Preparing You For Christmas.... Your AC Checklist !

Preparing You For Christmas.... Your AC Checklist !

Hello Everyone,  It's just 8 weeks left to Christmas and the count down has begun.
It is one of the busiest times of the year for AC's and if your new at your role it can be very overwhelming. Don't panic. Help is at hand and if you are struggling for ideas this blog will help you and if you need further help come into my facebook group where I share loads of ideas, provide free resources and gives lots of encouragement.

So to help you here is my Christmas checklist for you-

.   


Check List..................

  First of all, sit down with a paper and pen and plan what sort of activities you will be doing this year.
When you write it down you have plan to follow. When you know what you are doing then you can prepare.

1. Panto - Have you booked your Christmas entertainment? If not NOW really is the time to do this. They get pretty booked up fast and the earlier the better. Plan when you are going to have your Christmas main resident's party or theme and BOOK and PLAN exactly what your going to be doing.if you have no budget for one and want to do your own. Then if you are one of my group members  you can access a written one complete with parts and dialogue. You could get staff and residents involved to do one.
2. Carol Service- You can approach local schools or church choirs to come in and lead you in a carol service concert and this can be done anytime in the run up to Christmas, as the month of December is Christmas themed, plan your activity sessions out and the main highlights in the momentum leading up to your main Christmas event.

3. Activity Count Down Suggestions- What I have planned with my groups I work with on a weekly basis is to do planned activity sessions leading up to Christmas as follows, this is just an example -

           Week 1- Salt dough Christmas tree decorations.

           Week 2- Christmas paper angels and Christmas cards.

            Week 3. Putting up the Christmas tree and home decorations.

          Week 4. Do a ginger bread house.

          Week 5. Carol Service for residents and relatives.

          Week 6. Christmas Service for residents.

         Week 7. Panto and Christmas party.

4. Include Everyone- Remember to factor in everyone in all the festivities especially assign time for those who choose to remain in their rooms through choice or cannot get out due to mobility issues.

5. Learn to Delegate- You are not superman or super woman. So what you can delegate out to others to help you with, do it. I know it can be hard for AC's to do this but you might find that your colleagues will want to help. Don't burn yourself out.

6. Making use of relatives- Ask the resident's relatives to get involved to assist you on large projects, you would be surprised that they actually want to help. So ask. Always great to have extra hands to help.

7. Gifts- Buy practical gifts for your resident's, what you know they will use and appreciate, set a realistic budget amount. Again ask for help if lots of gifts and order online well in advance of Christmas rush.

Finally remember YOU. Yes, you. Your important and you have to pace yourself and do your own personal Christmas shopping and planning. So make sure you    

make time for yourself and do not put unnecessary pressure and expectations on yourself. Enjoy your time with your family, leave work at work and give yourself permission to switch off and relax.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? 

 Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

How To Handle A Bad Day At Work

We all experience  bad days at work, they happen from time to time . You can be going through the day and something happens, boom it hits you right in the middle of your eyes and your totally off guard. Your self esteem plummets, you feel alone. You need to take five minutes and breathe.









What Can Cause A Bad Day

1. Difficult residents.
2. Unsupportive people around you.
3. Snotty comments.
 4. Inconsiderate relatives.
5. Entertainment letting you down.
 6. Drama

Firstly, do take time out for yourself, remove yourself from the situation if possible. You have to be determined to let it go, leave it behind you. Don't drag the feelings of negativity into the next day, week or month with you. And if your having to facilitate an activity session don't bring your feelings into the session as it will be difficult for you.

 This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, sums it up well
 Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in,forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

I could not have put it better myself, decide to move on.

Putting It Into Context

 Think about it, will it really matter? What has been said or done in a week's time? A month's time? Probably not. I recently found out that a company that bought my products from me, actually stole my idea and made their own version of my product. What did I do you may ask. I did nothing, yes nothing. I felt cheesed off about it but I decided not to waste my time, energy or money on it. What goes round comes round. I know when you experience things it can knock you for six, but you have to put it into perspective and especially when you work in the care industry, you HAVE to train yourself not to take things personally. Be strong.

AC Tastic Plan of Action For You

 1.Be strong and silent in public.
 2.No ranting.
 3.Get on with your life and job.
 4.Do not post on social media- You could get yourself sacked or have legal action taken against you. I know of people who have lost their jobs venting on social media, so don't do it.
 5.Let it go

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? 

 Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.

Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

My Pre- Christmas Tips For You !

 Hi Everyone, This year is just zooming by and it is about 18  weeks and 2 days  left to Christmas and the count down has begun.


