E-magazine of The Activity Director’s Office Website / http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com

Volume 02, Number 06 Providing Online Resources for Activity Professionals August 2006

Dangers of Overdoing it Dear Activity Professionals, in the Summer Heat The following article is just a word of Robinson. "Some people feel a bit As I write this note, things are hot, caution for busy AD’s. lightheaded and weak, and might hot and hotter across the nation. have a touch of nausea. The serious That is the reason our cover article (ARA) - With longer days, warmer problems develop when symptoms is about summer heat and what temperatures, and an abundance of are ignored and additional fluids are can happen if we or our resident’s sunshine, it's no wonder so many of not taken right away." Dehydration overdo it. Please be careful if you us take to the outdoors for summer- - and the resulting loss of electro- time fun. While it feels great to be are going outside...take precau- lytes such as sodium - is the pri- outside for recreational activities and tions...remember hydration. mary cause of heat exhaustion. Dr. exercise in the summer, too much Robinson advises people to stay This month we welcome a new exertion can lead to serious health well-hydrated and take in extra salt. contributor to Activity Director problems. "Drink Monthly. The NCCAP has joined "When even our group of providers and has an the tem- though excellent article concerning certi- perature you fication track 5 (see page 7). soars and don't humidity feel like If there is a subject you would like rises, it is it - you us to cover in a future issue, time to can't please e-mail us at The Activity take pre- count Director’s Office: cautions on your [email protected] to avoid thirst I am always interested in your danger- mecha- ideas. ous nism to health prompt Looking forward to a great month conse- you." in the Activities Department… quences such as heat exhaustion, heat Sincerely, stroke and overexposure to the sun," Heat stroke is the most severe form says Dr. Sean Robinson, assistant of heat illness and is a life- professor of education at Argosy threatening emergency. It is the re- Li n d a University/Washington DC and sult of long, extreme exposure to ACE-certified personal trainer. the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body tem- Linda Lucas: co-owner of Seniors, children, and people with perature, reaching over 103 de- The Activity Director’s chronic illnesses are most susceptible grees. People suffering from heat to heat exhaustion and stroke, how- Office website, stroke may experience extremely Linda has been an ever, everyone is at risk. Many tell- serious medical conditions, includ- tale symptoms and warning signs are Activity Director ing hot, dry, red skin; no sweating in Indiana since 1983. associated with heat exhaustion, in- at all; disorientation, hallucina- cluding dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, tions, or delirium; convulsions; and Readers may contact Linda at: headache, weak and rapid pulse, and a loss of consciousness. [email protected] cool, clammy, pale skin. And many of these symptoms take several hours "Heat stroke can occur within 10 to to appear. 15 minutes of the first symptoms. If treatment is not given immediately, "The early symptoms of heat exhaus- tion can sneak up on us," explains Dr. (Continued on page 10) http://www.theado.makesparties.com Activity Director Monthly Page 2 came a pivotal point in Bozo's his- tory.

Bob’s Monthly and Bozo the , the world's most famous clown Journal Together with a group of investors, By Robert Lucas, H.F.A. (retired) Larry Harmon purchased the licens- Co-owner: The Activity Director’s Office ing rights to the Bozo character from http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Capitol Records. Larry Harmon had a great talent for marketing, and by the late 1950's had created local Bozo The Unusual History of TV shows in nearly every major U.S. - attempting to unravel who did what when in the creation of market, and across the world in places as far away as Thailand, "Bozo, the World’s Most Famous Clown" Greece and .

world's first "read-along" book, and At this point, the history of Bozo di- was a huge hit for the small com- verges wildly, as numerous Bozos pany. It starred a clown narrator, were operating simultaneously across named Bozo. the world. Notable individuals in-

