A Tribute to Activity Professionals!

Notice: You are welcome to use these tributes in your publication but you must state the authors name and Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care Activity Professinal Tribute Contest www.activitytherapy.com You can not alter the Tribute in any way.

There is a saying I’ve heard through my life:
“Many are picked but few are chosen”-How true!
God chose these exceptional people with extraordinary abilities:
Kindness, Understanding and so much more.
They hug us when needed, help us with our problems at any given time.
They are acutely aware of each person’s individual feelings;
It’s like they have a sixth sense,

And give sympathy when needed, apologize if necessary,
help in numerous ways to make our lives full, and give us courage to try when you feel you can’t, and accept this stage in our lives.
Changes are now are hard-but we’re not alone- Activities selected for us give us a meaning and bring so much joy, we would have missed.

Real thought and effort is made to give us things to do.
such as games, trips, shopping, entertainment, Bingo, art classes etc. We can opt not to take part for any reason, then join in later, should you change your mind.
Our will and capabilities come first.

Often people fear joining an Assisted Living Community- but, they are truly a blessing for all of us. Just the thought of not being alone is itself reassuring. You receive attention- beyond the call of duty.

Elizabeth Huggins age 75
Spring Hills Morristown
Submitted by Activities Director: Regina Pinkney

When I tell people that I am an Activity Director in a retirement community they seemed puzzled by what that profession would even be. The world seems unable to visualize what I could possible do all day with “a bunch of old people.” That some how the words “seniors” and “activities” can’t possible go together. No, to most people the word senior means, old, lifeless, depressing, sleeping all day, bored, useless and of course “the end of the road”, so they think it must be the saddest why to spend each day. So, when I’m asked ‘Why do you do what you do?’, in a million different ways, what do I say? Well, let me tell you…

“Isn’t it sad to work at a job that you watch old folks just slumped over in chairs, bored and sleeping all day, since they can’t move around much?”
“Of course that would be sad to watch. That’s why I work in Activities!” I reply. “So instead we enjoy doing fitness classes, bowling, golfing, billiards, fishing, and strolls outside year round.”

“Isn’t it sad to be at work and see them all alone with no one to talk too and have fun with?”
“That would be sad to see. That’s why we have so many activities that let them kick up their heels! From chatting at socials and meet and greets, to holiday parties, dances, karaoke nights and tailgate parties. Oh, and let’s not forget that a lot of the time we all just like to get together and dish the dirt, catch up on the latest buzz and if time permits brag and/or complain lovingly about family and friends.”

“Why do you work with people that may once have been considered productive members of society but now have nothing to contribute, their talents all used and gone?”
“Activity professionals live by the motto, ‘use it or lose it’. So it’s a joy to see our residents continue to shine by giving them many opportunities to use their skills. They’re mentors to children, instructors in our arts, crafts, history, wellness, education, cultural, spiritual, music and dance classes, they form committees, fund raisers, and support groups, and whatever else they put their minds to, after all this is their community.”

“Why do you work in a place that is always talking about the good old days, with people who don’t understand what’s going on in the real world?”
“Activity’s job is to provide residents with all the opportunities to reminisce about the ‘gold old days’ that they want, and boy the stories they tell! Maybe that is why when they then came to activities like; current events, news & views, book clubs, debates, lectures, health care series, political issues, and election coverage near and far, they’re such lively and intense discussions. It’s amazing the questions, answers and thoughts coming from these old folks when they are given the chance to express their knowledge.’

“Why do you want to work with people who can’t even remember what you just said and did with them? What a waste of your time.”
“An Activity person knows that interacting with memory care resident’s, for even just five or ten minutes, can bring out a smile, a laugh, a story or even a tear that makes all the difference in the world for that person in that moment. And what if every person understood this like an activity person does so and they also took five minutes with that resident everyday, wouldn’t that add up fast and bring a lot of joy into that life? I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend my time.”

