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"You have the FUN job!" How often has an activity professional heard this, accompanied by a mental image of bingo calls and crafting sessions? While smiles and laughter are certainly a part of the picture, the reality of therapeutic activity services is far more profound and transformative. For too long, the perception of activities in long-term care has been relegated to time-filling entertainment, a stark contrast to the person-centered, outcome-driven approach that truly makes a difference.
This misconception stems from a lack of understanding. Staff, families, and even residents often fail to grasp the intricate planning, assessment, and therapeutic intent behind well-designed activity programs. They see costumes and hats, but not the carefully crafted interventions that address individual needs and promote well-being. This article aims to shed light on the true value of activity programming and encourage you to embark on a journey of professional development that will redefine your approach to communicating the value of what you do.
Imagine a world where activities are not just events, but catalysts for connection, purpose, and growth. Picture a care setting where residents are empowered to rediscover their passions, build meaningful relationships, and maintain a sense of identity. Imagine the future when quality of care and quality of life are equal partners. This vision is not a fantasy; it can become a reality by using specific strategies that illustrate the true therapeutic value of “activities.”
Shifting the Perspective
The key to unlocking this potential lies in shifting our perspective. We must move away from the traditional model of time-filling activities and embrace a person-centered approach that prioritizes individual needs and preferences. This requires a deep understanding of the resident's life story, habits, and routines, as well as the ability to design activities that are both engaging and therapeutic. Unfortunately, the traditional perception of activities is still a reality for many people. To sell the value and market the program for support is an ongoing process and requires a focused effort. Unless the activity professional communicates the true value “others” will only see the costumes and the hats we wear, the dancing, the serving of ice cream and the calling bingo. We must learn to communicate in different ways.
Consider the stark contrast between the traditional and person-centered models:
Assessment: From a checklist of past pursuits to a comprehensive life story profile.
Care Planning: From problem-oriented attendance tracking to strength-based, "I CAN" focused plans.
Purpose: From time-filling to outcome-based goals centered on relationships, identity, and mood.
Leadership: From activity staff-led programs to staff facilitation and resident-led initiatives.
Communication: From generic announcements to personalized invitations and technology use.
Activity Environment: From school like décor to home décor with a hospitality focus
Strategies for “Selling” the Value of Therapeutic Activity Services
By communicating in the language of person-centered care, activity professionals can transform the image of their programs from entertainment to powerful tools for enhancing resident well-being. This involves:
Using language that reflects therapeutic intent, replacing "fun" with "reinforce identity" or "promote self-esteem."
Designing calendars with dignified activity names and session descriptions that highlight the program's goals.
Develop and deliver engaging presentations and educational materials to promote the benefits of therapeutic activity programs.
Utilize various communication channels (newsletters, social media, meetings, one-on-one conversations) to share information about program offerings and resident successes.
Educate staff and families on the principles of person-centered care and the therapeutic value of activity interventions.
Create and maintain visually appealing displays and presentations that showcase resident engagement and program outcomes. Use photographs that tell a story and show emotion.
Switch your approach and communicate the outcomes of the programs, not just a listing of the titles. Explain the intent of the programs (creating purpose, reinforcing identity, fostering relationships) then list examples.
Promote the “specialties” or “traditions” of the community, create uniqueness.
Brand and market the components of the program in creative ways. Avoid categorizing everything as an “activity.”
Build partnerships with community organizations to enrich resident experiences and promote social inclusion.
Promote the strengths you bring to the table. Have your speech ready.
“My role is to plan and implement opportunities for a resident to build new relationships, to socialize. It is to assist a resident to pursue the habits, routines and interests that are important to them. My role is to create opportunities to be of service to others, to give, to have purpose.
To do this requires making adaptations for the physical, cognitive and sensory conditions that the person faces. For example, assisting the resident to vote may require help with registration, obtaining a ballot, completing a ballot and properly submitting it. Connecting to family and friends through written correspondence, email or virtual platforms may require adaptations for physical, sensory and cognitive changes.
To be an activity professional requires extensive knowledge of the impact of disease and health conditions on the person. This includes conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Aphasia, COPD, Depressed Mood and the many diseases that impact cognition, Alzheimer’s, Lewy-Body, Frontal Temporal, Vascular Dementia.
The Activity Professional is trained to use “tools” to help the resident meet their goals and attain the highest level of active living possible. Tools include the use of creative expressive activities such as art, music, creative writing, movement and dance. Other tools used include those for physical endeavors such as exercise, stress reduction, sports and active games. The AP’s toolbox includes an extensive supply of brain health and training props, reminiscing objects, socialization games, culinary equipment, nature and gardening tools.” Written by Natalie Davis 2023
Reinforcing the identity of the person by selecting individualized meaningful tools that create opportunities for involvement is the CORE of what we do as Activity Professionals.
If you are interested in taking a deeper look at these strategies click here for the “Sell the Value” workshop schedule.
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