What to do you feel like giving up your AC role................

There is nothing worse than having to deal with issues of conflict in the workplace.

As an AC you are already doing your juggling act , being all things to everyone.   

It maybe that as an activity coordinator you encounter lack of support when arranging an activity from care staff. Someone saying a snarky comment.

A relative that just feels they have to say something demeaning. Or expressing an opinion that you don't do anything at all!

Or people don't understand the full nature of your role as an activity coordinator, they think it is basically playing bingo or doing some colouring with the residents! Or if you were previously in another role for example, a carer or domestic before becoming an activity coordinator people still see you in that role.

Those are common conflicts that AC's have to deal with or being pulled off your Activity Coordinator duties and asked to cover care duties because they're short of staff. It's enough to make you want to explode at times.

Here are my tips on what  you do-

If the person needs addressing then do it probably through your correct work channels and speak to your manager about it.

Do take time out and don't react in anger.

Do set the person straight if necessary with facts.

Make sure you create clear boundary lines in your AC role if you were a former carer or other role in the home before being an AC. If necessary speak to your manager about it.

Do ignore those who seek to create negative energy and celebrate what you have done, as it takes guts and hard work to do what you have done for your residents.

Surround yourself with other like minded AC's.

AC Action Plan

You can cope.

Things will get better.

It's more about them then you.

Until next time keep shining and don't be alone, come connect with me and be part of my online community with other fellow AC's from all around the world.

www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup  we offer support, activity ideas and friendship.

Until next time keep shining brightly.

Love,

Ann Marie x

Be Bold and Strong.

At last There is Help For Activity Coordinators Everywhere !!!!

Hello,
Hope you have all now fully recovered from Christmas and ready to get on the very merry go-round of activity organising and facilitating.
I all too often hear the same typical stories from AC's worldwide wishing they could access information to help assist them in their job role and life in general. Well the great news is that I have created  an online academy just for you blessed souls.
It is not just another online place full of activity ideas , I deal with the real life things you face everyday and show you how to deal with them and nurture yourself as well. It's a wonderful tool to have access to.
I cover all you need to know to deal with issues that come up in your role, we go in depth looking at the AC role, We deal with self esteem personally and also look at how you can build your residents self esteem, person centeredness, different activities etc .
Lots of tool's and useful content. I am offering enrollment at £99 for a one off payment with lifetime access or you can pay over 2 months or 3 months.  You can  sign up NOW at www.actasticacademy.co.uk
Alternatively, If you wish to try before you buy you can have a one month pass for just £10.
If this is something of interest to you then you need to email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com and I will  send you the secret link upon receipt of payment.

The academy is a great tool with lots of offers and support for the AC. I would also like to let you know about AC Awards I do each year. Get your family, friends and  work collegaues to nominate you NOW at www.lovejoycentre.co.uk/2015-awards. Here is a picture of our winners from last year. Worth a vote, winning AC's this year will walking away with some wonderful gifts as two companies are now sponsoring the awards.

I know this blog is about the academy and the awards but these are gifts I have created  for you dear AC and I want people to utilise it more.

Don't be alone come connect with me on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

We have a lot of discussions, exclusive offers, lots of activity ideas and downloadables for you all free and showcase our products which are great tools to AC's worldwide and used in hundreds of homes throughout the UK.We also celebrate each others achievements and those of our wonderful residents..

Until next time,keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie xx

Using Technology With the Elderly And As An Activity Support.

We live in the 21st century and there has never been a greater time when we can use technology to enhance the quality of life for our residents and help them keep in touch with their loved ones.
I am always challenging you to think outside the box and  using technology certainly is thinking outside the box.
I invested in two tablets to use with my groups and individuals I work with. My oldest private client is 101 year old lady, who once I showed her how to use touch screen was well away.
We use the tablet to play games, look at youtube, pictures and also use apps to make dream boards, scrap books etc.

Introduce your residents to the world of the internet, work with those who want to give it ago.

