| Re-Creative Resources By Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC, Executive Director http://www.recreativeresources.com/index.htm |
| Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC Kimberly Grandal, Founder and Executive Director of Re- Creative Resources, Inc., is a strong advocate for the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities, with over fifteen years of experience working with the elderly in numerous management and consultant positions. She is an Activity Consultant Certified and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Kim is a member of the New Jersey Activity Professionals Association and the New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association. In 1990, Kim graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Sociology and later studied gerontology courses at Union County College and Therapeutic Recreation courses at Kean University. Throughout her career, Kim has been the Director of Therapeutic Recreation for several long- term care facilities, including one of NJ’s largest. In 2006, Kim founded Re- Creative Resources Inc. She is a speaker for various state and local activity associations such as NJAPA, MOCAP, and NJACA, as well as the Society of Licensed Nursing Home Administrators of NJ. She also offers lectures for Re- Creative Resources Inc., local colleges, and community groups, and provides consultation and support to numerous facilities in the state. Kim is the editor and writer for the “The Rec-Room", a monthly newsletter published by her company. In addition, she writes monthly articles for the Activity Directors Office newsletter, and has contributed articles to Creative Forecasting Magazine, and The Continuing Care Insite newsletter. Kim is a recipient of the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation 1997 Triumph of the Human Spirit Award. Her passion is to promote the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities and to unite Recreation Therapists and Activity Professionals. Kim currently serves on the NJAPA board as the Chairperson for the Legislation Committee. |
| KIM GRANDAL |
| THE ACTIVITY DIRECTOR Providing Internet Resources for Activity Professionals in Long Term Care Settings admin@theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Copyright 2004-Present The Activity Director's Office All Rights Reserved Disclaimer |
| About Re-Creative Resources Inc. Re-Creative Resources, Inc. is committed to enhancing the lives of long-term care residents through the use of Therapeutic Recreation. We provide a variety of services such as Therapeutic Recreation seminars, in-services, resources, form development, program analysis and development, consultation, and support for activity professionals and recreational therapists. A selection of downloadable training materials and forms are available for your convenience as well as a free job posting site. |
| MENU Home The Activity Director's Office by Linda Lucas, AD Activity Ideas That Work The original website of Gina Salazar, AD Your Monthly Activity Planner A free resource of monthly activity nuggets to help plan your activities Debbie Hommel's AD Tips and Dear Debbie: by Debbie Hommel Executive Director DH Special Services Current Activities in Longterm Care Page by Kate Lynch, Editor of Current Activities in Longterm Care The Alternative Solutions Page by Sandra Stimson Executive Director Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care Silvana Clark's Insights by Silvana Clark, Professional speaker www.silvanaclark.com silvanac@msn.com Re-Creative Resources Page by Kimberly Grandal Executive Director Re-Creative Resources Heart & Soul Music Music Therapy Resource The NAAP Page National Association of Activity Professionals NAAP The NCCAP Page National Certification Council of Activity Professionals NCCAP Free PDF Downloads* Poems, Jokes & Such Resource Links * Adobe Acrobat software is required. Get it free at Adobe Acrobat Nursing Home Activities Defined Activity Professionals' Shopping Page The ACTIVITY DIRECTOR Providing Internet Resources for Activity Professionals in Long Term Care Settings admin@theactivitydirectorsoffice. com Copyright 2004-Present The Activity Director's Office All Rights Reserved Disclaimer |
| ACTIVITY DIRECTOR TODAY |
Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas
for Healthcare Facilities
By Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC
Executive Director
Re-Creative Resources Inc.
www.recreativeresources.com
Community programming is instrumental to enhancing the services of any activity department.
With the implementation of the revised CMS Activities Guidance to Surveyors, there is a
heightened focus on the individual needs and interests of the residents. Involving local
communities and volunteers is an essential part of establishing a well-balanced, diverse program
of activities. There are many organizations, clubs, and associations that can be contacted. Ask
them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or
announce at their next meeting, that community groups and volunteers are needed at your
facility. Inform them of your specific needs i.e. you need a volunteer that speaks German that can
read to a resident or you would like a volunteer who can do arts and crafts. Other methods of
recruitment include word of mouth, media coverage, on-line, family members and visitors,
community fairs/events and mailings.
Often times, Activity Directors are given the responsibility of developing and managing the
volunteer and community outreach program. It can become overwhelming. Activity Directors often
do not pursue volunteers and community groups because of the extensive work that goes into it.
There is ongoing research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that
reason, it is suggested that each facility have a Volunteer Coordinator or someone who is
primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities. But since it is not common practice to have a
separate Volunteer Coordinator, here are some ideas and suggestions that will help you reach
out to the community and expand your volunteer program.