Alan Livingston had hired Pinto clude , who portrayed Bozo Colvig to be the voice of Bozo the for WGN-TV in for decades, Clown. Pinto Colvig was a former eventually retiring and being replaced circus clown, who at that time was by Joey D'Auria, the longest-running, doing character voices for Walt and last Bozo TV show. In Washing- Disney, including Goofy and Snow ton, D.C. Bozo was portrayed for a White's dwarf Grumpy, among oth- time by , now well ers. And the book, "Bozo at the Cir- known as NBC weatherman. In Bos- Most are created and per- cus," written by Livingston, illus- ton, Frank Avruch wore the giant formed by one individual. There are trated by M. Fischer, and voiced by shoes. And Larry Harmon created a exceptions, of course, such as the Pinto Colvig, sold over a million well-known series of cartoons featur- Harlequin, a character from the Co- copies. This was a success unheard ing Bozo as well. In recent years, media del Arte. A more contempo- of at that time for a children's re- Bozo has appeared to be in decline, rary exception is Bozo the Clown, cording. as most of the TV franchises have who is owned, copywritten, and gone away, in favor of nationally trademarked property of Larry Bozo as a live person syndicated morning programming. Harmon. But although Mr. Harmon However, DVD's are now available The success of "Bozo at the Circus" has done an admirable job of market- of Frank Avurch's portrayal. In addi- generated more read-along books, ing Bozo the Clown worldwide, the tion, a new music record (CD, actu- including 15 that featured Bozo. story of Bozo does not begin with ally) titled "Get Down with the The continued success led to vari- him. Instead, it begins at Capitol Re- Clown" -- proving that everything old ous spinoffs, including Bozo dolls, cords, in 1946. is new again. and a demand for Bozo in person.

In 1949, on KTTV in , Bozo the Clown Our thanks go to Clown-Ministry.com born at Capital Records California, Pinto Colvig became the http://www.clown-ministry.com/ first televised Bozo the Clown, with In 1946, Capitol Records was a rather Bozo's trademark hair, suit and small company, attempting to make white faced clown make up. August is an entrance into the children's mar- ket. They hired a young man named In order to meet the demand for International Alan Livingston, who came up with personal appearances by Bozo, an idea for a book that would have a Alan Livingston had hired numer- Clown Month record included -- children would ous actors in several cities to per- listen as they read, with an audio sig- form as Bozo at various events. One International Clown Week nal to turn the page. This was the of them, named Larry Harmon, be- is August 1-7

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Orientation and Training: A formal The DH Special Services Page volunteer orientation procedure By Debbie Hommel, BA, CRA, ACC should be in place, with an orienta- Executive Director of DH Special Services tion checklist. The orientation can be http://www.dhspecialservices.com/home.htm provided on a 1-1 basis but should be provided all the same. Providing the Volunteer Management volunteer with a handbook and writ- ten guide will ensure there is an un- for the Activity Professional derstanding between the volunteer and the organization. Infection con- Overseeing the volunteer program to your center is more effective if trol, HIPPA, confidentiality, as well is one of the many responsibilities you establish a formal recruitment as understanding the special needs of delegated to the activity profes- message. Clearly describing the the elderly population should be dis- sional. The activity professional need within your facility and how a cussed with new volunteers. A assumes this responsibility, often volunteer can help is an effective signed acknowledgement of the ori- with minimal training or guidance. means to seek interest. Targeted entation and receipt of materials The process of organizing and recruitment seeks particular people should be kept on file. managing a corps of volunteers for particular jobs, while general requires planning, organization recruitment seeks interested parties Motivation and Retention : Since and monitoring. To guide the activ- who just want to help. Targeted volunteers do not receive monetary ity department in establishing a recruitment should be tailored to the reward for their work, they should be volunteer program or upgrading a person being sought. For example, rewarded through other means. All current program, consider the fol- if seeking a male volunteer to assist volunteers seek some sort or lowing steps..... in leading a men’s group, one “payback”, even if they deny it. would aim recruitment in areas Some people volunteer for the social Preparation : Before bringing in the where men gather (the VRW or contact, some because they like to first volunteer - the volunteer man- Elks or local hardware store). Pro- feel needed and useful, others are ager should define the scope and pa- fessional recruitment materials looking to fill a time void. The vol- rameter of the volunteer program. should be created. With today’s unteer manager needs to understand Will the volunteers be introduced computers and special papers, bro- each volunteer’s motivating force and into other departments, like nursing chures can be easily created. With structure the volunteer opportunity to or social services? Discussion with PowerPoint, an interesting volun- meet that need. Placing a volunteer the other departments should be con- teer recruitment program can be in an unsatisfying volunteer job will ducted to determine their interest and created which would include photos cause the volunteer to lose interest to identify appropriate volunteer op- of current volunteers in action. (Continued on page 8) portunities. Secondly, a budget for the volunteer program should be de- Selection : Volunteers should be fined. Absorbing volunteer costs into managed similar to paid staff. ABOUT DEBBIE the activity budget is not good prac- Every potential volunteer should Debbie Hommel is a Certified Activity tice and tends to rob both depart- receive a formal interview and go Consultant on State and National level, ments of appropriate funding. The through the screening process. To with over twenty-seven years of volunteer manager should establish accept the first person off the street experience in providing direct care organizational systems such as sign without any consideration is dan- and consultation to long term care, medi- in books, application forms and what gerous and a disservice to the vol- cal day care, assisted living, kind of training program will be of- unteer and facility. Volunteers and ICF/MR facilities throughout fered. Finally, the responsibility for should be placed in specific jobs, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, the department should be incorpo- according to their motivation and and Pennsylvania. rated into a job description and in- need to volunteer. The interview She is an experienced trainer and work- shop presenter, conducting a cluded into the job title. determines the volunteer’s needs variety of seminars throughout the which are important to meet, if you Tri-State area for the Activity Recruitment : Simply saying want the volunteer to stay. Professional, Administrator, and allied "HELP!" is not an effective recruit- healthcare professional. She is ACC ment message. Attracting volunteers certified through the NCCAP.

