt by the heart?
You
can bet your F248! Which is Quality of Life...and a
program that meets the needs of residents is "The
Heart of it All."
Once
I was offered the opportunity to present a report to
the FHCA (Florida Health Care Association Board) - first
(before the other affiliates). This was during my term
as President of my State Association. The President
of FHCA asked me, has Activities ever been first? My
reply was, "yes, we are always first in the hearts
of residents!"
I
would like to ask you a question "Are the programs
you offer in your facility
The Heart of it All?" NN
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