It is one of the busiest times of the year for AC's and if your new at your role it can be very overwhelming. Don't panic. Help is at hand and if you are struggling for ideas this blog will help you and if you need further help come into my Facebook group where I share loads of ideas, provide free resources and gives lots of encouragement.
Don't be overwhelmed, don't compare  yourselves with others as every home has it's own way of doing things. Just work with what resources you have available. 

So to help you here is my Christmas checklist for you-

.   

Check List..................

  First of all, sit down with a paper and pen and plan what sort of activities you will be doing this year.
When you write it down you have plan to follow. When you know what you are doing then you can prepare.

1. Panto - Have you booked your Christmas entertainment? If not NOW really is the time to do this. They get pretty booked up fast and the earlier the better. Plan when you are going to have your Christmas main resident's party or theme and BOOK and PLAN exactly what your going to be doing. If you have no budget for one and want to do your own. Then if you are one of my group members  you can access a written one complete with parts and dialogue. You could get staff and residents involved to do one.

2 Carol Service- You can approach local schools or church choirs to come in and lead you in a carol service concert and this can be done anytime in the run up to Christmas, as the month of December is Christmas themed, plan your activity sessions out and the main highlights in the momentum leading up to your main Christmas event.

3. Activity Count Down Suggestions- What I have planned with my groups I work with on a weekly basis is to do planned activity sessions leading up to Christmas as follows, this is just an example -

           Week 1- Salt dough Christmas tree decorations.

           Week 2- Christmas paper angels and Christmas cards.

            Week 3. Putting up the Christmas tree and home decorations.

          Week 4. Do a ginger bread house.

          Week 5. Carol Service for residents and relatives.

          Week 6. Christmas Service for residents.

         Week 7. Panto and Christmas party.

4. Include Everyone- Remember to factor in everyone in all the festivities especially assign time for those who choose to remain in their rooms through choice or cannot get out due to mobility issues.

5. Learn to Delegate- You are not superman or super woman. So what you can delegate out to others to help you with, do it. I know it can be hard for AC's to do this but you might find that your colleagues will want to help. Don't burn yourself out.

6. Making use of relatives- Ask the resident's relatives to get involved to assist you on large projects, you would be surprised that they actually want to help. So ask. Always great to have extra hands to help.

7. Gifts- Buy practical gifts for your resident's, what you know they will use and appreciate, set a realistic budget amount. Again ask for help if lots of gifts and order online well in advance of Christmas rush.

Finally remember YOU. Yes, you. Your important and you have to pace yourself and do your own personal Christmas shopping and planning. So make sure you    

make time for yourself and do not put unnecessary pressure and expectations on yourself. Enjoy your time with your family, leave work at work and give yourself permission to switch off and relax.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? 

Don't Be Alone!

Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

How to deal with Loneliness in the Role of an Activity Coordinator

 One of the things that come up time and time again is the feeling of loneliness and overwhelm in the role as an AC.

Ironically in our role as an AC we provide and create  activities and arrange entertainment for our residents to stop them from feeling lonely and out of sorts but for some AC's they are not supported by their colleagues and feel lonely, with no one understanding the depth of the job role they have to do or actually really get it at all.

This is something that a lot of AC's struggle with and it's unacceptable, you should not feel like your out on a limb or isolated, you should be supported and encouraged in your role.

Here are some practical tips to help you over come this issue-

1. No man is an island- Connect with other AC's via the internet. There are very good FB groups come connect with me! I would welcome you with open arms -www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

2.Communicate- Talk to your manager in your supervisions or just have a private word, be honest and say how you feel and what you can do to ensure your included. After all your all meant to work as a team.

3.Check your hangouts- Make sure you surround yourself with people who get you, celebrate you and people you can learn from.

4.Don't be shy - network . Go to events like care shows, training events and meet new people who you have something in common with and can create lasting friendships with.

5.Be brave- take a look and see if you are just too shy yourself and maybe that could be the cause of you being excluded. I know it's a bit deep but if there is stuff there to deal with  then you need to deal with it. ( My workbook The Ultimate AC Guide deals with all of this stuff) .

Remember you do not have to be on your own. I am dedicated to providing support for AC's worldwide through my products,courses and online interaction.

If you know anyone this may benefit please pass it on, it is a real issue faced by lots of people, you would be surprised.

Don't Be Alone!

Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

St Patrick Day Ideas

Hi Everyone,
This is such a great time of the year as we have so many themes to arrange and create activities for our residents.. In March we have St Patrick's Day,Spring , Poetry Day, Mothering Sunday (UK).
Then April we have my favourite time of the year Easter!