“Why would you want to work at a job that all you do is playing BINGO?”
“While every Activity Professional knows not to mess with Bingo, we don’t believe in monotony! Not only do we play other board games, but parlor games and charades of all types are common place, though we are not sure what some have tried to act out! Card lovers (sharks) play everything from poker to bridge to go fish for all the chips. And while I teach them all kinds of ‘new’ games they have taught me ‘old’ games I’ve never heard of and I thought I knew them all! The biggest thing that I’ve learned though is to ask for all the rules upfront, because those sweet seniors have a way of forming them as play and odd enough they never seem to form in my favor!”

“Why choose to work with people who can never learn the modern marvels of the world because you can’t teach an old dog new trick?”
“Working in Activities I’ve learned that this is the furthest thing from the truth. Why just today in computer class the residents emailed their families photos that they took on our outing, to the Krohn Conservatory. Of course, that was after they downloaded them from the memory card on their digital camera and used then software to create a gallery slide show. If you don’t understand what I just said let me know and I’ll have a resident explain it when thy have time and while they’re at it they can show you how to make your DVD stop flashing 12:00!

“I could go on and on about why I do what I do or I could simply answer a question with a question and ask back, ‘How could I not!?!”

We are a bus driver when your ready to shop, and an Exercise Instructor when your ready to pop.

Beauticians to make you look fly, our residents are so beautiful it brings a tear to your eye.

When we are bakers we want you all to come, to smell the aroma and have lots of fun.

We push you, we pull you, we make you do squats, We laugh and we sing, you will love it alot!

Our ball toss our bowling will raise your heartrate. Our walking and Fitness Class will make you look great!

We reach for the stars, we shoot for the moon. We move the furniture from room to room.

We devolpe the calendar, we schedule the day, we hope the Entertainer shows while we are kneeling to pray.

Caring with Quality, Our Mission of Care, is the light that guides us no matter where.

Our teammember promise, helps to get us there. But all that matters is how much we CARE!

Activities                     Patience
Comfort                      Respect
Trust                            Observant
Integrity                       Fun
Voice                           Empathy
Imagination               Sincerity
Tribute                        Silliness
Youthful                      Important
                                    Optimistic
                                    Nurturing
                                    Assurance
                                    Love

We are Activity Professionals, and are proud of what we do. It’s not just a job to us, and is so much more then going shopping, playing bingo, trivia, planning activities, composing the calendar and the paper work. It is part of our life and our residents are a big part of our family. We laugh and cry together and share many precious moments.

We learn so much from our residents by just listening to there stories, such as going through the depression, being in the war, and how things have changed through the years.

We give so much of ourselves, and don’t expect anything in return. A hug, a smile, or seeing the twinkle in their eyes is more then we could ever ask for. We are here because we Love what we do.

Going to work is like coming into the worlds of many who look for you, who depend on you to provide inspiration, hope, smiles and fun. It’s getting dressed each morning and preparing for a day that is unique with its challenges and tasks, because no two days are the same.

Going to work is like going into the homes of many, and it is there that you share memories, laughter, tears and good times.

Going to work is, even when you are having a rough day, putting your own troubles aside and immersing yourself in the world of your residents.

Going to work is not hard because there is so much of you that you can give to bring cheer, to bring joy, to bring excitement into someone’s day.

Going to work is a pleasure, it is a natural routine that you look forward to each day, and you wonder how can I make this experience good for them, how can I be even more creative and how can I make a difference.

Money is not the motivator of this field of work. The motivation is to bring light into someone’s life.

The motivation is sharing your talent and gifts to give others something worthwhile to look forward to.

The motivation is giving it your all, every day, and seeing that it does matter. Every effort counts!

Activity Professionals are instrumental in helping to make sound tracks in the lives of many.

Being an Activity Professional is an honor and a joy, and a position you must experience to know the full gratification it brings.

The Activity Professional as a new day unwinds,
serves exercise for bodies and stimulation for minds.

To complete seniors days and make them whole,
we serve them joy for their spirits and food for their souls.

We fill "Golden" Days with sweet happy pleasure,
making warm sunshine rays and memories to treasure.

