The Monetary Worth of an Activity Coordinator

I love to interact with fellow AC's  and one the subjects of discussion that often comes up is how much they are paid .
It varies greatly  from national minimum average or up to  £8.00, it varies from what region you live in  and basically on the generosity of the owner of the home who holds the purse strings.



I did a little research of what AC's get paid globally-

UK average £7,800

On average in the USA they are paid $11.00 an hours (£7.72).

Eastern Europe 17223.17 Polish Zolty ( £3000 per year )

Canada $40,000 per year



So Canada seems to be the place where AC's are appreciated  more . Legislation is steering more in favour of the AC's role, highlighting the importance, but once again judging by the poor pay by those who are in the sector who should understand the role  we have a long road ahead.

In my humble opinion AC's are worth their weight in gold, do a marvelous job. What is needed is legislation that brings permanent  change across the sector .

The  AC's role is highly skilled and takes a certain caliber of person  and all we can do is continue doing what we do best , keep shining!

Until next time,

Ann Marie Lovejoy xx

Come connect with me on face book at  www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Dealing With Conflict

It is amazing how people respond to people, you probably encounter this in your role as an AC.
I am hosting a Care Show and it takes guts, balls, determination,faith and  self belief  and it's amazing how people can make fly away comments and offer their opinions.

 Yes, it does get on your wick in a big way and I often hear this same problem from AC's all over, you work so hard on a project or getting an activity together, working in your own time, spending your own money and giving your all and then a staff member makes some stupid comment or belittles what you do.

Well, having encountered this myself today  how do you deal with it? Well,  have a rant if you must but do not take ownership of any negative comments or entertain them and listen to the mind monkey chatting away in your head!
Also don't lose face and start justifying yourself  , no don't do that.

 Do this-

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.

Do ignore them and celebrate what you have done, as it takes guts and hard work to do what you have done for your residents.

Always remind yourself of your worth and the excellent job you in difficult circumstances at times.

Until next time. Keep shining.

Love,

Ann Marie x

What The New Care Act Means For Us As AC's.

  The main point about  the new revisions in the Care Act  is that there is a greater new emphasis on well being: The act is built upon a new statutory principle of individual well-being - physical, mental and emotional - of both the person being cared for and the carer.

This means that the role of Activity Coordinator is pivotal, hence making a welcome shake up in the care system within the private sector since if being responsible for the care provision of individual's  they need to ensure that person centered engaging activities are very much part of the care package.
I am so glad about this as all too often I see that AC's are not given the regard they should be given and the role often undervalued.
Now that it is as clear as day care providers within care settings are even more accountable and must evidence activity provision.  

 Within the Care Act two main areas that relate directly to your role as an AC are-

    Emphasis on well being- Engaging activities  has been proved to impact on mind, body and soul of the residents as well as improving job satisfaction of staff and moral within care home settings.

A focus on prevention: Local authorities (and their partners in health, housing, welfare and employment services) must now take steps to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care and support for all local people. Regular exercise and meaningful activities have been shown to have powerful preventative impact on a range of physical and mental health issues - and consequently on hospital admissions and GP appointments.

I often challenge AC's to think outside the box and would encourage you to work with local agencies and charities and get them involved in what you do, by doing this is creates community spirit and lets people know what your home or organisation does and is also great PR for your home. Have open days, community based events etc. Get involved in making your local town dementia friendly, etc .

For more reading of the Care Act in detail read it here- http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Document-library/Standards/Care-Act/learning-and-development/introduction-and-overview/care-act-overview-fact-sheet.pdf

Until next time keep shinning brightly and remember I believe in you!

Love,

Ann Marie x

p.s Come connect with on FB -www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup

Sign up for newsletter at www.lovejoycentre.co.uk

Meaningful Engagement.........

As an AC we can be so busy preparing future events for the residents which is good, that we can over look the most simple acts that bring meaningful engagement for a resident  and bless their cotton socks right off.

Always listen to what is being said to you, if a resident is always making reference to a particular thing then do something special for them. I go to a home and there is a lovely lady there who constantly refers to her beloved Liverpool, where she hails from. She is based in the South of England and almost laments for her beloved Liverpool.

She talks so descriptively about it she would make you feel that the streets familiar to her  would be as familiar to you. I picked up on this and have decided to put together memory box for her about Liverpool, she is thrilled at the prospect and what I put together, the home where she resides can build on it.

 Having a person centered approach and mindset is an absolute and doing something that a person or a group enjoys is what matters.

Simple things are the best, giving people a sense of responsibility can give them worth and increase their self esteem. Asking residents to help set the tables, fold laundry etc are meaning activities for them and have as much importance as group activities or even entertainers who are booked to do a session with residents.

I am always challenging you to think outside the box, do it. Be adventurous in your thinking when planning things to do and places to go, include everyone.Until next time.

Keep on shining,
Ann Marie x

Activities That Bring Pleasure to Residents in a Care setting

Activities Bring Pleasure to People With Alzheimer’s

Keeping people active in hobbies and interests that gave them pleasure in the past is important after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Those activities help:

• Stir memories

• Foster emotional connections with others

• Encourage self-expression

• Lessen the anxiety and irritability that Alzheimer’s may bring

• Make people with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged with life
• A few suggestions-

1. Sing songs or play music

1. Do arts and crafts, such as painting or knitting. Keep tools and patterns simple

1. Organize household or office items, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in organizational tasks

1. Clean around the house. Sweep the patio, wipe the table, fold towels or try other household tasks that help the person feel a sense of accomplishment

1. Tend the garden or visit a botanical garden

1. Read the newspaper

1. Look at books the person used to enjoy

1. Cook or bake simple recipes together

1. Work on puzzles

1. Watch family videos

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 loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

10 Top Tips For Engaging & Stimulating Activities With The Elderly.

If you want to provide a wide range of activities to interest and stimulate the physical and mental state and well-being of your residents, then follow these top ten tips:

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 residents’ 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. 

Until Next Time,

Ann Marie x