| Debbie Hommel's A.D. Tips Dedicated to helping Activity Professionals with the daily operation of their department. by Debbie Hommel, BA, CRA, ACC, CRTS, Executive Director of DH Special Services |
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| DEBBIE HOMMEL Executive Director DH Special Services |
| About Debbie Debbie Hommel, BA, CRA, ACC, CRTS, is the Executive Director of DH Special Services. She is a Certified Activity Consultant on State and National level, with over twenty-seven years of experience in providing direct care and consultation to long term care, medical day care, assisted living, and ICF/MR facilities throughout New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. She is an experienced trainer and workshop presenter, conducting a variety of seminars throughout the Tri-State area for the Activity Professional, Administrator, and allied healthcare professional. Debbie Hommel is an active member of Activity Professional Associations on State and National levels. She is ACC certified through the NCCAP. She is a founding member of the New Jersey Activity Professionals' Association, serving terms as Vice President and President. She received the Weidner Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994 and the Monmouth & Ocean County Activity Professionals Life Achievement Award in 1999. |
| DEAR DEBBIE: Let Debbie answer your Activity Questions Visit DEAR DEBBIE: |
| ACTIVITY DIRECTOR TODAY Providing Internet Resources for Activity Professionals in Long Term Care Settings admin@theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Copyright 2004-Present The Activity Director's Office All Rights Reserved Disclaimer |
| RESIDENT SHOPPING & MORE At Resident Shopping & More you will find clothing and more for your residents. Also, you will find Activity Department supplies. |
| ACTIVITY DIRECTOR NOVELTIES Activity Director Novelties features promotional materials and gifts for you, your residents, your facility and your Department. Be sure to visit. |
| BOB'S CUSTOM DESIGNS Get promotional and gift items customized. Bob creates your design and makes it available for you on Activity Director Novelties. Buy as much or little as you want. (Design Fee $10.00) Contact Bob |
| Activity Director Books. Excellent Resources for Activity Professionals |
| Featuring supplies for parties, holiday celebrations and special events Click Here |
| ESPECIALLY DESIGNED WITH SENIORS IN MIND |
| FEATURING TONS OF BULLETIN BOARD AND CRAFT SUPPLIES |
| DHSpecial Services Earn CEU's at Home Click Here |
Translating Assessment Information into Activity
Types - Part II
By Debbie Hommel, ACC, CTRS
In last month’s article, we agreed that the activity assessment is the starting point or the
foundation of the therapeutic process. The Federal regulations (F-248) define the
importance of gathering very specific information about the individuals’ past and
present leisure and recreational interests with the intent to involve the elder in
programs tailored to their individual likes and dislikes. Transitioning that information
into appropriate and individualized programming is an important step of the therapeutic
process which is sometimes overlooked. In last month’s article, involving residents in
specific programs to meet specific needs was introduced. Individual needs of
socialization, creativity, intellectual stimulation and more were matched up with
programs that met those needs.
Another program classification system was introduced Ruth Perschbacher, Activity
Consultant and author, in 1986. Ms. Perschbacher discusses the program
classifications if maintenance, empowerment and supportive in her book “Assessment,
the Cornerstone of Activity Programs” which can be purchased through Venture
Publishing. These program classifications were later adopted by the National
Association of Activity Professionals in 1990. As with the more specific group
categories of activities discussed in last month’s article, it is important to note that one
activity could have maintenance, empowerment and supportive aspects, depending on
how the program is implemented by the activity professional.
Supportive Activities: As the word “supportive” implies, these activities are focused on
providing the resident with a sense of comfort and solace. The comfort and support
can be provided through relationships, specific group involvement or through a
particularly soothing activity. Traditionally, supportive activities are tailored for those
residents experiencing loss of some kind and needing an adaptive approach. Sample
activities would include sensory based programs, soothing and relaxation programs,
spiritual activities and involving the elder in such a way that they feel safe and
successful.
Maintenance Activities: As the work “maintenance” implies, these activities focus on
using what skills the elder has remaining and keeping them functioning at their best
level. The way to do this is to engage them in a variety of diverse programs which
exercise their physical, cognitive and social functioning. Sample activities include the
standard, day to day programming of Bingo, exercise, discussion groups, craft
programs and cognitive games. Maintenance activities are based in the old adage “if
you don’t use it, you lose it”.
