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Consider what activities are the most meaningful for participants and schedule them first. For example, make sure there is time for physical movement, getting outdoors when weather-appropriate, etc. Schedule activities according to the natural energy cycles of participants. Think about when participants are the most physically and cognitively alert. When do people usually feel sleepy […]

Are you looking for fun and safe activities to do with your elderly loved ones? Crafts are an excellent way for seniors to reduce stress in their lives. Doing crafts has been known to produce serotonin and boost self-esteem. Visualizing, working on, and then creating an item can help seniors feel better about themselves. Crafting […]

By Kim Grandal, ACC/EDU, ACM www.recreativeresources.com   Meditation is such an important aspect to our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Many people think that it’s just a metaphysical woo-woo type of activity. Some people automatically think of spiritualists sitting in the lotus position (criss-cross apple-sauce) while chanting ohm. I assure you, I have never […]

At some point during the overall healthcare experience, most residents are likely to feel vulnerable, fearful, or anxious.  Team members who engage their resident-interactions with kindness, compassion and person-centered individualized care have an innate ability to calm many of these above-mentioned feelings while also strengthening relationships and improving resident moods, behaviors, and even certain health outcomes.  In turn, these positive encounters […]

Theater direction, just like the improv rules that can guide meaningful connection with others, are a wonderful short-handed way in which to remind yourself of what is important in the moment. Just as an actor on stage must summon and channel the character they are about to embody, stage suggestions that enhance that character’s believability […]

By Paul P. Falkowski Ph.D. For National Association of Activities Professionals March 10, 2021   As this is my first blog for NAAP, I thought I better explain who I am and why I’m adamant about volunteers for long-term care communities. I’ll give you the punchline first – they transform the lives of the people […]