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Congratulations on landing your new role as an Activity Professional! Starting fresh in this rewarding field can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. To help you hit the ground running, here are some essential steps to set yourself up for success in your first weeks.
Tip 1: Host a "Getting to Know [your name] Event!
Within your first week, organize an event to introduce yourself to the residents. Here's how:
Choose a central location where it's easy for the residents to gather.
Engage movers and shakers by asking staff which residents frequently attend activities and might need assistance getting there.
Focus on connection: share a bit about yourself, but spend most of the time learning about them. Ask questions like:
What do you love about the current activity calendar?
Are there activities you're less interested in?
What would you like to see added?
This valuable input will help you identify their priorities and start planning the future.
Tip 2: Dive Into Assessments and Care Plans
Understanding the residents you serve is crucial:
Review each resident’s assessment and their most recent care plan.
Take notes on their interests, abilities, and preferences.
If your community serves both rehab and long-term residents, start with the long-term group, especially those actively engaged in activities.
Think about unique, personalized activities for each individual to help them feel valued and included.
Tip 3: Explore Your Resources
Take inventory of the tools and supplies available:
Go through every closet, cabinet, shelf, and storage area to see what materials and resources you already have.
Use existing supplies creatively before making new purchase requests. This can help you stretch your budget and maximize available resources.
Tip 4: Focus on Resident Council (if you have one)
The resident council is a group of residents who meet to discuss concerns, issues, and requests with the nursing home or assisted living community. Some of these councils are highly structured with a president, vice president, and secretary. Others are a monthly "Town Hall" style meeting.
Identify the Resident Council President and Vice President.
This is federally mandated for Long Term Care and some states require it for Assisted Living. Check your local regulations at NAAP.info.
Locate the binder or file containing recent Resident Council notes.
Check for bylaws and ensure they are being followed.
Determine when the next meeting is scheduled. If one isn’t set up, organize it yourself.
Review past notes to see if follow-ups have been addressed. This can provide insight into resident concerns and priorities.
Starting your new role with a strong foundation will set you up for success and build trust with the residents and staff. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating meaningful, engaging, and fun activities for your community. Don’t forget to join the National Association for Activity Professionals (naap.info), follow ActivTimes on social media, and join us for our introductorsy 3 hour welcome to the profession course! Click here to register!
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