This document discusses recreation and activities for older adults in long-term care facilities. It outlines the purposes of activities, which include obtaining well-being, self-esteem, pleasure and fulfillment. Activities, social services and rehabilitation all aim to maximize independence, self-esteem and quality of life. Activities differ in allowing more personal choice, while social services and rehabilitation focus more on intervention. Programming considerations include residents' ages, abilities and needs. Activities should promote total well-being through physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual engagement. Evaluation ensures programming meets expected outcomes and improves quality. Volunteers are an important part of linking residents to the community.

1. Recreation and Activities

2. What are Activities? Active or passive involvement in something that an individual finds meaningful For personal enrichment Can be solitary or in groups

3. Purpose and Goals Obtain a sense of well-being Increase self-esteem Obtain pleasure Express creativity Learn new things Get personal fulfillment and a sense of control Promote physical and mental fitness Encourage socializing Obtain spiritual fulfillment

4. Activities, Social Services, and Rehabilitation Common characteristics of all three: Maximize independent functioning Promote self-esteem and psycho-social well-being Enhance quality of life

5. Activities, Social Services, and Rehabilitation: Differences-1 Therapeutic recreation is the basic approach used in activity programming Social services focus on coping and social adaptation Rehabilitation therapies employ a clinical approach to address specific functional deficits

6. Activities, Social Services, and Rehabilitation: Differences-2 Social services and rehabilitation are primarily intervention oriented, with minimum emphasis on voluntary choice and personal control Activities are mainly program oriented – They allow individual residents maximum autonomy and personal choice

7. Staffing and Qualifications No federal requirements for staffing levels and staff qualifications Individual states generally specify staffing levels and qualifications NCCAP certification is desirable

8. Necessary Skills Engagement Assessment Communication Documentation See pp. 238-240

9. Assessment Based on activity pursuit patterns that include five elements: Times during which the resident is awake Average time the resident is involved in activities Preferred activity settings General activity preferences Preferences for change in daily routines

10. Programming Structured methods of delivering needed services Develop and carry out a meaningful plan What services to deliver How to deliver them What results are anticipated

11. Programming: Main Considerations Age variation among residents Nature and extent of disabilities Sensory motor skills Cognitive functioning Affective functioning Medical contraindications Space and time Supplies and equipment Staffing Community resources

12. Programming to Promote Total Well-being Programs must meet a variety of individual needs: Physical Cognitive and educational Social Affective Integration or awareness Spiritual

13. Promoting Well-being - 1 Physical Exercise, movement, and general physical stimulation 2. Cognitive Stimulation of the mind Leaning new things 3. Social Interaction Companionship

14. Promoting Well-being - 2 4. Affective Express feelings or emotions Express creativity Sensory stimulation Reminiscence 5. Integration and awareness Being needed by others Build self-esteem

15. Promoting Well-being - 3 6. Spiritual Religious activities — private and congregate Spiritual pursuits, such as personal devotion or meditation

16. Scheduling - 1 Weekdays: Around 10 am: Crafts, hobbies, cognitive activities Naptime after lunch Around 2:30 pm: afternoon programs, such as physical and social programs Around 7 pm: Evening entertainment and leisure

17. Scheduling - 2 There should be some activities on weekends and holidays To the extent possible, holidays should be celebrated on the days they actually occur

18. Approaches for Cognitive Disorders Intervention approach is appropriate Sensory and cognitive stimulation: sensory stimulation reality orientation reminiscence and validation therapy

19. Approaches for Dementia Patients Small groups that are roughly homogeneous Channel nervous energy into constructive outlets Address cognitive and affective needs Use of cross-trained staff Touch is used as a therapy

20. Multisensory Stimulation Also called Snoezelen Visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimulation in special rooms One-on-one therapy Non-directive approach Non-sequential or unpatterned According to research, results are mixed

21. Program Planning Tools Patient assessment Interests and needs profiles Risk awareness profiles Policies and procedures manual Master calendar covering the entire year Weekly calendars

22. Program Planning Plan a range of programs using the tools mentioned earlier Certain core programs should meet the common needs of most residents Additional programs should be planned to accommodate special needs and interests No resident should be left out Coordination with nursing, dietary, and housekeeping departments Back-up contingency programs

23. Program Evaluation Outcome oriented: Are expected results being achieved? Essential for improving the quality of programming Can help improve staff morale Not to be used to criticize or penalize staff An external consultant can assist with evaluation

24. Tools for Effective Evaluation Each activity should have clear goals Attendance data Care plan goals

25. Volunteer Support Volunteers are an important link between the facility and the community Volunteers can be involved in a variety of tasks based on personal interests

26. Volunteer Recruitment Target groups that are most likely to volunteer Ongoing efforts are necessary A variety of methods should be used A formal process that includes application, screening, interview, and reference checks is necessary Allow volunteers to choose their areas of service