Here are some favourite apps for use with people with dementia

Talking Tom 2

You can talk to Tom and he repeats what you say in his own hilarious voice. You can also  stroke him, poke him, challenge him and earn gold coins in a mini-game. You can dress him in new outfits and play silly mini games. Great for a bit of fun, interaction and contact with a talking virtual pet. Talking Ginger is another similar alternative.

My Reef 3D

This app is great for residents who can interact with the fish, or just sit back and enjoy life on a beautiful reef. Featuring 14 types of vibrant tropical fish, MyReef 3D lite includes species-specific movement and interaction. You can individually select the inhabitants of your aquarium, and even annoy them by tapping on the “glass”. You can also knock on the front “glass” to annoy your fish

Care home residents have loved the realistic appearance of this app and because it’s very gentle and easy to use, it’s ideal for individuals with advanced dementia

Let’s Create! Pottery

With this app, you can touch the screen to make pottery but throwing clay on a virtual wheel. You can smooth the sides of the pots by dragging your finger across the screen and create a collection of pots of different shapes and sizes. This app creates a relaxing, therapeutic experience for individuals with dementia, particularly those who have creative interests

YouTube

YouTube is an enormous collection of short videos which can be easily searched for and played. Everything from film clips to old news reels to pieces of music can be found on YouTube and this allows participants to request what they would like to see. In all of our sessions using YouTube in reminiscence sessions, only once have we not been able to fulfil a participant’s request. Because many people living in care homes have no concept of how easy it is to once again see their favourite films or hear their favourite music, every time we use this app in an activity session it yields great results

FlowerGarden

One of the best things about iPad apps is that they can play a part in bringing back activities which participants have missed from years gone by. FlowerGarden allows you to pick virtual seeds, plant them, water them and watch them grow. This is especially significant for participants who used to enjoy growing plants and are missing their former gardens. iPads are able to provide activities which replicate things which mean a great deal to older people.

Those of your residents who are able can access free internet classes for the elderly that are hosted by Age UK. In fact speak to them direct and see if they offer free training within the care home setting.

Also www.breezie.com offer bespoke tablet set up for use by elderly persons , personalied for them. A very simple touch screen programme.

Also using a projector and a laptop to show Youtube clips can be a really helpful tool to use in reminiscence sessions.

You can use video technology to make a short video with your residents for the homes website, facebook page and for sending to family .

The world of technology really is your oyster. Hope you found this useful and you will begin to implement some of these ideas.

By the way some of these apps can be downloaded onto mobile phones as well. 

Until next time. Keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x

2016 Time to Plan, Create and Activate.......

So here we are again at the start of a brand New Year. We all fall into the trap of wanting to make change happen, we set our intention and then we don't follow through or people sabotage our good intentions by either poking holes in them, dream stealing them or we give up before we start.

So here is my advice for you, this year I want you to make sure you factor you in the world of the AC bubble.
Make sure as you plan for the year that you have included enough time for you to plan, create and activate your activity sessions well.




Plan
Plan what you want to change, look objectively to see what you can do differently. See if there are other things you can now try with your residents that was on the back burner before, don't be so  dismissive at least try stuff.
Take into account all the traditional themes and customs that the generation of people you work with would of celebrated when they were younger. Remember when you are planning don't be blindsided by what you want but it's what your residents want.
I have created some useful tools for AC's I have a year wall planner available which lists all the main events of the year and international dates, so that's a great tool for you to use. Email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com for more information which I will send to you, they will be available in the first week of January 2016.
Think about what you want to achieve  for your residents as a group for example, you should want to increase their self esteem, promote their independence, etc. So when you plan don't just think it's about booking this and that look at the whole picture from a person centered viewpoint

Create AC's are naturally creative and very resourceful beings, it's a case of having to be at times. When you create your activity schedule include your residents, get their input, discuss ideas with them, include them in planning sessions . You would be so surprised at what they can contribute. By doing this as good practice exercise you will also be fulfilling a lot of what CQC look for when they inspect homes. So make sure you document these meeting and planning sessions.

