What
to Look for in an Activity Program
By
Jan Johnston, Londonderry Retirement Community of Easton
When
you or a loved one enters a senior facility, whether
it's an independent retirement community, assisted living
or a CCRC, Continued Care Retirement Community, the
Activity Program should be reviewed. Every facility
will have an Activity Program but staff and budget constraints,
adequate available space, and other challenges may limit
the amount of activities offered. Knowing what to look
for will assist you in making the right choice for you.
There
is a variety of facilities that are available to you
depending on your circumstances. If you are still active,
healthy and do not require any assistance in daily living
tasks, an independent retirement community will be best
for you. Activities may run the gamut from exercise
classes, trips, walking programs, opportunities to volunteer
in the community, presentations, stimulating clubs and
outside community activities. An opportunity to be actively
engaged in the planning, executing and facilitating
of activities will offer you a chance participate in
an interest based program, doing what you and others
like you, want to do.
If
you require assistance in daily living tasks, an assisted
living environment may suit you best. This will allow
you to get the minimal assistance you need to get through
your day successfully. Activity Department personnel
may come into your room to do one on one activities
with you such as reminiscing, playing cards, exercising,
building puzzles and reading. This kind of facility
will also have programs that will take you out of your
room, allowing you to socialize with other residents
in a small or large group arena.
If
you require full nursing care, you may not be able to
leave your room and the activities are brought directly
to you. The activity personnel find out what interests
you and should build a program that will stimulate you
as well as bring you contentment and improve the quality
of your life. There may be small or large group activities,
like bingo, birthday parties, socials and movies. The
facility personnel will come to your room and take you
where you need to go.
Here
are a few questions you may want to ask when you are
touring facilities:
* Is there an activity program?
* What is the activity personnel to resident ratio?
* Does the facility offer one on one activities, small
and large group activities, and special events?
* Does the Activity Director facilitate the activities?
* Is the Activity Director certified?
* Is the program interest based?
* Are the following psychosocial needs being met:
* Social, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental
* Who plans the activities?
Getting
the answers to the above questions will assist you in
choosing the facility that is the best fit for you.
Shop
around and take your time in choosing a living arrangement.
Make a list of likely candidates, schedule appointments
and visit each on your list. If there are activities
posted, take a few moments to read the schedule and
ask for a schedule that you can take with you to compare.
Ask if you may sit in on a program. This will give you
an opportunity to speak with residents and watch the
interchange between staff and residents. Be aware that
state and federal regulations must be met by many facilities
and feel free to ask about that too.
Getting
as much information as you can will assist you in making
the best choice possible for you or your loved one.
Because this will be home for any number of years, being
as active and productive as possible will give you satisfaction
and will give you're the quality of life you deserve.
Everyone has something to offer no matter what the age
or physical condition. Being active physically, mentally,
socially, emotionally and spiritually will keep you
happy and healthy in the years to come. NN
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