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Current Activities in Current Activities in Longterm Care Longterm Care By Kate Lynch, Editor is a bi-monthly magazine that pro- Current Activities in Longterm Care vides useful activities, calendars, http://www.activities4elders.com/ therapeutic activities and programs, feature stories, specialized activities The following is an example of the Sports Planning Ahead page that is for Alzheimer's patients and other included in every issue of Current Activities for Longterm Care. Sub- disease conditions, professional scribers use it as a way to easily keep track of sporting events that many news, medical news and much more! men may be interested in. There are several more resources that are useful for subscribers, so subscribe today to take advantage! If You Subscribe to Current Activities in Longterm Care Sports Planning Ahead Here’s what you get:

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rooms in many facilities in New Jer- The Alternative Solutions Page sey. What a difference it made! One By Sandra Stimson ADC, CALA, CDP facility that had over 200 residents Executive Director, Alternative Solutions in Long Term Care http://www.activitytherapy.com identified 43 residents who could not participate in scheduled activities and many of these residents were also on Sensory Rooms and FTAG 248 the quality indicator report. Before the sensory rooms opened on each On a daily basis we receive e-mails rooms when meals are being floor, these residents could be found from activity professionals around served. During meal times the NPO sitting idle with no stimulation. Now the country asking if they have to residents can come to the sensory all 43 residents attend the sensory have Sensory Rooms? Is it Federal or rooms. Think how hard it must be room in the morning or afternoon and State regulation? The answer we to smell the food when you cannot of course as tolerated. There is a huge give is that it is not mandated by the have it! In the sensory rooms the difference in a facility with a sensory federal government or state regula- stress and anxiety over meal times room compared to those without one. tions that you have sensory rooms. is alleviated. But what is required is that you pro- The sensory rooms also improves vide " Quality of Life" for all resi- For the residents who are bed customer satisfaction among family dents. Remember, that FTAG 248 is bound due to illness, a great pro- members who feel their family mem- not the only federal guideline for gram is a Sensory Cart. The sen- ber has no activity options due to nursing homes that apply to recrea- sory cart could be brought to the their function level. With a sensory tion. There are many others. residents room on a daily basis. (Continued on page 8) You could place fiber optics such as Sensory rooms are really for any butterfly's above their bed. Sensory population. But generally in long carts generally have but not limited ABOUT SANDRA term care it is used for the very low to CD players, aroma therapy and Sandra Stimson has experience as a cor- functioning resident's. Sensory fiber optics. Make sure you place porate consultant, Corporate Trainer rooms provide a group activity in an the carts where the resident can see and National Speaker. Her experience is environment that is success oriented, them. Otherwise what would be the in long term care, as Activity Director, failure free, purposeful and meaning- benefit to the patient? Director of Alzheimer's Units and Assis- ful. If you don't have programs to fit tant Administrator of a 550 bed long the needs of this very special popula- Anyone who is attending the sen- term care county home. She is Co- tion than the question would be, sory rooms should have care plans. founder of Pet Express Pet Therapy Club, is a Life Replay Specialist. Sandra "how are you impacting their quality The Activity Professional should be implements dementia units nationwide. of life on a daily basis?" documenting how often they attend Sandra has written several books, Volun- and what they do while in the sen- teer Management Essentials for Long As a consultant to many facilities sory rooms. You should have sim- Term Care and Pet Express Pet Therapy across the country we do not see ple attainable goals and approaches Program. Sandra has been a facilitator enough low functioning programs for each resident. You should have for Alzheimer's support groups and is the offered on a daily basis. Either it's not some kind of formal document that Awards Chair for the NJ Association of offered enough or not at all. We also nursing would receive that states; Activity Professionals. Sandra is the see many residents in day rooms un- which residents are attending the Executive Director of National Council able to participate in the scheduled sensory room, time and days of the of Certified Dementia Practitioners http://www.nccdp.org event, left in their rooms, placed at week. nurses stations or left in the hallway. http://www.activitytherapy.com offers If you have a sensory room that is For infection control, the activity resources for health care professionals well staffed, it offers a place for the professional should be washing in many areas of dementia care, care resident's to go that is stress free and each resident's hand as they are plans, Snoezelen products, dementia ac- stimulating. The sensory rooms can brought into the sensory room. At tivity calendars, adult day care calen- dars, sensory calendars, reminisce vid- also be used for your NPO programs. the end of the day, all of the sensory eos for dementia, activity books, and As activity professionals you are re- equipment should be disinfected. dates to remember, party supplies, re- quired to have NPO programs for sources and links. those individuals who are left in their We have implemented sensory Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 6

