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Great Men’s Program
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Men’s Plaid Flannel Shirt Society
Idea from Louise P. Whitney
Director of The Jewish Home of Rochester
Goal:
*Establish a brotherhood patterned after the ladies of the
Red Hat Society
*Foster Socialization and anticipation of fun
*Give male residents something positive to look forward to.
*Rediscover a sense of self worth and accomplishment.
*Generate opportunities for leadership.
*Empower residents to create innovative strategies for team
building.
Potential Barriers:
*Cost of a dozen plaid flannel shirts and accessories.
*Membership initially limited to the day service program.
*Membership limited to men only.
*Volunteers for in-house resident transportation.
Strategies Implemented:
*Created and decorated men’s paper ties.
*Ripped the ties to shreds to celebrate freedom from convention.
*Themes developed for the monthly lunches.
*Using silly songs, tambourines and maracas to provide
entertainment.
Results:
*Plaid flannel shirts are being purchased in anticipation
of venture.
*A theme poem has been created by Louise Whitney, the society’s
founder.
*The Plaid Flannel Shirts will tour the boiler room after lunch next
month.
*Plans are being made to carry out the theme in decorations and
prizes.
*Staff and volunteers are assisting with implementation of program.
*Empowerment and team building.
Thank you Louise, for a fantastic
idea as I think all Activity Director’s will agree
that we are in constant search of ideas for the gentlemen
living
in our homes.
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NJ MEPAP
2
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NJ MEPAP Part 2
(
90 Hour Advance Management Course)
Begins Sept.
Location Cedar
Crest Village Passiac County NJ.
Saturdays 9-5
Click
HERE for NJ MEPAP 2
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CONTACT
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Alternative Solutions in Long Term
Care
103 Valley View Trail
Sparta, N.J. 07871
973.729.6601
URL: www.activitytherapy.com
Email: 
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PARTY SUPPLIES
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 Thousands of party goods! See our full line of party
accessories and novelties including lightropes & glow
products, hats, maracas, decorating kits, paper goods,
gifts and much more!
Click
here for more details
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"Live
Internet Chat" Ask the Consultant
1st Friday of every month 4:30 to 5:00
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Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Lisa Reidinger LNHA, CTRS,
CDP, CSW
Executive Director
Sandra Stimson CALA, ADC,
CDP
Executive Director
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The Big Secret! WHY ARE YOU PAYING
RETAIL?
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WAYS
TO EXPAND YOUR BUDGETS. Budgets are almost a dirty word in health
care. We dread those budget reports and expense
reports and every month we pray that we did
not exceed our budget. Here are some tips to
help you stay within your budget and a big
industry secret!
Know your budget. Some of you work for companies
with no cap on spending. Some of you are told
monthly what you can spend based on PPD and
others have a set amount per month. Regardless
of your budget, here are some suggestions to
help you manage the budget.
1. You should be keeping a daily expense log.
This log, just like a check ledger begins with
a total amount you can spend. Each time you
spend, enter into your ledger exactly what
the funds were spent for, date and the amount
you spent.
2. Always turn in your
receipts immediately. Otherwise the expense
will show up on another
month’s expense report thus putting
you over budget for a past month.
3. At the end of the year, complete a spreadsheet
by category of expenses to see what you spent
your money on for the year. You may find that
you need to expand your budget. You may find
you have money left over.
4. Plan in advance for
those programs that are very expensive.
Some of the items you
might be able to purchase the month before.
You may
not need to put the entire event in one month’s
expense. For example, you might plan an Elegant
Dining event. Your decorations and invitations
could be purchased several months in advance.
No one says that you have to purchase the
entire events items in the same month.
5. Always get it in writing. If you want to
spend for something expensive, get it in approved
and in writing from your administrator. Some
times people forget.
6. Fund Raisers are another
great way to get extra cash. There are
many fund raising ideas
and lots of web sites out there. Quick ways
are bagel sales, jewelry (vendor) sales,
traveling book shows and of course the
good old one,
Ottis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sales. Plan fundraiser
events to be held immediately after payday
for a better response from staff. Advertise
so that everyone knows you have a fundraiser
coming.
The Big Secret:
Secret
# 1: Why
are you paying retail full prices? All those
catalogues
you use, are marked
up to full retail prices. Often times doubled
the cost. Or, if you are purchasing at stores,
you are paying even higher, as they purchased
from whole sale suppliers. Now you can too!
