Activity programming in the ALF
We as administrators often fail to see the importance of the “activities” program. The first problem is we fail to see this as more than just “activities”. These are life enrichment tools that add value and give fulfillment to the lives of older adults. The enrichment programming in an ALF provides structure to the resident’s day and gives them different events to attend throughout the day. While the programming may differ from community to community the Indiana Residential Care Facility Licensing Program has regulated the following to occur in every ALF:
410 IAC 16.2-5-7.1 Activities Programs
(a) The facility shall provide activities programs appropriate to the abilities and interests of the residents being served.
(b) The facility shall provide and/or coordinate scheduled transportation to community-based activities.
(c) An activities director shall be designated and must be one (1) of the following:
(1) A recreation therapist.
(2) An occupational therapist or a certified occupational therapy assistant.
(3) An individual who has satisfactorily completed or will complete within one (1) year an activities director course approved by the division.
(d) After July 1, 1984, any person who has not completed an activities director course approved by the division shall receive consultation until the person has completed such a course. Consultation shall be provided by:
(1) a recreation therapist;
(2) an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant; or
(3) a person who has completed a division approved course and has two (2) years of experience
Pro Tip:
- Ask for input from your residents as to what type of activities they would like to see in the community.
- Provide incentive for residents to attend events. You could give them ‘community name’ bucks to spend in a community store
- Build buy in from all staff members to promote healthy activities of residents