It ticks so many boxes on so many levels for you and your residents. Once again try something, if it is not theasible be creative and make it feasible. Here is a lovely story I heard of what one home's AC did for her resident. Joan was going to turn 100 years old and her birthday wish was she wanted to have a ride in a hot air balloon and travel over her beloved Cardiff.

So This AC created a basket similar to a hot air balloon one, that she put around Joan's wheel chair then she created a huge balloon from the wall and on  Joan's birthday she put her into the balloon creation and at the same time from a projector showed Cardiff  as if you were looking at it from a hot air balloon's view. There was not a dry eye in the house and Joan was delighted and felt fulfilled.

It is just thinking outside the box. Give it a try.

Now you have planned, created it is time to activate. Get your well planned ideas into fruition.

I know a lot of AC's have to raise funds for their residents so think of ways that you can do that different. Have you ever just asked the owners to give a budget? 

They should really. If not get ideas on internet for low budget activities and approach charities , dance schools, local secondary schools who can come in for free to provide entertainment for your residents. Ask companies to donate to you and your care home. I have at Lovejoy Centre on numerous occasions given away activity products to homes so at least their AC's have something.

Put your hard work together  and see your planned sessions flourish, always have a contingency plan incase something happens.

If you have a plan you will always succeed. 

I wish you a very pleasant New Year as we go full steam ahead into 2016 and am always here to support you. I have created an online academy for AC's worldwide called AC Tastic Academy which will be launched in January 2016. I will post more information in the next few weeks so you can sign up.

Until next time.

Keep shining brightly and by the way thank you for being you and doing such a brilliant job.

Love,

Ann Marie x

Planning Your Activity Schedule for 2016

 As an AC you're probably mid flow the flurry of Christmas festivities and activities.  How has it been for you? Has it been easy or hard? What would you do different? Lots of questions for you.
Are just happy to have survived and got through it all?

Well you do have a secret weapon to success and that is called Planning Ahead.

You will always hear me say that if you have an action plan you will always succeed.

Tips For The Year Ahead For Success

1.  Grab one of my year wall year planner's I have created for 2016, I have saved you the hassle and listed all the main theme dates internationally  so you plan what ones you wish to use with your resident's. Email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com for more details if interested.

2. Don't be alone. Come connect with me on FB or other like minded AC's worldwide who offer support, encouragement and advice-www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup.

3.Up your game, I have set up the AC Tastic Academy which goes live in January  which is your one stop shop for AC's to find all they need for personal development and support in their job role.

4. Change tact consider trying new activities, don't just dismiss an idea before you try it with your residents it might just work and be the one thing that connects with someone.

5.Before planning your year's schedule of activities make sure you have up to take records of each resident's capabilities and this is taken into account.

6.Please think about you for a few minutes as you plan ahead next year as well. Where do you think you need to change things in order to make your life easier? Do you need to have admin time given to you for your paper work? Consider these things and when planning make sure you schedule enough
 time so you can get ALL aspects of the job done in work time.

7. Consider using your budget on activity equipment that you can use again and again to create a great session . I offer a wide range of activity session products at www.lovejoycentre.co.uk

8.Dare to be different, I alway challenge you all to think outside the box and do creative, innovative
things, do it. For example, bringing in a horse or pony for a pet therapy session.

9. Evidence is key to prove you do all the wonderful things you do. Take pictures, put them on display and have a  photo album by the signing in book so people and health professionals can see the wonderful things you do with your residents.

10.If you're in a home that thinks activities are two a penny and don't make any provision for you to do your job then there lots of things you can do activity wise. sign up here for my free E-book advising you what you can do-http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1

I hope you found my blogs useful. I wish you a very merry Christmas and a brilliant New Year full of success.
Keep shining.Until next time.
love,
Ann Marie xx

How To Deal With The Daily AC Plate Spinning Challenge

Being an AC makes you feel at times like you're spinning 10 plates at a time! Often if not AC's are  left to get on with it, with little or no formal training and expected to pull everything off.
It is often a lament I hear all too often. And whilst AC's are being all things to everyone they have to facilitate a session as well.