Often times you can negotiate a discount with
catalogue companies. You may need to speak
to the account representative or supervisor.
If, you consistently order through them, they
should meet your request for a discount. Some
companies may not give you a discount but instead
may offer you free shipping. You could negotiate
both free shipping and a discount. They don’t
want to loose your business to a competitor.
But, you have to ask because they will not
offer it out right. Just ask, all they can
say is NO. If you are with a large company,
they have a purchasing department and that
department can negotiate a discount for you.
Secret # 2: Buy through catalogues that offer
deep discounts. Purchase items when they
are on sale. Shop around. Years ago we did
not have the kind of choices we have today.
Stretch your budgets and make your budget
work for you.
Know where the job lots stores and the dollar
stores are located in your community, as there
are many items you purchase at inflated prices
that you can get for only a dollar or very
cheap at the job lot stores. (Did you know
that many dollar stores will come to you?)
Secret
# 3: Many directors and large companies
are already purchasing from our party supply
catalogue and are seeing huge savings. If,
you set up an account with us, we can offer
10% off the catalogue price.
If, you are with a large company,
we can offer even greater
discounts. Cost compare. Look at some of
the common
things you order on a monthly basis, party
kits, decorations,
tambourines, streamers, maracas, Christmas
and holiday
supplies. We can offer these products at
a cheaper price compared to a lot of other
vendors. A great example is Maracas. You
currently pay aprox 12.00 for two maracas.
With our catalogue we can offer 24 maracas
for under 12.00. That’s a huge savings.
We also accept purchase orders once you open
an account with us.
We also have a wider selection instead of
limited choices.
Visit our catalogue at www.activitytherapy.makesparties.com
Or Contact us at 973 729 6601 for information
on discounts prices we can offer for large
companies or long term care chains.
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Toxic Plants and Poisonous Plants:
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Many
Activity Directors believe that Poinsettia Plants
are poisonous, but
they are NON TOXIC and have been removed from the
toxic list. So this year, purchase Poinsettia’s
for your facility. As always, anyone who needs
supervision, you might have to monitor to ensure
that the resident does not eat the plants.
It is easy to be deceived by plants.
In my garden, I have many Elephant Ear Plants.
Because I don’t
have small children, I include them in my landscaping,
but they are on the poisonous list. One part of
a plant, may be edible while another is poisonous.
The following lists are some of the more common
poisonous plants and should not be included in
the gardening / horticulture programs. If you do
decide to use these plants, it is very important
that precautions are taken and supervision provided.
Recommend printing this article and placing in
your policy and procedure manual. Your staff should
be in-services on this toxic plant list.
Plant Toxic Part
Hyacinth Bulb
Narcissus Bulb
Daffodil Bulb
Dieffenbachia All Parts
Elephant Ear All Parts
Rosary Pea Seeds
Castor Seeds
Castor Bean Seeds
Larkspur Seeds
Monkshood Fleshy roots
Autumn Crocus Bulbs
Star of Bethlehem Bulbs
Lilly of the Valley Leaves / Flowers
Iris Underground stems
Foxglove Leaves
Bleeding Heart Foliage, Roots
Rhubarb Leaf Blade
Daphne Berries
Wisteria Seeds / Pods
Golden Chain Bean like
Laurels All parts
Rhododendrons All parts
Jasmine Berries
Red Sage Green Berries
Yew Berries Foliage
Jack in the Pulpit All parts
Moonseed Berries
Mayapple Apple, foliage, roots
Mistletoe Berries
Buttercups All parts
Nightshade All parts, especially berry
Poison Hemlock All parts
Thorn Apple All parts
Wild Cherry Trees Twigs / Foliage
Cultivated Cherry Trees Twigs / Foliage
Oaks Trees Acorns / Foliage
Elderberry Trees All parts/ Roots
Black Locust Trees Bark, Sprouts/ Foliage
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Aroma Therapy
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There are many types of products and essential oils
that Activity Directors are including in
their Aroma Therapy Programs. However, you
need to be aware of side affects with some
essential oils, which is the liquid kind
that comes in small bottles. First important
rule is to only purchase Essential Oils from
vendors or catalogues that specialize in
Aroma Therapy. The second rule is to understand
the side affects with essential oils. There
are many web sites with great information
about the benefits and side effects as well
as allergies associated when using the oils.
