Are
you flexible? "Yes!" you say. The following is a
Flexibility Test. What is your Flexible IQ?
I
agree with the following statements: (Circle Yes or No)
1.
The calendar/schedule is in writing and we can't change it!
Yes / No
2.
We can't move our program to another area; this is where we
always hold it.
Yes / No
3.
We always have the same performer every year.
Yes / No
4.
The residents/clients wouldn't like a change in the routine.
Yes / No
5.
I've been in activities for ___ years and we've always done
it that way.
Yes / No
6.
I am the Activities Director and I know how to do this.
Yes / No
7.
That's the way we've always done it.
Yes / No
Give
yourself (2) points for every No answer and (1) point for
every Yes answer.
(10-14) A true flexible professional
(7-9) A professional that needs improvement in flexibility
(4-8) How long have YOU been in activities?
(1-3) This may not be the right profession for you
Here
are some tips to increase your flexibility (and the best part;
no physical exercise involved):
The
calendar is in writing and we can't change it… Maybe
that is exactly what our resident/clients need is a change.
This is a generation that is very much used to change (look
at all the changes they have seen in their life times) after
all the only thing that brings success is change (an
administrator told me that about 20 years ago).
We
can't move our program to another area that is where we always
hold it… A new location may spark an interest in
a resident/client that has not been attending. A new location
may increase attendance. You can always move it back the next
time.
We've
always had the same performer every year… A different
performer may bring vitality to an old event. Just because
many of our residents/clients are "old" doesn't
mean they want the "same old thing" year after year!
The
Residents wouldn't like a change in routine… The
same routine leads to boredom and many times to create excitement
we see behavior issues in our population. Maybe a little change
once in a while might be just what the Department needs!
I
been in activities (____) years and we've always done it that
way… And how exciting is the program you are offering?
Have you adapted to the changing requirements of your profession?
More importantly, how have you adapted to the changing needs
of your residents/clients.
I
am the Activities Director and I know how to do this…
Yes, you do but there are a lot of resources out there to
help you to be the very best you can be and to assist you
to be ready with a capability to adapt to new, different and
changing requirements. The NCCAP is one member-based organization
that is perfect for the Activity Professional to belong…so
spread the news.
That's the way we've always done it, but there's a better
way--it is called Flexible.
click
here to download this article
return
to the newsletter
