January 23-29 is National Activity Professionals Week. This week, Rockingham County joins senior living communities across the United States in recognizing the essential role of activity professionals in long-term care settings. Americans are living longer and residing in senior living communities has become a more popular choice for older adults. One question potential residents often ask is, “What do you do for fun?” Older adults typically move into senior livings because they need some assistance with activities of daily living, but that does not take away from their desire to live full, independent, and active lives. Because of this, activity professionals are such a foundational part of the resident experience and one of the pillars of resident care.
What Are Activity Professionals?
Activities professionals are the individuals who organize and run leisure and wellness programming for residents living in senior living communities such as nursing homes, CCRCs, and assisted livings.
There’s a lot more to being an activity professional than simply running bingo games. Activity professionals’ support helps improve health outcomes for residents by providing hands-on care. These highly skilled individuals work across departments to provide person-centered care, which is guided by residents’ unique needs, goals, and preferences. Additionally, activity professionals help keep residents happy and healthy by ensuring that their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs are met. In their role, activity professionals form strong relationships with residents built on trust and a commitment to wellbeing.
The History of Activity Professional Week:
The National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) created National Activity Professionals Day in 1984. The NAAP is an organization that represents activity professionals in geriatric settings. The NAAP was created in 1981 and was comprised of 20 activity professionals from 11 different states. In the years since, Activity Professionals Day has expanded into a weeklong celebration that’s observed annually in January.
Today, the NAAP serves as a resource for any activity professional working in a geriatric setting. They provide professional development opportunities and advocate for federal nursing home activity policies. This week, the NAAP has a series of events planned including webinars and activities. The theme for National Activity Professional Week 2023 is “Adventure Awaits.”
How To Celebrate Activity Professionals Week:
Every day, activity professionals enrich the lives of senior living residents. This week, we encourage everyone to take a minute to acknowledge the work activity professionals do. Here are a few ways you can honor the activity professionals in your life:
- Say thank you
- Take your activity staff out to lunch with the administrator
- Purchase a recognition gift
- Ask residents to write a note of gratitude for all the activity staff does
- Teach staff why activity programming plays such a vital role in residents’ lives
- Showcase different programming during an open house
- Get involved in the community by providing ways to volunteer and help others
- Invite family members to assist with implementing various activities
- Provide the activity department with homemade treats
- Host an awards ceremony
Join The Fun At Rockingham County
The ability to care for our elders mind, body and spirit in Brentwood, NH is an awesome responsibility Rockingham County does not take for granted. The journey into a long-term care setting can sometimes be difficult for new residents. Our activity professionals welcome new residents with open arms and present them with endless possibilities. From participating in the hobbies they’ve always loved to pursuing a new passion, adventure awaits.
We believe active adults are healthy adults. Evidence shows that seniors who have their wellness needs met live longer and have better health outcomes. Our activity professionals help create a community where our residents are able to live lives full of fun and purpose. By taking a holistic and person-directed approach, our team continuously share their talents, creativity, and spirit with our residents.
You can learn more about our approach to programming here: Activities – Rockingham County Senior Living