Sometimes in a group, sometimes one on one,
the mission is the same filling daily living with fun.

Helping our seniors make everyday a "celebration" of life,
is a pleasant diversion from aches, pains and strife.

To be able to do what we love and to serve those we love,
is an extra - special calling from Heaven above.

At the end of the evening when you bid them goodnight,
they are content with their day and looking forward with delight.

It is so uplifting to lift seniors up,
serving is so fulfilling overfilled is my cup.

Its a very special feeling that makes you so blessed,
of all the joys of giving, serving seniors is the Best!

Submitted by: Rita Stanley, Activity Director
Shepherds Care Center Assisted Living Facility

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Activities Jingle for Spring Hills Somerset
Using the traditional tune “Jingle Bells”

Activities….Activities……….
Busy ev’ry day……
Bingo-fitness-church and trips
Do take us on our way….oh…..

Activities….Activities…..
We love them all the same.
Our Spring Hills keeps us lean and fit
They’re more than just a game.

A day or two go,
Ms. Susan came to talk.
She looked at us and said real loud,
“I need you all to walk!”

Her eyes were wide with glee,
Cast right upon the crowd.
For some of us she said to “T,”
“Please get them on the bus.”

Activities….Activities……….
Busy ev’ry day……
Bingo-fitness-church and trips
Do take us on our way….oh…..

Activities….Activities…..
We love them all the same
Our Spring Hills keeps us lean and fit
They’re more than just a game.

Then Voulda got on board,
With Rads and rabbit, too.
Spring Cottage never looked so good,
“T” take us to the zoo!!

Now Hema’s right behind,
And Edna’s helping out.
Handbells, handbells, ring on loud,
So Marge is gonna shout…oh….

Activities….Activities……….
Busy ev’ry day……
Bingo-fitness-church and trips
Do take us on our way….oh…..

Activities….Activities…..
We love them all the same.
Our Spring Hills keeps us lean and fit
They’re more than just a game.

VERSE (Dashing through the snow)

A few more days gone by,
Ms. Susan’s on the run.
Asking, calling, preaching fun,
“E-Fitness EVERYONE!!!!’

Now Edna we need help,
It’s prayer for everyone.
“E-Fitness pain and suffering,
Get cheaper by the ton!”

Activities….Activities……….
Busy ev’ry day……
Bingo-fitness-church and trips
Do take us on our way….oh…..

Activities….Activities…..
We love them all the same
Our Spring Hills keeps us lean and fit
They’re more than just a game.

It’s just about the time,
To end this silly song.
It’s all about a rhyme,
Activities day long.

Get up, have fun, obsess,
Don’t know what we can do.
Just pick and choose and have some fun,
Activities for you!

Activities….Activities……….
Busy ev’ry day……
Bingo-fitness-church and trips
Do take us on our way….oh…..

Activities….Activities…..
We love them all the same.
Our Spring Hills keeps us lean and fit
They’re more than just a game.

Bingo now, picnics, too,
Exercise is neat!
Coffee, tea and cocktails are
So very hard to beat!!

Activities….Activities……….
Busier than you.
At Spring Hills Somerset you see
They’re everything we do!!!!

We learn so much from our residents by just listening to there stories, such as going through the depression, being in the war, and how things have changed through the years.

We give so much of ourselves, and don’t expect anything in return. A hug, a smile, or seeing the twinkle in their eyes is more then we could ever ask for. We are here because we Love what we do.

Musical entertainment and parties make us smile
Let’s watch a movie and relax for a while

Activities has the answer
And that is all!

