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"OLD DOGS" and NEW TRICKS
Michael
A. Bower
ACC
As
an instructor (yes, pre-approved!) of the MEPAP 1 and 2, the
most common complaint - dare I say "whine" - I hear
from students is, "Why do I have to learn all this stuff
about regulations, etc. for nursing homes? I work in assisted
living (or retirement)! I don't need this; I won't use this
information."
I
use two rebuttals: 1) NCCAP certification says that you are
qualified to work in ANY setting for the elderly, and 2) activity
professionals move around a lot and change where they work.
You may work in retirement today, but next week you could be
providing activity services in a nursing home. You will need
these skills!
After
16 years in skilled nursing facilities, I find myself in just
that category today. I became Director of Therapeutic Activities
at a new Alzheimer's residence containing skilled nursing, including
a hospice unit. There is also an adult day program for which
I am consulting. Every day I thank the "Powers That Be"
that I have the solid foundation of my training and the continuing
education from the years of attending NAAP and state conferences.
The
whole staff is receiving intense training in Alzheimer's care
from the parent company. I am pleased that much of what is being
taught is training that has been presented at many of our activity
conferences over the years. Often I said (to myself!), "Activity
professionals have known THAT for years!" It is gratifying
that we have been "ahead of the curve." It is for
this reason that NCCAP wholeheartedly supports and requires
continuing education. It is also the reason I urge each of you
to attend educational sessions in areas with which you are unfamiliar.
Stretch yourselves! The information may not be directly useful
to you today, but may be very necessary down the road.
This
"old dog" is still learning new tricks. You can bet
that I will be attending the sessions on assisted living and
adult day programs at this year's conference in Tennessee, as
well as any other areas that are new to me. I hope to see you
all in Tennessee, and, if you cannot make it to Gatlinburg (or
even if you can), I hope that you can attend your state association
conferences. No one is too old to learn - and no education is
a waste of time! NN
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