Empowerment Activities: This type of programming goes beyond the belief of “use it or
lose it” and encourages personal growth and reaching individual potential. Choices,
challenges, and responsibility are part of the empowerment approach. Sample
programs might include Resident Council, classes, and assuming leadership roles.
Traditionally, empowerment activities are tailored to the more functional elder, with
remaining intellectual skills and ability to make decisions.
The experienced activity professional becomes adept at adapting the program
approach to the diverse needs of the elders within a particular group. The activity
professional is often challenged by the varying needs of those in attendance in the
program. Understanding the classification system of empowerment, maintenance and
supportive allows the activity professional to engage each participate according to their
need. For example, while conducting an active game, empowerment opportunities can
be offered to a higher functioning elder in the group who may be able to keep score or
lead some of the tasks. Those elders participating for maintenance will each be given
opportunity to participate to the best of their ability. The activity professional will provide
a supportive role for the more impaired resident by using more hands on assist,
placing them near the music or using multi sensory materials to generate greater
response.
Again and again, it is the activity professional’s approach that makes the program
therapeutic. There are countless activity ideas and resources available to our
profession. However, they only become therapeutic when the activity professional
conducts an individualized assessment and utilizes that assessment information to
engage the elder in the appropriate program, in the appropriate way.
Types - Part II
By Debbie Hommel, ACC, CTRS
In last month’s article, we agreed that the activity assessment is the starting point or the
foundation of the therapeutic process. The Federal regulations (F-248) define the
importance of gathering very specific information about the individuals’ past and
present leisure and recreational interests with the intent to involve the elder in
programs tailored to their individual likes and dislikes. Transitioning that information
into appropriate and individualized programming is an important step of the therapeutic
process which is sometimes overlooked. In last month’s article, involving residents in
specific programs to meet specific needs was introduced. Individual needs of
socialization, creativity, intellectual stimulation and more were matched up with
programs that met those needs.
Another program classification system was introduced Ruth Perschbacher, Activity
Consultant and author, in 1986. Ms. Perschbacher discusses the program
classifications if maintenance, empowerment and supportive in her book “Assessment,
the Cornerstone of Activity Programs” which can be purchased through Venture
Publishing. These program classifications were later adopted by the National
Association of Activity Professionals in 1990. As with the more specific group
categories of activities discussed in last month’s article, it is important to note that one
activity could have maintenance, empowerment and supportive aspects, depending on
how the program is implemented by the activity professional.
Supportive Activities: As the word “supportive” implies, these activities are focused on
providing the resident with a sense of comfort and solace. The comfort and support
can be provided through relationships, specific group involvement or through a
particularly soothing activity. Traditionally, supportive activities are tailored for those
residents experiencing loss of some kind and needing an adaptive approach. Sample
activities would include sensory based programs, soothing and relaxation programs,
spiritual activities and involving the elder in such a way that they feel safe and
successful.
Maintenance Activities: As the work “maintenance” implies, these activities focus on
using what skills the elder has remaining and keeping them functioning at their best
level. The way to do this is to engage them in a variety of diverse programs which
exercise their physical, cognitive and social functioning. Sample activities include the
standard, day to day programming of Bingo, exercise, discussion groups, craft
programs and cognitive games. Maintenance activities are based in the old adage “if
you don’t use it, you lose it”.
Empowerment Activities: This type of programming goes beyond the belief of “use it or
lose it” and encourages personal growth and reaching individual potential. Choices,
challenges, and responsibility are part of the empowerment approach. Sample
programs might include Resident Council, classes, and assuming leadership roles.
Traditionally, empowerment activities are tailored to the more functional elder, with
remaining intellectual skills and ability to make decisions.
The experienced activity professional becomes adept at adapting the program
approach to the diverse needs of the elders within a particular group. The activity
professional is often challenged by the varying needs of those in attendance in the
program. Understanding the classification system of empowerment, maintenance and
supportive allows the activity professional to engage each participate according to their
need. For example, while conducting an active game, empowerment opportunities can
be offered to a higher functioning elder in the group who may be able to keep score or
lead some of the tasks. Those elders participating for maintenance will each be given
opportunity to participate to the best of their ability. The activity professional will provide
a supportive role for the more impaired resident by using more hands on assist,
placing them near the music or using multi sensory materials to generate greater
response.
Again and again, it is the activity professional’s approach that makes the program
therapeutic. There are countless activity ideas and resources available to our
profession. However, they only become therapeutic when the activity professional
conducts an individualized assessment and utilizes that assessment information to
engage the elder in the appropriate program, in the appropriate way.