teammates decide that you are all The NAAP Page for one and one for all, you’ll start National Association of Activity Professionals working together to achieve your “Founded by Activity Professionals for Activity Professional” http://www.thenaap.com goal.

Mission Statement: To provide excellence in support services to activity Tasks: professionals through education, advocacy, technical assistance, promotion of standards, fostering of research, and peer and industry relations • Establish a team leader • Name your team Thoughts on Teamwork • Mission of team By Sandy Dole/Special Interests Trustee • Team Cheer common goal What is Teamwork All • Illustrate quality of life, indi- About? • Structured to work to- gether vidually first, then as a team Webster’s Dictionary say that a • Sharing responsibility for team is: their task Team Characteristics Two or more horses har- • Depending on each other nessed to the same plow. • Empowered to implement A highly effective team:

consensus decisions Maybe that’s why some people get the idea that being part of a 1. Has clearly stated goals The type of project does not agreed upon by all team team may be stressful, take too matter. Your group becomes a much time, and encourages con- members. team when you all get involved, 2. Shares authority effec- formity. and briefed and then work to- tively. The definition of a good team gether on the assignment. Your 3. Cooperatively distributes is: A group of willing and team has a better chance of suc- tasks in a fair and equita- trained individuals who are…. cess when you need each other ble manner. to succeed. When you and your • United around a challenging (Continued on page 11)

mary reason for our services. The NAAP affords Activity Professionals About NAAP strength of NAAP lies in the diversity across the country the opportunity to Founded by Activity Professionals for of its members. NAAP recognizes the speak with a common voice...NAAP Activity Professionals...NAAP is the rich cultural, and educational back- successfully worked with members of only national group that represents grounds of its members and values the Congress to secure a change in the activity professionals in geriatric set- variety of resources represented. The nursing home reform title of the 1987 tings exclusively. NAAP serves as a strength of NAAP also lies in the de- Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act catalyst for both professional and per- velopment and promotion of scientific (OBRA). Through our efforts, it be- sonal growth and has come to be rec- research which further defines and sup- came mandatory that an activity pro- ognized by government officials as the ports the activity profession. NAAP gram, directed by a qualified profes- voice of the activity profession on na- values the development and mainte- sional, be provided in every nursing tional issues concerning long-term care nance of coalitions with organizations home that receives Medicare and/or facilities, retirement living, assisted whose mission is similar to that of Medicaid funds. NAAP was the only living, adult day services, and senior NAAP's for the purposes of advocacy, professional activity association to citizen centers. NAAP is nationwide in research, education, and promotion of participate in HCFA's workgroups that scope with a growing membership in activity services and activity profes- revised OBRA's interpretive guidelines Canada and Bermuda. The National sionals. NAAP values members who now in effect. NAAP provides assis- Association of Activity Professionals become involved at the state and na- tance at the state level to promote certi- recognizes the following values:The tional level to promote professional fication of activity professionals, work- quality of life of the client/resident/ standards as well as encourage employ- ing toward uniform professional stan- participant/patient served is the pri- ers to recognize them as professionals. dards for activity practice.