Joan Dyer, ADC
Recreation Director
West Caldwell Care Center

OUR FRIENDS – YOU’RE NEVER ALONE
Written by: Janis Grant
HCC Coordinator

Hallways are eerie quiet,                                             We’ll walk with you – you’re never alone.
Lights remain dimmed                                                Attempts made to busy yourself,
This early hour of each a.m.                                        A need you have for self worth.
Now your home away from home,                             There you go away again, don’t leave please,
As you take this journey to the unknown.                  Your tasks we will attempt to help complete.
We’ll walk with you – you’re never alone.                 A different facial expression today,
Breakfast is consumed with some assist,              That’s new and neat…
Most often though our help you resist.                     We’ll walk with you – you’re never alone.
Now off to the showers and neatly dressed            When your tears are present
The day has begun please: God Bless.                  And you don’t know why,
We’ll walk with you – you’re not alone.                     We’ll cry with you, and wipe your tears dry.
Our friend you most certainly are,                              We’ll laugh with you when things are funny
But your memories are regretfully scarred.             Hugging you back, soft like a bunny.
Watching each day – like flowers drink,                   We will walk with you – you’re never alone.
Comments you make appear to have kinks.          Our friend you will always remain,
We’ll walk with you – you’re not alone.                    Until this dreaded disease is tamed,
Where you have gone, my precious friend.             May God walk with us all today, tomorrow,
Your expression is blank, almost dismissed,        Walk really tall.
We call out your name, you lean for a kiss.             We’ll walk with you – you’re never alone.
Genuine hugs you freely give back,                          Our friend, our buddy, our pal
Faces and names does your memory lack.            We’ll walk with you – you’re never alone.
We’ll walk with you – you’re not alone.                    Take hold of our hands, steady now!
Compassionate, you appear to have remained,   This journey we’re on is like shifting sand!
Or this you have sustained…                                     We’ll help you be brave.
It doesn’t matter, whatever the response                A moment of normalcy we know you
The important thing is our hearts you                      crave…
Certainly touch.

It is so much more - look and listen, you’ll see
It’s more than a calendar, it’s a life of activity

With trips to lunch and shopping and shows
Musicians and dancers and crafts made of bows

People and things to pass the time
But there’s more to this…it’s much more sublime

I’m inspired to think and be active in life
Do things that I thought I could not, without strife

The Monday musical is on my list
On Tuesday, short stories I won’t want to miss

My choice on Wednesday is certainly Black Jack
And Bingo at 7 - hope my luck runs black

On Thursday I’m having lunch with my friends
The van takes us there and then back again

Friday this week…ahhhh, Jimmy Mazz!
This guy has looks and sings with pizzazz!

Saturday, Sunday, to services we go
Like the postman, we get there heat, rain or snow

Oh the choices I have from beginning to end
With the help of the staff and the nearness of friends

A calendar that meets the needs of my mind,
my body and my spirit, one of a kind.

By Kathleen P. Foster
Director of Community Relations
Ruth’s House Assisted Living

Activities Has The Answer.

Where do I go? What do I do?
These might be residents who are feeling blue.

Activities has the answer

There is much to be done
Come & join the fun.

Movies, music men's club and more
Current events, crafts, cooking galore.

Bingo, baking, basketball,
We do it all
Join us for balloon volley ball.

Musical entertainment and parties make us smile
Let's watch a movie and relax for a while.

The excitement of outings and trips
And cashing our bingo chips.

Activities keep us healthy
Mind, body and soul

Activities has the answer
Ant that is all!

I play kick ball.
I run up and down the really long hall.
I color, I cut, I play with glue.

The best part about it
It’s tons of fun
And at the end of the day, it’s my job that I have done.

My fun has purpose; my play comes with a goal
To reach right inside and touch a soul.

I help others, I use my skill.
I bring meaning to their lives
Through my good will.

So when they say, "Your job looks like fun",
I think about all that I have done.

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As a new volunteer at Sunrise,
A cozy cottage in disguise
So many residents have a smile on their face.
This is like a resort in an exotic place

Living here
You can’t go wrong
Evening socials by the fire
And even Sing a longs

Keep your mind active
With a trivia contest
Spelling bees or rosaries
Sunrise is the best

Enjoy the fresh flowers
Or a movie you might catch
Make a gingerbread house
Or do the sit and stretch

You can join the garden club
If gardening is your thing
Or on a spring day
Sit on the patio and swing

There are fishes and birds
Honey the dog and George the cat
Hand massages and manicures,
Sunrise is where it’s at!

