George's mom was at a really nice place for several years. They had a weekly movie night, bingo night, card groups, ice cream socials... whatever it took to get them out of their rooms and be around other people. At least twice a year they invited all the families of the residents to a nice party - they really welcomed family visits and residents got free "tickets" to invite their families to eat with them in the dining room periodically.
They had ministers from nearby churches take turns giving brief services every Sunday. They had a resident dog - she was a beautiful golden retriever and a retired police dog and the residents doted on her. After she died, one of the residents' daughters who trained service dogs brought two of her best behaved dogs to visit every week or two. They got in touch with local entertainers and got them to volunteer - so there was live entertainment nearly every Sunday evening. And they invited choral groups and bands from all of the local schools to come and entertain.
At Christmas they had a door decorating contest (which was my all-time favorite activity) and had Santa pay a visit. In summertime, a local Packard collectors' club used to have a car show and barbecue for the residents. It was always a thrill for the residents to be able to see many of the cars they remembered from their youths.
They had a small pool and had water therapy daily. And they had exercises the residents could do while seated in a straight chair. But I don't think the physical therapy/exercise was under the activity director -- I think they had a part-time physical therapist manage that.
I hope you get the job. It takes a special type of person to do a job like this. |