So in this blog I am going to give you some ideas for St Patrick's Day.

 St Patrick's Day 17/03/19

Here are some fun and engaging activities for your resident  to try on St. Patrick's Day.

• 
  

  1. Bake Green Treats 
  

  Instead of traditional cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, get creative in the kitchen and bake green treats with your loved one. All you need is green food colouring and the traditional ingredients for his or her favourite sweet treats. Top the cakes and cookies with clovers made from green icing, or purchase St. Patrick’s Day toppers that make the treats more festive. Cooking allows your residents to use his or her thinking skills while increasing his or her dexterity. 
  2. Host a Game Night 
  Hosting a game night is the perfect activity to stimulate your residents brain while preventing boredom and isolation. Choose from a variety of board games, as well as puzzles with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Instead of traditional bingo cards, print off green bingo cards that coincide with the holiday. You can also personalize word game sheets for guests to play. Hosting a holiday-themed game night allows seniors to increase their social skills while celebrating the special occasion. 
  

  3. Create Holiday-Themed Crafts 
  

  Residents  can paint rainbows, make clovers out of green construction paper, and create leprechauns with crafting tools. Spending time completing St. Patrick’s Day crafts with friends and family, especially the grandchildren, could enhance your residents cognitive abilities. Working on crafts requires the use of memory and thinking skills, which could lead to better brain function and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 
  

  4. Arrange a Leprechaun Hunt 
  

  It is important for adults to remain physically active in their golden years, and this type of activity offers the perfect opportunity to get up and get moving. Place leprechaun cutouts of all sizes around the home or backyard, and leave clues for your residents  to use while searching for the leprechauns. The hunt should lead to a pot of gold, which can include sweets and various prizes. Your residents  will need to be physically and mentally active when playing this game. 
  Get the carers involved to help your residents  participate in St. Patrick’s Day activities .
  
  
• Arts and Craft Session
• Get your residents involved in making up a rainbow  and clover leaf display you can put up. Group involvement is great for social and mental well being.  If you run inter generational projects then get the children involved in this too.

Don't forget to research a bit about St Patrick and share the history of this amazing man who influenced Irish culture so heavily.

Bunting

Very easy Gold, White and Green  colours to create bunting you paint or colour to hang up.

I hope you found this useful. 

I have the privilege of working with AC's about to launch there business and I have seen so many be very successful at it. Many have done my course I have put together which shows you  every step of the way exactly what to do and you have continued support. You can find out it on this link.http://lovejoycentre.co.uk/freelance-activity-coordinator-course/.

I provide a range of excellent courses to assist the freelancer and any AC in their job role, check out my website www.lovejoycentre.co.uk . I hope you have found this blog interesting.

Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared? 

Don't Be Alone!

Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up  to go on my mailing list and get my FREE  ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly" 

Please click below:
http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x

 

What To Do When Your Having A Bad Day At Work

What To Do When Your Having A Bad Day At Work


 Bad days at work do happen from time to time . You can be going through the day and something happens, boom it hits you right in the middle of your eyes and your totally off guard. 
Your self esteem plummets, you feel alone. You need to take five minutes and breathe. 



What Can Cause A Bad Day 
1. Difficult residents. 
2. Unsupportive people around you.
3. Snotty comments.
4. Inconsiderate relatives. 
5. Entertainment letting you down.
6. Drama 







Firstly, do take time out for yourself, remove yourself from the situation if possible. You have to be determined to let it go, leave it behind you. Don't drag the feelings of negativity into the next day, week or month with you. 

And if your having to facilitate an activity session don't bring your feelings into the session as it will be difficult for you. 

This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, sums it up well- Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in,forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

 I could not have put it better myself, decide to move on. Putting It Into Context Think about it, will it really matter? What has been said or done in a week's time? A months time? Probably not.

 I recently found out that a company that bought my products from me, actually stole my idea and made their own version of my product. What did I do you may ask. I did nothing, yes nothing. I felt cheesed off about it but I decided not to waste my time, energy or money on it. What goes round comes round. I know when you experience things it can knock you for six, but you have to put it into perspective and especially when you work in the care industry, you HAVE to train yourself not to take things personally. Be strong. 


Plan of Action For You 
1.Be strong and silent in public. 
2.No ranting. 
3.Get on with your life and job. 
4.Do not post on social media- You could get yourself sacked or have legal action taken against you. I know of people who have lost their jobs venting on social media, so don't do it. 
5.Let it go 


 Online FB Group Support

I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways  and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.

You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-

 To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

Until next time,

Keep Shining,

Ann Marie Lovejoy Bruce Kerr x