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

How to Your Plan, Create, Activate And Shine in 2019!

How to Your Plan, Create, Activate And Shine in 2019!

Hi Everyone,

I have been blogging now for five years and  running my business Lovejoy Centre for eight years and   the time just zooms by. And 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. Not this year, we are all going to make sure we do as we intend too, right?

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.

Write down what you want to achieve this year, don't tell everyone your dreams, if you mess up just start over each time, keep with it and let this year be the year you accomplish what you set your heart on doing for you.

To succeed with your planned activity schedule you need to make sure  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  if you wish to purchase.
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 a good practice exercise you will also be fulfilling a lot of what CQC look for when they inspect homes. Incidentally, CQC  look for activities around these three major area, Community, Technology and wellbeing.

Community- Get involved in community projects, accessing the local community for your residents, make your activity planning inclusive of this.

Technology- Use tablets with your residents to use app which have quizzes, art etc  for them to use. Help them set up email addresses, Skype, use YouTube etc. Make sure you record all these activities and 121 you may do.

 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 feasible 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 in case 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 2019 and am always here to support you.

Online Support For you From Me!

Online Academy For AC's Only!

Last  year I established the AC Tastic  Academy an online hub of support for AC's that covers just about everything you need, paper work templates, understanding terms and subject matter, CQC stuff etc and lots  more.
AC Tastic Academy -

Full details of content and price and how to sign up is here- .http://www.actasticacademy.com/signup

Freelance AC Course

If you are thinking about being a freelance AC or want to do this in addition to your current role I have but together a course with 12 modules and accompanying video's to show you how and I am with you every step of the way.
I show you how to do this in 21 days! Anyone ready to change their life for good?

 You can sign up here and get  full information about it -http://lovejoycentre.co.uk/freelance-activity-coordinator-course


Dementia Friendly Products-

I have created a range of dementia friendly products to assist in activity provision. My product range is always evolving  as I continuously create new products for AC's to use in their activity provision. I have sold hundreds of mats, they are stocked and sold by major outlets as well and help you deliver reminiscence in a unique way.Take a look at my online store here-

http://lovejoycentre.co.uk/store


Annual AC Wall Planner and Diary 2019 And 12 Month Training Bundle £29.99

I have created a useful wall planner that has all the key dates on it for you to help prompt and remind you whats on when. Also this year I have created a diary that has a month at a view, helpful hints and tips for your role and a suggested activity idea for you each month.A wonderful resource for an AC .
You can purchase your 2019 wall planner and diary direct from me email me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com. Happy to invoice you if your home is paying.

Training Courses and Workshops

I do offer 121 mentoring and training  and run workshops through out the year as well. If interested please contact me at lovejoycentre@gmail.com.

Annual Care Show and AC Awards

For the past five years I have been running a successful care show connecting service providers and health professionals together for a day.
Also each May we have our annual Activity Coordinator Awards and this is a big event on our calendar and everyone is welcome to nominate someone nationally, we get good press coverage.
I believe in raising the profile of the AC role and honouring it.


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. Free Daily Sparkle and lots more for FREE.
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

I just wanted you to all know what resources are available to you as AC's through me no matter where you are in the world.

Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining and I wish you all a shiny active New Year ahead.

Love,

Ann Marie xxx