Page 148 - Vibrant Living Scrapbook

Inclusion
Always include everyone, not just those most responsible or supportive of activities. Get everyone’s ideas.
Carmen: I asked a fairly new nursing assistant on the evening shift what she thought of the activities offered in the household where she worked. She wondered if residents might
tire of the same old thing and want to “shake it up” a little. Her personal interests are
video and card games, and more vigorous activities like competitive beanbag tossing. We brainstormed what she might “bring to the table.” She probably could not sit with her hands full of cards as she might be needed
by a resident at any time. But we agreed an active game like the beanbag toss would be appropriate. She could start the game for other players, leave to render assistance, and, as she finished answering requests for help, return intermittently to take her turn at the toss (or perhaps several turns at once to catch up). Meanwhile, people in the living room – householders, family members, visitors and fellow staff alike – would be engaged in a fun and equalizing activity.
Community Learning Circle Questions
What more could we do to include everyone in, and get their opinions about, activities?
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