Posted by Dana (63.185.32.250) on September 18, 2004 at 00:36:05:
In Reply to: Need Help! posted by Beth on September 13, 2004 at 17:37:30:
In my experience, residents are more interested in the person leading the activity than the activity itself a lot of times. They really just want the companionship and something to do is a bonus. Activities are hard, they are old and sick and need tons of motivation, encouragements, and reminders to attend activities. Food brings people out. Have coffee hours and social hours with drinks and chips and such to get started. My people love to be entertained, and not have to do much more then sit back relax and enjoy some kind of stimulation. Trivia is very popular with my people. I serve drinks and snacks and then do trivia on history, old music, movies, and fashion, and so on. As time goes on and they get to know each other and the staff they may be more apt to participate. But you'll always find that they are a population in need of nudging when it comes to getting out and living.
Good luck!