New or Improved Activity ideas

[ADC,AP-BC]

Hi Everyone!

I work in a LTC licensed facility, however the environment is that of a sub acute. I am being challenged by the types of activities I have scheduled for them. Some don't quite fit the "long term' scheduled activities, the others don't fit the "short stay" type of activities. On the calendar are the basic activities that all of us have... Coffee, Bingo, Movies, One to One, Outings, Arts, Craft, Book Cart etc... We have more "Independent" type of Patients/Residents here. Everything they want is done on an individual basis. There is only 1 of us four days out of the week, and 2 of us 3 days out of the week, in a 100 bed facility. Patient turnover is daily. I have taken "Polls" from the Patients/Residents as to what type of activities they would like to participate in. Nothing as a group, all individual. I have a very, very low budget. Can I have some suggestions as to new or improved activity ideas? I would appreciate the feedback...THANKS!

[DixieGrace]

Monthly wine and cheese/crackers/fruits day. Have an italian setting with music playing in the background. Old country music and movie, again create that old school ambiance.

[Sam J.]

Happy hours used to be common in SNFs, but even if they were still around, actvity departments don't have the funds. Have you had bake sales to raise $? The staff are usually happy to bring stuff in. Also- if you canvass local bakeries and restaurants (and other businesses for anything else you can use) you may be suprised at their generosity- it's good PR for them, and you can thank them in your newsletter (as in free publicity for them, and also a tax write-off). I've seen lots of pizza places show up at places I've worked with 20 or 30 free pizzas, etc. Also, might contact local radio stations to announce that "Dreamy Dayz Convalsecent Center would like to treat their residents to an Italian night next Friday, and they are in need of donations or donated music, food and drink. If you help, please contact their activity director". Also, many hospices and home health agencies and DME suppliers have it in their budgets to provide goodies (which translates into marketing). It makes people feel all warm and fuzzy!