Looking on the Bright Side – Kim Burleson, NAAP Secretary

AUTUMN ACTIVITY PACK

CMS Tag 741 includes a long list of examples of individualized, non-pharmacological approaches to help meet behavioral health needs. We will be reviewing all of them. Food preferences, exercise, pain relief, individualizing sleep, dining, bathroom routines, preferred lighting, comfortable sound levels and assigning staff to optimize familiarity and consistency have been discussed in previous articles […]

Being a life enrichment or activity professional is more than planning calendars, leading programs, or creating meaningful moments. It is a profession built on relationships, creativity, leadership, advocacy, and the belief that every person deserves opportunities for purpose, connection, and quality of life. Yet, professionals who dedicate themselves to enriching the lives of others also […]

It might only be September, but if you work in activities or life enrichment, the holiday season is a lot closer than it feels. December has a way of arriving very quickly.  Suddenly you’re trying to find an entertainer who still has availability, organize resident gifts, schedule a holiday outing, recruit volunteers, decorate the entire […]

Once upon a time, there was a famous chef who created a “crab-flavoured ice cream to accompany his popular crab risotto main dish.”  Unsurprisingly, the ice cream was not as popular as the main dish.  Apparently the ice cream actually tasted okay, but people had opinions about what a pink-colored ice cream should taste like.  […]

One of the first questions many activities professionals ask is, “How am I supposed to create meaningful programs with little or no budget?” Whether you work in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, limited resources are a common reality. Tight budgets, staffing shortages, and growing expectations can make it feel as though […]