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the past 10 years The NCCAP Page 4. 30 hours of continuing education The National Certification Council of Activity Professionals 20%(6 hours) of which specifi- http://www.nccap.org cally addresses activity documen- tation (ie mds, care planning, as- Mission Statement: The National Certification Council of Activity Professionals sessments). This cannot be in is a credentialing body, which sets standards and criteria to ensure that those we conjunction with your activity serve have optimal life experiences courses.

IF you meet the above criteria;

NCCAP Track Five Due to Expire 1. complete the current NCCAP at the End of the Year! application 2. complete the additional ADC NCCAP recently opened up a ADC Track 5 requirements Track 5application form 3. submit ALL the required docu- “window of opportunity”; for indi- must include: viduals that completed a basic activ- mentation FOLLOWING ALL 1. HS diploma and/or GED ity course of 90 hours or less, be- the NCCAP standards 2. a basic activity course (Please tween 1991 (when OBRA was imple- 4. submit the appropriate fee(s) check which one applies and/or mented) and 2001 (when the require- is closest to the course you at- *The window to apply for certifica- ment for the MEPAP course/pre- tended)____36 hours ____ tion following ADC Track 5, will approved instructors was imple- 40/42/45 hour____60 hour close 12/31/06.ADC Track 5 is avail- mented), but that have the established ___72 hour ____ 90 hour able for INITIAL applicants, meeting experience, demonstrating their com- ___MUST have been com- the above criteria - and may apply to mitment and dedication to the field of pleted between (1991 -2001) currently certified individuals wish- activities, and have ongoing continu- Verified by submitting a certifi- ing to level change. ing education to effectively imple- cate of completion, signed by ment their job responsibilities and *Individuals that have the require- the qualified instructor. duties, an opportunity to apply for ments for Track 5,that are following 3. 6 years (12,000 hours) of cur- certification as a director. the ADPC certification track, MUST rent activity experience within (Continued on page 9)

ready certified. Current education (within past 5 Why Become 5. Some administrators offer a higher years): workshops, seminars, college salary to a certified professional. courses that keep the activity profes- NCCAP Certified? 6. Become NCCAP certified so oth- sional abreast of present trends. ers will know that you are nation- NCCAP's Body of Knowledge con- 1. Federal Law, OBRA, states that an ally qualified and giving quality tains 27 areas of education with activity department must be directed activity service to residents/clients. many subheadings that are applica- by a “qualified professional.” One ble. of the ways to become qualified is to QUALIFICATION DESCRIPTION: D. CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

become a Certified Activity Profes- May include: advising a group, sional. A. ACADEMIC EDUCATION May derive from a wide variety of working one to one, teaching a class, 2. NCCAP certification is recognized conducting workshops, publishing by HCFA (Health Care Financing curricula: Social Work, Recrea- tion, Education, and Business de- professional articles, supervising Administration) as an organization students and/or managing 5 or more that certifies activity professionals grees. These are a few of the edu- cational backgrounds that repre- activity staff persons. who work specifically with the eld- erly. sent our certified members. FEES: The cost of being certified ini- 3. NCCAP certification assures admin- B. ACTIVITY EXPERIENCE tially ranges from $45 to $65 depending istrators and surveyors that you have Activity work experience with upon the level. Renewal is required every met certain professional standards to elderly populations, where at least two years with 20-40 hours of continuing become certified. 50% are 55+ years of age. Some education and a fee of $40. 4. Many administrators will only hire volunteer work with elderly clients activity professionals who are al- may be applied. For further information visit C. CONTINUING EDUCATION http://www.nccap.org