You are all looking at me, like I’m from outer space
Not the guy reading this, with that handsome chiseled face

Yes I am only a walker, but to many I’m a thoroughbred
And soon will come a day, you’ll grab my reigns, and park me by your bed

Don’t walk away and avoid me, I’m something that can’t be ignored
I’ll be in the backseat, or riding in the trunk, of your Chevy or Ford

Go ahead and laugh, but I’m quite famous, believe me I’m no stranger
Why even Chuck Norris used my name... “Walker...Texas Ranger”

I’ve been run into walls, used to dry laundry, I’ve even been sold for parts
Rolled through the rain, covered in stains, I’ve even been left at Wal-Mart

Some put me in the corner, and fold me up, for others I’m here to unload
I can be equipped with a fancy basket, and yes...even a commode!

To the women I’m better than a husband, I don’t smoke and never tasted beer
Yes I’m gray, but girls like me that way, and I don’t have hair in my ears

Now the men are different story, the stuff I’ve seen makes me cry
The top of their pants doesn’t even come close to the bottom of their tie

And the fellas love to hold me, I’m flexible and easy to store,
And if skinny firm legs are what they want, then look, I’ve got FOUR!

They take me out in public, the embarrassment is too hard to handle
Bermuda shorts, long black socks, and yes a pair of sandals

I spent some time in Rehab, but I never make the news
I spend my days like all the rest, staring at Velcro shoes

Now they have these fancy new walkers, they come with padded seats
Theres different colors like red or blue, made especially for the elite

And some even think that walkings’ too much, so they go and buy a scooter
The next time Bertha comes whizzing by, I think I’m gonna shoot her
(Patriotic music please !)
But I’ll never back down, you can call me Hercules
I’m made in America, and I’m not Japanese

I’ll be by your side, I’ll hold your hands
And when you lay down, well...I’ll still stand

Don’t worry one bit, I’ll be there should you fall
All I ask in return...you change my Tennis balls

Our relationship will grow; we’ll take walks around the block
We’ll ride the activity bus, and eat dinner at four o’clock

Raise our voices as one, all you ladies wearing shawls
United we stand, but without me...YOU will fall!

Eric Thompson 2007

Energy is said to be able to shift from one form or state to another
but it is never destroyed or damaged further

The Activity Professional knows this secret formula equation
and designs each program to be an energy gathering person-centered occasion

Residents are powerful beings with energy constantly shifting and changing
Activity Professionals empower each resident regardless of this energy arranging

Through illness and status changes the resident looks for ways to preserve their identity
Activities seek to find the energy of self to give back this priceless serenity

The human energy cannot be quieted and is not a part of the energy of any disease
Activity Professionals separate these energy forms with love and great expertise

This effort returns a resident to peace and harmony so that their life journey can proceed
We acknowledge this as the human energy transcends earthly energy with great speed

Therefore, the Activity Professional is an energy physicist for the human soul
finding the value in the person, and giving back their energy control

Debra Stewart

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They Say
By Beryl Brenner RT/CAT

He says "I am clean and sober"
He says that he remembers
the endless sessions on what the music meant for his recovery
He says it helped him to stay clean
He was my patient

She says "I am proud of who I am"
She says that she remembers
the endless drawings about her life
She says that it improved her self-esteem
She was my patient

He says "I feel happy"
He says that he remembers
the endless days that he felt that he wanted to kill himself
but instead we had fun so he changed his mind
He says that it is good to feel the pleasure of living
He was my patient

She says "I am not lonely"
She says that she remembers
the endless times that she had no one to talk to
She says that she can speak freely now
She was my patient

I say "you do not have to live with the pain"
I say I remember who they were and who they eventually became
the endless lessons that needed to be taught through
creative writing and art and music and sports
and games and outings and socialization and parties and
ofcourse the love
I say that I am so proud of them
They were all my patients

And Recreation Therapy brings the Joy!!!