Be sure to request an MSDS for the essential
oils and to know exactly what products are
in the bottles. Always make sure the label
is clearly shown on the bottle.
Generally the following
essential oils are ok to use with most people.
However, when ever trying essential
oils for the first time, you should observe residents
for allergic reactions or changes in behavior. Also
be aware of anyone with a history of severe allergies,
COPD or Asthma.
Eucalyptus, Jasmine,
Lemon Balm, Lavender, Geranium Oil, Grapefruit,
Peppermint, Rosemary, Chamomile,
Lemon Balm, or Rose
The following precautions should be observed when
working with essential oils.
Essential oils should
never be used undiluted and directly on the skin
because
of severe sensitivity
in some individuals. Essential oils should not be
used topically unless the label states it can be
used for massages. Many oils are too strong for the
skin. As a general rule, don’t use at all on
the skin.
Be aware of allergies. Some oils can cause allergic
reactions so residents need to be observed at all
times. Watch for reactions both physical and mental
such as agitation, wandering, crying. Breathing problems,
tearing of the eyes, etc. Again, anyone with a history
of Asthma, severe allergies, COPD and Epilepsy should
be closely monitored and the aroma therapy scent
should be checked for precautions. For residents
with seizure disorder, avoid, basil, fennel, hyssop,
rosemary and sage. For residents with Hypoglycemia
avoid geranium.
Watch the amount of essential oil you are using as
only one drop is recommended. The scent should
never be over powering or noxious. Remember, what
smells great to one person may smell awful to another.
For some dementia residents, smells may be confused
with something else or cause agitation.
Essential oils should never be given orally. Never
leave an open bottle and place the bottle immediately
back in a locked cabinet as soon as you have used
it. If any one should swallow the oil, contact poison
control immediately and refer to your MSDS.
It should also be noted that essential oils are
flammable and should be kept away from all flames.
Unless you are trained and certified in Aroma Therapy,
Never use Birch, Sage, Thuja, and Wintergreen, Bitter
Almond, Calamus, Camphor, Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard,
Rue, Sassafras, Southernwood, Tansy and Wormwood,
Ajowan, Almond, Arnica, Sweet Birch, Boldo Leaf,
Broom Spanish, Melilotus, Onion, Pennyroyal essential
oils.
All of the essential oils mentioned in the previous
paragraph, if not used correctly can cause severe
reactions and even in some cases death.
We recommend printing this article out and placing
in your policy manual under Aroma Therapy. Activity
Directors should in-service your staff as well.
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“Theme or Not To Theme…That
is the question”
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Many
Activity Directors have written to us over the
years asking, “Why
is it important to have a Themed Calendar?” My
answer is why are you not theming your calendars?
We have been teaching the 90 hour activity courses
for many years and one of the expectations of our
student’s, is to develop calendars. The expectation
of the students is to provide a themed calendar that
is seasonal.
For many, it’s the first time they have ever
approached calendar planning in this fashion. After
completing the calendar, the students tell us, they
will never go back to completing a calendar the “old
way”. With that said, we want to make sure
that everyone understands that with the new regulatory
imperative guideline changes, a Population and Calendar
Analysis should be completed and incorporate the
findings into your calendar planning. The Analysis
tools are available on www.activitytherapy.com. In
the new guidelines, the analysis tools are referred
to as an audit tool. You can visit the CMS wed site
and watch the CMS Activity Guidelines presentation
at http://cms.internetstreaming.com as the presentation
discusses the analysis tools.
One recommendation is to go on the
Internet and search for a theme that is seasonal.
You could enter
as a search term, “Ideas for Autumn.” Look
at some of the names and programs others have developed.
You could enter search terms such as; cooking ideas
for autumn, craft ideas for autumn, trivia ideas
for autumn, etc. As the Internet is an ocean of ideas
and everything is available at a touch of a key.
Once you come up with the theme,
you need to than come up with a creative name for
your calendar that
clearly denotes what your theme will be about. For
example, the September theme might be about memories
associated with school and a creative name might
be “Memories of Fall.”
Once you come up with a creative
name and a theme, it’s easy to now plan your
calendar around that theme. Every event, trivia,
special event, cooking,
crafts, etc, should be around the theme. Any one,
who has ever had a theme day, knows the excitement
and anticipation your residents and staff have. So
it only makes sense to have a theme month. You should
include your resident activity planning committee
in developing the ideas for your theme.