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(Sensory Rooms, Continued from page 5) room you can offer a wonderful ac- If you have been asking your ad- Alternative Solutions in Long Term tivity on a daily basis. When families ministrator for sensory equipment Care www.activitytherapy.com car- visit they can also spend time with and feel your not getting anywhere, ries a full line of sensory items, sen- their loved one in the sensory room. you might consider finding a facil- sory room care plans, Sensory Room When families visit with their chil- ity in your area with a sensory room In-services and Sensory Room policy dren, the room provides a place for and bringing not only your adminis- and procedures. children to also engage in the sensory trator but your Director of Nursing. products. A sensory room is a fun Every facility has resident's who Happy Activity Professionals Week! and interactive place for a child. become agitated due the stress of ______the unit, lights, noise, crowded con- Sensory rooms should be equipped ditions and temperature. Appeal to Alternative Solutions in Long Term with rocking chairs. High function- the Director of Nursing how much Care ing residents should be encouraged to calmer the floor would be not only Lisa Reidinger LCSW, CTRS, CSW, use the room and the rocking chairs. for a specific resident but for other CDP The rocking chairs are soothing and residents who are upset by verbal Executive Director all of us who have ever sat in a rock- outbursts if you had a sensory ing chair can agree how calming an room. Also, if you have a sensory Sandra Stimson CALA, ADC, CDP activity the rocking chairs are. room, nursing would not have to Executive Director watch a confused resident which The sensory rooms should also have would free up more of their time for (Volunteer Management, Continued from page 3) things to do on each table. Tactile nursing duties. That example is and quit. items, pat mats, activity mats, sure to make a difference with a squeeze balls, etc. Also place flash DON. Recognition : Formal and informal lights on each table. Some residents recognition should be provided con- enjoy turning on the flash light and And if that does not work, try the sistently. There is opportunity for pointing the light at the wall. "survey approach." Surveyors like volunteer recognition every time the to see sensory rooms because it volunteer arrives to complete their Watch the type of music and sensory means you have great programs for volunteer job. Friendly greetings, stimulation you provide. Smells the low functioning residents and offering of coffee or refreshments, should not be overpowering. We having a sensory room might possi- and appreciation for their time and recommend anything that is recom- bly mean the difference between effort should be standard approaches mended for stress relief like lavender. passing survey and not passing sur- for every volunteer visit. Sending Strong smells such as lemon should vey. Because again, you are re- birthday or holiday cards, introducing not be used. The type of music can quired to have programs to fit all a recognition bulletin board, includ- also impact the mood. Use music residents needs living in your facil- ing them in the facility newsletter, that is soothing such as angel music. ity. Sensory rooms can definitely and inviting them to facility in- It is recommended that you not use help you with appropriate program- services are on-going means to make music with nature sounds, as demen- ming and survey outcomes. the volunteer feel a part of the home. tia clients may misunderstand the The annual Volunteer Luncheon or sounds of chirping birds or crickets. So in answer to the question, is it recognition event is often looked for- They misunderstand the sounds of required. No, Can you do without ward to and attended by many, but it crashing waves as water running and one with the changes to come next is the day to day appreciation that want you to turn it off. For the best year and the answer is also No. leave them feeling truly satisfied in outcomes, use soothing angel type Take the time to visit a facility with their volunteer experience. music and stress relief scents. a sensory room and you will know how important a sensory room is to Keep in mind this final quote from Sensory rooms should have policy quality of life for the low function- an unknown source.. and procedures and these should be ing resident. And if your adminis- "Their niceness will let you recruit a placed in the administrators facility trator still won't allot the money, volunteer the first time, manual as well as the Activity De- than begin fund raising because in but only your competence will let partments manual. These should be the end, you will be proud you you keep them...." reviewed on a yearly basis. raised the money. (Continued on page 9)

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(Track 5, Continued from page 7) cation that currently only have ME- (these are just a couple of the com- also complete the ADC Track 5 ap- PAP part 1, will want to apply for ments received) plication, along with the application certification ASAP, PRIOR to the for a level change; level changes will standard changes that will take af- (Volunteer Management, Continued from page 8) only be granted if ALL the require- fect 1/1/2007. ments are met. THERE ARE NO *After 1/2007 - those that have only Volunteer Links EXCEPTIONS to the above. Appli- MEPAP part 1, will have to obtain cant is responsible to verify ALL in- MEPAP part 2 - in order to apply E Volunteerism - The Electronic formation. Applicant agrees to accept for the ADC or ACC levels. (The Journal of the Volunteer certification at another level (if appli- equivalent to MEPAP 2nd edition Community cable) if this level cannot be granted. requirements) http://www.evolunteerism.com/ The ADC Track 5 application can be index.php downloaded from the download ***NCCAP has received nmerous forms/request for information section POSITIVE comments with regard Energize - for leaders of volunteers of the NCCAP website to this window of opportunity - as it http://www.energizeinc.com/ has also 1)discouraged individual As of 1/2007, ALL INITIAL applica- states from pursuing their own state tions to NCCAP will require the en- Hugs for Health Foundation certification 2)encouraged individu- tire MEPAP (180 hours of course- http://www.hugs4health.org/ als to take the initiative to follow work/180 hours of practicum), not through since completion of their just the MEPAP part 1. ALL indi- Points of Light Foundation - Vol- courses and become certified - viduals considering NCCAP certifi- unteer Center National Network http://www.pointsoflight.org/