TO ALL THE STAFF I'VE KNOWN BEFORE

To All the staff I've known in years gone by, who worked so hard and diligently.
Pouring out their hearts and souls to caress the weak and dying.
In a field that doesn't pay, but, "Isn't it better to give than to receive?" I say.
ALL were in it to improve the quality of living for all around, that their duty and dedication did abound.
Now years later I see a new breed, living life yet devoted to deed.
The gentle touch, the smile, the laughter they spread to those, for some, who have no desire to be there
in a place they must call home.
I commend to the profession a bunch of worthy and strong individuals who give more than what is expected
daily, and strive to make a difference in a sometimes complacent abode.
Where for some a smile is a large accomplishment, yet for others, laughter wafts through the hallways.
No matter what, we try and try again to bring a sense of dignity and life to many who won't see the night or the light
of the next morn.
We're sometimes saddened, not hardened by the end, as we give and give again!

ROBERT LOWDEN, ACC
DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
FRANKLIN CARE CENTER

Prep Work -- Probe as deeply as possible: (mind, body, and spirit)
            Description of a best day                  Faith preferences
            Hobbies                                               Music taste – genres - titles - artists
            Favorite Games                                  Pet type

List ingredients -- in order used
Begin by collecting all available history to insure best results:
Interview individual                           Interview family members
Friends                                               Work background
Previous caregivers                         Photo albums
Vacations taken                                Family history

Prior to combining ingredients
Preheat heart slightly warmer than average 98.6 o

Good taste is the desired results for each individual
We can create “New Beginnings, Life, and Quality”

Now, as never before, residents stand in need of wise and efficient activities professionals. The success of our center depends upon activities professionals. As a convalescent center we must discover potential activities professionals and begin training younger citizens to fill our ranks. For, activities are badly needed for all well-governed centers.
We MUST set the example!

The mantle of professional activities comes in many guises.
A professional is one who acts as a guiding force.
We inspire residents to do things that they would not do if left with themselves.

Activities professionals are optimistic: acting in an affirmative manner as believers, builders and encouragers.

Activities professionals are enthusiastic: because it is woven into our life-style with zeal, zest, and spiritual urgency to accomplish good.

Activities professionals are individualistic: we don’t follow the crowd but rather lead the crowd. We often make easy
targets because we are out in front.

Activities professionals are imaginative: we set a “creative climate” around ourselves where people and ideas grow. We encourage ideas for we know good ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Therefore, we treat ideas with tender care.

Activities professionals are people with vision: From our ideas or ideas that have been shared with us, we see dreams of what a future can be and paths that will make dreams become a reality.

Activities professionals are willing to take risks: Un-opened minds are frequently dangerous, especially for the unwise or unwary. To be in front requires us to take risks---but not without calculation. We are wise risk takers.

Activities professionals are courageous: We are in front---on the point---and that requires courage. We believe in ourselves when few others do. We sometimes fail, and when we do, we try again. We are willing to be “alone”, and that requires a special kind of courage.

Being a activities professional has to be earned. It cannot be accorded as a gift.
Without good activities professionals, residents move without direction.

As I take a minute's break to type this entry to the Activity Profession Tribute Contest, it is December 24, 2007, Christmas Eve. Today, I came into work at the Lutheran Care at Moorestown in NJ, listened to an employee who has had a difficult year tell me about yet another hard blow to her life. I fed a woman in the dementia unit her lunch, and gently sang a Christmas tune to her while the piano player softly played another Christmas melody. After lunch I did a one to one with a woman whose son died two days ago and as she cried, I cried with her, prayed with her and held her. I was about to transport residents to the Chapel for the Christmas Eve service, but was interrupted by a younger resident who wanted to tell me the good news that her mother will soon be out of the hospital. This is a day in the life of an activity director, and it is only a little after lunch.

