Page 144 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Everyone Has Something that Makes Them Tick
There are techniques for motivating residents to participate in activities and, more importantly, to engage with others in groups or one-to-one. Everyone has something that makes them tick. Learn what works for each person. Here are some ideas:
• “There’s coffee.” (Coffee and conversation naturally go together.)
• “We’re serving snacks.” (Food appeals to almost everyone.)
• “I’m popping popcorn.” (There was a resident who only came out of her room if popcorn was involved.)
• “We’re meeting outside on the porch.” (Many are drawn to the outdoors.)
• “I could really use your help.”
• “I would like your opinion of ...”
• “I really think you would like ...”
• “You’re very good at...”
• Have someone else give the invitation
and see what happens.
• Don’t be afraid to ask twice.
• Don’t assume anything. Every day, the
activity director would ask a particular resident to join in group activities. One day he didn’t invite her and she was miffed. “Why didn’t you invite me?” “Because you always say no,” he replied. “But I like getting to say ‘no,’” she said.
Also remember, we’re not trying to force anyone to do anything. Of course, we honor anyone’s “No thanks,” but we can certainly try to find out what makes each person tick!
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