Activity Programming
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 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has regulated the following to occur in every ALF:
2800.23. Activities.
(a) A residence shall provide each resident with assistance with ADLs and appropriate cueing for ADLs as indicated in the resident’s assessment and support plan.
(b) A residence shall provide each resident with assistance with IADLs and appropriate cueing for IADLs as indicated in the resident’s assessment and support plan.
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