School System
Churches/Synagogues
Community Groups
It is also important to bring the residents into the community as well. Before doing so, establish a
well-developed policy and procedure that outlines all aspects of the outing, especially what to do
in the case of an emergency or missing resident. Check with the desired site before bringing the
residents to ensure appropriate parking, wheelchair accessibility, bathrooms, process, etc. There
are so many places that you can bring the residents. Check the local newspapers for community
events, special deals, and coupons. Assign a resident or group of residents browse the weekly
newspapers. Some ideas include: community/school sporting events, parks and recreation,
community flea markets, festivals, music events, movie theater/plays, local restaurants, historical
sites/museums, zoos, visits to other facilities or organizations, churches, synagogues and other
places of worship, school events and so on.
Organizing a community outreach program is an ongoing process and requires an abundance of
creativity, time and commitment. Utilize as many resources as possible and don’t hesitate to ask
community groups and individuals to volunteer. By “reaching out” you will greatly enhance the
lives of the residents in your healthcare facility. For more community ideas and links, visit http:
//www.recreativeresources.com/linkscommunity.htm.
for Healthcare Facilities
By Kimberly Grandal, BA, CTRS, ACC
Executive Director
Re-Creative Resources Inc.
www.recreativeresources.com
Community programming is instrumental to enhancing the services of any activity department.
With the implementation of the revised CMS Activities Guidance to Surveyors, there is a
heightened focus on the individual needs and interests of the residents. Involving local
communities and volunteers is an essential part of establishing a well-balanced, diverse program
of activities. There are many organizations, clubs, and associations that can be contacted. Ask
them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or
announce at their next meeting, that community groups and volunteers are needed at your
facility. Inform them of your specific needs i.e. you need a volunteer that speaks German that can
read to a resident or you would like a volunteer who can do arts and crafts. Other methods of
recruitment include word of mouth, media coverage, on-line, family members and visitors,
community fairs/events and mailings.
Often times, Activity Directors are given the responsibility of developing and managing the
volunteer and community outreach program. It can become overwhelming. Activity Directors often
do not pursue volunteers and community groups because of the extensive work that goes into it.
There is ongoing research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that
reason, it is suggested that each facility have a Volunteer Coordinator or someone who is
primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities. But since it is not common practice to have a
separate Volunteer Coordinator, here are some ideas and suggestions that will help you reach
out to the community and expand your volunteer program.
School System
- Pen Pal Programs
- Adopt-A-Resident Program
- Educational Opportunities for the students (students may learn about Ellis Island, WWII,
the Depression, etc.) - Volunteer opportunities (Key Club, course requirements, independent volunteer services)
- Entertainment (school choir, bands, dance groups, drama club, art, poetry, specialty
groups) - Sporting events
- Special education opportunities (volleyball game with DD adolescents)
- Intergenerational Programs (holiday activities, craft projects, physical games, discussion
groups) - Cultural Clubs (Spanish, Italian, African American etc.)
- Day Care children
- College internships/field experience
Churches/Synagogues
- Rosary Groups
- 1:1 Communion (Sundays)
- Adopt-A-Resident Program
- Outreach programs (donations, community services)
- Choirs
- Bible Study
- Church intergenerational programs
- Independent volunteer opportunities
- Confirmation requirements
- Rabbi Visits
- Church Services
Community Groups
- Community public relations opportunities
- Cub/Boy/Eagle Scouts community service (special/holiday events)
- Brownies/Girl Scouts Community Service (special/holiday events)
- Clubs (VFW, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis Club, Eastern Star, 4-H, American Legion, Knights of
Columbus, Lions, Chambers of Commerce) - Cultural Clubs (Italian American Independent Club, Hispanic, Polish etc.)
- YMCA/YWCA
- YM-YWHA (Hebrew Association)
- Salvation Army
- Historical Society presentations
- United Way
- Joint community fundraising or community service programs (toy Drives, food drives,
raffles, car washes, etc.) - RSVP/AARP volunteer opportunities/donations/service projects
- Local dance groups/troupes
- Senior dancers
- Independent volunteer opportunities
- LTC resident service projects for the above mentioned groups
It is also important to bring the residents into the community as well. Before doing so, establish a
well-developed policy and procedure that outlines all aspects of the outing, especially what to do
in the case of an emergency or missing resident. Check with the desired site before bringing the
residents to ensure appropriate parking, wheelchair accessibility, bathrooms, process, etc. There
are so many places that you can bring the residents. Check the local newspapers for community
events, special deals, and coupons. Assign a resident or group of residents browse the weekly
newspapers. Some ideas include: community/school sporting events, parks and recreation,
community flea markets, festivals, music events, movie theater/plays, local restaurants, historical
sites/museums, zoos, visits to other facilities or organizations, churches, synagogues and other
places of worship, school events and so on.
Organizing a community outreach program is an ongoing process and requires an abundance of
creativity, time and commitment. Utilize as many resources as possible and don’t hesitate to ask
community groups and individuals to volunteer. By “reaching out” you will greatly enhance the
lives of the residents in your healthcare facility. For more community ideas and links, visit http:
//www.recreativeresources.com/linkscommunity.htm.