I am no different then so many of the other activity directors or activity professionals in our chosen field. Their story reads the same as mine. Each person in the activity field has a story to tell, a book that has yet to be written. But, in reality, what the activity professional does is usually done in still, quite moments when no one knows, when no one sees and no one acknowledges. Their stories go untold. I believe being an activity professional is a mission. A calling. It can not be explained rationally. Why do we listen? Why do we care? Why do we give so much of ourselves when we may never be acknowledged for the work we do? I believe that God has put into our hearts a strong desire to serve, to love unconditionally and to do His will knowing that He knows all, sees all and is the only One whose voice that says "well done good and faithful servant" truly matters. When it is all said and done, to be an activity professional is the catalyst for a life calling of challenges, humility and service. I thank God he called me to this field. I have personally met angels. All that work in Activities work with angels in our field who sometimes simply call themselves Activity Professionals.

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Why We Love Activities
Up at day break to work we go.
We have to start an early morning show!
Activity calendars are filled for the day,
With lost of fun things and bingo to play!
Resident’s are waiting right by the door,
“Welcome back to work” now hit the floor!
Care plans need updating and don’t dare be late,
Cause’ that is when you’re guaranteed a visit from the state.
Progress notes are written one by one,
And then it’s off to have a little fun.
“B 34” we yell to the crowd,
Fill your Bingo card and yell real loud!
Parties and socials are all a blast,
While that is what our socializing is all about!
Church services are planned for those to attend,
That is where we meet our spiritual command.
Trivia is played, and questions asked.
Don’t forget to include the mental tasks.
Aerobics are offered and they all shout,
“Not today girl, let’s just get out.”
With lots of encouragement they stay to the end,
Once the physical is over we all clap our hands.
We deliver mail throughout our home,
We are mailmen without the federal benefits, ya know?
We decorate the home with season’s décor,
And it makes our residents feel oh secure!
We stop and visit to provide one to one,
Then they ask why don’t you sit down, hun?
Down for a chat that we know can’t last
Because we have to be at that meeting real fast!
Resident Council is their favorite way
To make their complaints known for the day!
I don’t like chicken for dinner, the meat’s too tough,
Why don’t they stop serving turnips…we’ve had them enough!
Fixing their problems so good food they can eat,
And asking the nurses to run at their beep!
The day is bout over and it’s time to go home,
And we realize that we are the profession that makes their home.
The residents we love and offer our hearts,
And we all cry to see one depart.
Activities are important to the nursing home,
And that is why we offer our very own.
Love, hugs, and a kiss on the cheek,
Is the best part of our Activities staff week!

Brandi Krajewski, Activity Director Certified
Winston Medical Center Nursing Home

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As the sun rises and I awaken,
thoughts of smiling faces and
happy greetings fill my head.
Caring staff who tend to every need and
the entertainment of the day.
Activity personnel brighten each day with greetings of cheer.
Morning excercise, sing alongs, and bingo flood the day.
Special events follow the seasons as laughter fills the air.
Comforting thoughts and words when days are bad.
May blessings greet them and fill their lives with joy forever.

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Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was a chubby happy little girl, surrounded by her family. She had a regular plain old brother, and a regular plain old sister, and one very special sister. From this special sister, the chubby happy little girl learned how to be patient and understanding and protective. The chubby happy girl had a very old crippled great grandmother, she called Memere. Memere spent a lot of time in bed, and the chubby happy little girl would visit her a lot and listen to her stories and words in french. From her Memere, the little girl learned to care and listen. The chubby happy little girl would go and visit her grandmother who lived upstairs. She called her Grammy.

Grammy had a heart condition, and had to rest a lot. But, she would let her chubby happy granddaughter sleep over and pick out a tv dinner for supper, and let her wear her calico pajamas, and let her lie in bed next to her and watch Lawrence Welk. From her Grammy, the little girl learned how wonderful it feels to be with someone that loves you.

