Publicising your Activities Programme

Content  Review of programme design techniques  Tips for publicising your programme

Activity Plan - definition  An activities plan can be defined as an ongoing plan for providing meaningful activities, which is determined in relation to the individual needs and interests of those involved. Programmes are designed to provide a variety of opportunities for individuals to participate in activities, with the goal being to promote their physical, mental, and social well-being. (Ryan, 2005)

When we get it right…  Outcomes for residents include:  Increased physical abilities  maintaining cognitive functions  decreased rates of depression  decreased rates of falls  increased levels of independence  feelings of validation  feelings of family/community  stimulated and challenged  sense of mastery

Resident Demographics  Detail the main groups of residents in your facility and any key group needs  See hand out to guide this learning activity. See hand out

Selection / Generation of Activities  Theme:  Standard activities that consistently appear in the programme

Theme related activities  Each month with a theme should have 8 theme related activities in the programme to create variety in the programme

Other activity types to consider  Physical activities: physical exercise groups, sports, games (lawn bowls, shuffleboard, badminton and daily walks)  Social access activities: parties, picnics, meals at community restaurants, tea time. Goal – to provide an opportunity for residents to interact socially. Family members should also be invited to some of these events.  Creative activities: Crafts, calligraphy, creative writing, and oil and water colour painting are examples of creative activities. These activities provide an outlet for creative expression, though presented in a group format residents do not have to socialise if they don’t want to.

Other activities types to consider  Educational activities. Opportunities for lifelong learning are virtually endless. Photography clubs, music appreciation groups and book review and discussion groups are examples. Individual activities such as learning to speak a foreign language or to operate a computer should also be included.  Leisure activities: Everyone needs time to read a good book, write letters or listen to the radio, or view a favourite television programmes. Quiet strolls in the park or just sitting on the patio observing and enjoying nature can be meaningful refreshing pastimes.  Spiritual activities: Needs can be met in a variety of ways such as participation in bible study groups, a choir, or regularly scheduled religious services in the facility as well as the community.

Other activities types to consider  Productive (work substitute) activities: Many residents have a need to be engaged in a productive activity. Work on community service projects such as envelope stuffing for community charity projects, Writing and producing the newsletter for the facility. Activities such as these allow the residents to continue making a meaningful contribution to their community.  Democratic community activities: Important for residents who are able to - have roles in determining the future of their community. Activities include organizing forums for discussion and resolution of issues of mutual interest.

Other activities planning considerations  Some individuals will prefer to not join in group activities, so provision needs to be made for individual activity participation.  Activities needs can not be met by a programme that only schedules events Monday through Friday during usual working hours. Flexibility is necessary and every effort should be made to provide some activities in the evenings and on weekends.  The activities plan should be evaluated to ensure that at least some of the activities are scheduled for a time where family members can be present, and efforts should be made to encourage them to do so.

PR for your programme  Large weekly posters should be made and posted in prominent locations throughout the building. Individual posters should also be made to advertise special events, such as a concert or a bazaar. If a public address system is available use it to make daily announcements of forthcoming events.  Flyers can be mailed to family members when events are scheduled in which they may be interested / participate in. Motivating residents to attend your programmes: The activities room (if you have one) should be set up to provide room for residents to just observe what is happening (particularly new residents). Touches like a personal visit from activities staff promoting items of interest on the timetable, or a personal handwritten note/inviting resident to attend an activity may provide the motivation needed to get a resident out of their room

Monthly newsletters???  Pro’s  Con’s

Programme Management Continuing training:  Continuing education is very important in the ever-changing landscape of aged care. In-services, formal papers (like ACE), reading literature etc. are very important to keep up to date and continue to generate programmes that are effective and innovative. Financial planning:  Working within a budget is essential skill for the OTA. OT will sign off the use of funds but activities need to be suggested that fit within the financial constraints of the project.  Non-expendable equipment – this is equipment such as desks or shelves that are not “used-up” and are expected to last approx years. Before requesting new equipment it is wise to check with other departments such as house keeping to see if the needed items are in storage or available from another area of the facility.

Effectiveness / Outcome measures  Resident’s Meetings  How to get feedback from low functioning residents?  Customer Satisfaction surveys

Bibliography: College of Occupational Therapists. (2007). Activity Provision: Benchmarking good practice in care homes. College of Occupational Therapists: London. O’Sullivan, G. & Hocking, C. Positive ageing in residential care. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy. 53(1), Ryan, S.E. (2005) Ryan's Occupational therapy assistant: principles, practice issues and techniques. SLACK: Thorofare.