Celebrate National Activity Professionals Week January 20-26

Activities for the elderly are essential especially for people with dementia. Find out why, and find out why those providing the activities are important.

Who are the people providing the activities?

The leader of the activity department is a certified activity director(ADC), a certified, licensed, occupational therapy assistant(COTA/L), or a
registered occupational therapist(OTR). However besides this, these directors are passionate about helping those in need.

Working with the activity directors are the activity assistants. They are, at the very least, high school graduates with a strong desire to help people.
Both directors and assistants are highly creative and caring. They gently encourage residents, especially those with dementia, clients, or even family
members to join in the fun and opportunity, the activities bring.

Where do these activities take place?

All nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day care centers provide activities for their residents or clients. Families, choosing to keep their loved ones with a disability such as dementia, at home also offer their loved one(s) activities.

What kinds of activities are made available?

Before discussion of this, let us discover how the kinds of activities presented, are determined. The current thinking is that activities are person centered.Group activities are designed for the interests of the majority, but one to one activities are offered to those who would rather "do their own thing". "Activities purpose is not just to kill time, but rather to make time live" unknown author. For some, it may be engaging in a group activity. For others solitary activities are more their preference. Of course, there are individuals who sometimes like groups and sometimes prefer to be alone.

Even prior to determining the type of group and and individual activities offered, activity staff assess the needs and strengths of all the residents or clients.Activities promote the highest level of physical and mental functioning. Activities are success oriented. Figuring all this out can be tricky, but activity professionals are special people.

Offered are old favorites, like bingo, sing a longs, exercise, entertainment, current events, religion, and trivia. However, creative staff think of new and exciting activities that may put a new twist on an old favorite. Often activities are adapted and modified so that each person can participate if he so chooses.

When do these activities take place?

Activities can take place any time of the day or night.People with dementia and other diseases often need activities at night because their sleep wake pattern may be altered.

Why are activities important?

As mentioned earlier activities help to preserve the highest level of mental and physical functioning. Activities also bring fun and purpose into one's life. Activities raise self esteem and prevent depression.Activities keep people calm or alert depending on their need. Activities help keep individuals connected. Yes, activities do many thing besides theobvious.

So this activity professionals week, January 20-26 be sure to say, "Thank you" to anyone you know who does activities. Visit a local nursing home, assisted
living facility, adult day care center, or a person who provides activities to their loved ones at home.