She learned that it is the little things in life that are so important and long remembered. One day, the little girl was walking to the library, and a very old wrinkly faced woman who smiled all the time, asked the little girl to help her fix her boot buckles. The little girl put her book bag down into the snow and fastened the wrinkly faced woman's boots. How that old woman could smile. That was the first time that this chubby happy little girl had helped an older person she didn't know too well, and it made her smile and she felt very good inside. That was one of those little things that became so important to the girl. Another time, the chubby happy little girl went to visit a nursing home with the girl scouts. Now, her Memere had gotten so old and crippled that she had to live at this nursing home. The little girl was happy that she could go to visit the nursing home with her friends, because she wanted to show them her grand old french Memere. The girl scouts were bringing popcorn to all the residents at this nursing home. When they walked inside, the chubby happy little girl saw a lot of old people, sitting in chairs and tied to them with rope. This was a very scary sight for the little girl, who was not very happy at that moment. She looked for her Memere and found her lying in a bed. Fortunately, Memere was not tied to the bed, but she had her eyes closed and looked very sad and tired. This was another little thing long remembered in the girl's heart.

The girl kept all these things in her heart, but down in the bottom, where she didn't really think about them all the time. The girl got older, and while she was growing she thought about what she wanted to be when she grew up, like all kids do. She thought a long time about being a nun, because she wanted to help people. She thought about being a teacher, because she wanted to help people learn.

She thought about being an artist, so that she could paint beautiful pictures and make sculptures for people to enjoy. She even considered being a nurse, because somewhere deep inside, she wanted to help people. When the little girl grew up to be a sort of chubby sort of happy woman, she did many things. She married. She had children, two daughters with whom she shared stories about her mother, grandmother and memere.

She had some crazy jobs - one in a factory, one in a hardware store, even teaching. But. deep down insideshe still felt that she had to help somehow. One day, when this now, chubby middle aged woman was reading the newspaper, she saw a want ad, asking if the interested person loved people, had a little talent a good sense of humor and patience. The woman thought, "I have all of these gifts. I should be sharing" And so, she called an answered the ad, and soon became an Activity Assistant. She got to share her love of listening, caring, sharing, art, patience, understanding with a lot of older people. A lot of them did not smile right away, but with encouragement and love, they eventually smiled a lot. Now, she is an Activities Director and she shows others how to share and care, and reminds them that the little things long remembered are so important.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Kathleen "Mimi" Taylor, Activities Director

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Between You and Me
By: Melanie Frederick

Wake up, wake up you sleepy head
It's time to get out of your nice warm bed.
Glasses on, teeth in your mouth, aids in your ear
Now you can see eat and hear.
Aren't you looking forward to what the day will be bringing?
Maybe Church, bingo, a social and even some singing.
A dining room full of noise and confusion
A plate full of food, feels like an intrusion.
What I would prefer are the comforts of home,
but please stay with me I don't want to be alone.
Sure would be nice to sleep a little longer
Wake up on my own and feel a little stronger.
My glasses, they can stay,
I can't see anyway.
My teeth I don't need,
My food is pureed.
My hearing aids can stay in the container as well,
With or without them you still have to yell.
I'm not looking forward to this day like you may think.
Bingo, Church,socials and singing all stink.
The dining room is busy and loud,
And I hate eating with a great big crowd.
So give me a nice comfortable seat,
Where I can turn up the heat.
We could do a puzzle, watch t.v., or talk,
After that how about a nice long walk.
Please don't hurry, I don't move very well, Here's a chair let's sit a spell.
My life is almost over now, but I am not defeated.
Think about when you get old and how you would like to be treated.

A- Always there with a smile
C- caring and compassionate
T- Talented and tenacious
I- Intelligent
V- Vivacious
I- Incredible
T- Tons of Fun
I- Inspiring
E- Exciting
S- Special people

Activity Professionals
By Diane Puchtel
Benedictine Health Center At Innsbruck

Activity professionals are always busy
So much so it makes them dizzy
They do their job with a smile on their face
And show up at parties with style and grace.

Sometimes they wish there job paid more money
Then a cute little old woman says “thanks again honey”.
Or the nice old fellow that likes Lorna Doons says “you are the best” for playing those tunes.

So Activity professionals celebrate your success
Don’t worry if all your goals haven’t been met.
There is always tomorrow, you can get it done then.
After you clean off your desk and find a paper and pen.