This can at times prove a challenge so here are a few suggestions for you  -

 Remember to concentrate on the process of an activity and not the results. It does not matter if you never get the puzzle put together. What matters is that your resident or loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

1. Attitude - You must have a positive attitude towards older people and a commitment to provide stimulating, quality activities and social events.

2. Preparation - This is the key to everything in making sure your session is a success and enjoyable. If you’re doing art, make sure you have enough materials to go round, etc. You can also prepare the residents by announcing what you will be doing a few days beforehand so they are aware and it builds expectancy. 

3. Use a ’I can list’ - When creating activities for residents, ask them what they can and cannot do; ask family members too and make a list that details the resident's’ physical, cognitive, communication and socializing abilities. Use this information to build a person-centered activity plan for them.  

4. Distractions - Prior to an activity taking place try to eliminate any external distractions, i.e. turn the TV off. Avoid sitting residents together who do not get on and place those who are hard of hearing near you so they can hear.

5. Keep it simple - Use clear, concise language and do not over complicate instructions when facilitating a session. 

6. Resources – Use the internet to research activity ideas and find inspiration. Ask fellow colleagues for their ideas and get recommendations of good therapists to use; save your budget - if you’re lucky enough to have one - and use your imagination to create activities.

Use your imagination to be creative

7. The Feely Game - This is a simple but great idea for a sensory game. All you need is a bag or an old plastic tub/box with a mixture of things in it that are safe and have different textures. Place them in the tub or bag and ask each resident to close their eyes and try to guess what the item is before pulling it out. 

8. Reminiscence - You can use anything to help trigger memories - photos, items collected on outings, etc. 

9. Hand Tennis – This is a very cost effective activity. Blow up a balloon and use it to play hand tennis. Simply gently tap the balloon from you to the resident using your hands. This is a good gentle exercise that always causes much laughter.

10. Think outside of the box - Do not limit yourself or your residents by defeatist thinking! At least try something new and gently encourage them to do the same. If they don’t like whatever the new activity is, you know to try something different next time. Different activities will appeal to different people

11. Outside Activity- Have you considered changing the environment  that you hold your activity session? If the weather is nice outside move your activity session to the garden, It would make a pleasant change and open up a good state change perspective for your residents and also arranging outings too will have lots of pluses.  It will help your residents connect with the outside community life again and be a refreshing change. 

Hope this helps you. Until next time keep time.

Keep Shining,

Love,

Ann Marie x

How to Clear Your Mind And Create Brain Space

The role of an AC can vary, as one minute your in AC land doing activities and in the next minute your being asked to be cook as the cook as gone sick. You have planned your day and your mind is buzzing and humming , feeling like it may just explode with all your thought process's going in and out and all the new ones being created that you have to take in!

Our brains are like computers, they need space and can hold 7 thoughts at a time based on the research by George Miller of Princeton University in the 1950's.

That being the case think about your role as AC, your typical thoughts could go like this -
At least 3 of your thoughts  are everyday stuff .
Is the entertainment coming for today?
Will I have any Help?
Will I have to cover  if their short of staff again?
Remembering what you promised to do for a resident  etc.

Your brain, the amazing machine that it is, is like a computer or phone, your memory banks fill up.
Everyday life is busy, your trying to be everything to everyone, your kids, your spouse, your residents so inevitably  you filling up space trying to remember to do everything .

Here are some tips for you on what you can do-

Brain-dump- Empty your brain onto paper, write everything down, thoughts, ideas and to do's which are flying about and filling up valuable space in your short term memory.

Save This- All the important information you have written save it, keep  it safe. Find a method for storing , use an app,excel spread sheet, google docs, notebook, calendar etc

Bring Order Into Play- Once you have them written down bring order, create your to do list, delegate, do or ditch what you have to do.

Schedule what needs doing when you can and work your way through and stop relying on filling
your head with too much it is in inevitable it will get overloaded and you will forget, your only human after all.

So my fabulous fellow AC when your brain feels full STOP! Empty your head, capture important stuff, let the rest go and get some order. Try it!

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