Page 123 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Prioritizing Activities
Activities are integral to a vibrant home life. Unfortunately, they have never held a very high priority in most nursing homes. Even in households, “Activities are always the first to go on a busy day,” admits a Perham Memorial household coordinator.
It is easy to rationalize that care needs should come first during a staffing crunch. This truly may be the case on some days, but isn’t it too bad? Maybe the leadership could commit to meeting householders’ activity needs with the same determination they address care needs. If staff cannot take time, perhaps have a
“Plan B” for activities led by a resident, family member or other visitor. Maybe a resident’s family member lives close by and would volunteer to be an on-call activities leader. Or, perhaps someone retired or lonely would like the opportunity to possibly enhance another person’s life while satisfying their own need to be needed.
Community Learning Circle Questions
What resources do we have in residents, family and community members, volunteers and staff for helping with activities?
What could we create as a Plan B back-up system to ensure activities continue even during a staff shortage?
What priority do you give doing activities with residents and why?
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