Developing a theme also helps decide what type
of decorations you may want to plan for these events.
A great web site for decorations is www.activitytherpy.makesparties.com
There are many resources available to help you plan
your theme, such as the internet, activity and recreation
web sites, books, magazines, Creative Forecasting
and staff / volunteer input.
The calendar should include a large special event
related to the theme as well.
For September we have included many ideas to help
you in developing your theme.
Order your copy of Grandfathers Memories and Grandmothers
Journal while supplies last at www.activitytherapy.com.
September Flower: Forget Me Not
Grand Parents Day September
National Assisted Living Week Sept 10-16
Hispanic Heritage Month Sept 15-Oct 15
Apple Month www.usaapple.org
Healthy Aging Month-Invite a speaker
Women of Achievement Month-Invite a speaker
Web sites of interest:
www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/september
Autumnal
Equinox Day
Sept 23-24
After this date, days become shorter. See great story
Introduce residents to the game Sudoku- http://abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities
AARP Site - www.aarp.org/families/grandparents
National Grandparents Day www.grandparents-day.com
Carnival Planning www.carnivalplan.com
Holidays by states www.shagtown.com
Bizarre Sept Holidays- http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/sep.htm
General Pencil Company-
How Pencils are made kit 11.00 www.GeneralPencil.com. If you wanted to invite the local school, it’s
only a few cents per pencil. They can even put the
name of your facility on the pencil. Order kits early.
Visit Apple Orchards. In NJ or NY there are great
Apple Orchards in Warwick NY. If, you go there, great
little rustic restaurant called County Dreams.
Attend Harvest Fairs.
Minty Mug-Hot chocolate with peppermint sticks.
Scents of fall season-cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Host a Rustic Weekend and Serve Hot Apple cider
with cinnamon sticks
Road trip to Base Ball Stadiums or Little League
Game
Grandparents are special certificates free at www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/grandparents/certificates.html
Free Grandparents Cards at http://www.all-yours.net/c/xgallery/gp_day1html
The Best of Times- Residents list 5 memories of
times with grand children when they were small. Place
their comments on bulletin board.
Ask families to share special memories about grandparents
and post on bulletin board.
See the questions posted on Ellis Island that many
great grand parents had to answer.
www.historychannel.com/ellisisland/whoare/index.html
Invite an American Indian to speak about culture.
Noah’s Ark Party
Potpourri Patch
Hosts a Craft Show
Crafts Idea:
Apple Star Prints: Cut applies in half and dips in
paint and presses into paper.
Fall Mural- “Leaves are falling down” see
idea at www.kinderkorner.com/scarecrow.html
Apple dolls-
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=craftdisplay&craftid-=10843
Leaf Rubbing
God’s Eyes Craft http://avalon-arts.com/studio/fall.html
Cooking Idea:
Stone Soup www.thefunplace.com/recipes/00341.html
Honey Cake Recipe www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/september.htm#septemberrecipes
Full Moon Cakes www.familyfun.com
Caramel Apples-kits in stores
Horticulture:
Dried Flowers- Take flowers and glue on to blank
greeting cards.
Drying Flowers: Begin picking flowers in August
and putting flowers between pages of a book and bind
with a rubber band. Flowers will dry in time for
use for September for craft projects. Or hang in
flower bunches upside down in cool dark area.
Trivia:
Johnny Appleseed-see many web sites.
Leaf Maze www.grandloving.com/backtoschoolindex.html
Discussion:
Flight of the Butterfly- migrates to south.-see many
web sites.
Tales of changing seasons http://www.eduplace.com/activity/changing_seasons.html
What’s Missing-Fill a tray with gourds, leaves,
acorns, corn husks, etc and take something away and
have them figure it out.
Intergenerational Program:
“ How Old is Old Walking in my shoes”
A 4H Awareness Project www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/wins/wimsproject.html
Build a display of bales of hay, pumpkins, gourds,
corn stalks, etc
Have residents make scare crows. Use panty hose for
head and stick legs of hose through shirts. Stuff
with newspaper or straw.
Visit the RAG Shop or Fabric Shops for great fall
decorations.
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Grandfather's Memories To His
Grandchild