Servenet - the premier website for service and volunteering http://www.servenet.org/ dsp_home_public.cfm

Volunteer Match - a volunteer job listing service http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Volunteer Today - The Electronic Gazette for Volunteerism http://www.volunteertoday.com/

Volunteer Management Certificate Program from Washington State University http://capps.wsu.edu/certificates/ vmcp/

I’ve still got “it” But NOBODY Wants to see “it” http://www.theado.makesparties.com/ Maxine

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 10

(Summer Heat, Continued from page 1) Wacky Days of August permanent damage can occur to inter- Provided by Activity Directors Network nal organs," says Dr. Robinson. He Pennie Bacon, Site Owner also emphasizes that heat stroke is a http://activitydirector.net medical emergency. "Call 911 or transport the victim immediately to a hospital." While waiting for medical MONTHLY Watermelon Month help, Dr. Robinson advises that an OBSERVANCES attendee to a heat stroke victim FAMOUS WEEKS should move him or her to a cool place indoors and lower the body Harvest Month IN AUGUST temperature by wrapping the victim in wet sheets, wet clothing or ice packs. National Eye Exam Month Week 1 Summer is always a great season to National Romance International Clown Week enjoy and be physically active in the fine weather and outdoor opportuni- Awareness Month ties. Knowing the signs of heat ex- Manwatcher's Compliment haustion and heat stroke, and what to Cataract Awareness Month Week do when one is exposed to these con- ditions, will help keep you, your fam- ily and friends healthy and safe dur- Fair Month National Smile Week ing the dog days of summer. (Begins 1st Courtesy of ARA Content International Clown Month Monday) Editor's Note: Argosy University/ Washington DC is one of 14 Argosy Uni- Lemon Month Beauty Queen Week versity (www.argosyu.edu) campuses and four approved degree sites in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and Maine Lobster Month Week 2 master's degree programs in psychol- ogy, business, counseling and educa- National Catfish Month National Apple Week tion. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion pro- grams in psychology and business, National Foot Health Month National Psychiatric and associate's degree programs in Technician Week various health sciences fields. Argosy National Golf Month University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is Week 3 a member of the North Central Asso- National Heritage Month ciation (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Weird Contest Week Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL National Mustard Month 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org). Week 4 National Parks Month Friendship Week Peach Month

Relaxation Month

http://www.theado.makesparties.com

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 11

(Teamwork, Continued from page 6) 4. Accepts shared responsi- MEMBERSHIP bility for the outcome, re- WHY NOT JOIN gardless of who is as- signed a particular task. NAAP TODAY?

5. Has all members fully en- There are so many benefits when you belong to NAAP! Each member gaged and committed. will receive a newsletter which will give the updated reports on Govern- 6. Maintains an environment ment Relations, Special Interests, International Updates, Professional De- where all team members velopment, Nominations, Standards of Practice, Financial Updates and a feel comfortable in ex- Membership Report. Along with this comes an update from our President, pressing their views. Diane Mockbee, and our Executive Director, Charles Taylor. 7. Is able to handle conflict without diminishing team Members will also receive a discounted rate at the Annual Conference which is held in March/April of each year. cohesiveness or effective-

ness. Membership dues are only $70.00 per year. If you are a student in the 90 8. Is aware of the team deci- Hour Basic or Advanced Courses, your dues are only $50.00 for the first sion-making process and year. modifies it when neces- sary. Email us for more information at 9. Sustains an atmosphere of [email protected]. trust among members. 10. Has a broad spectrum of Join Now! You can download and mail in this application with your pay- team player types. ment or use our new online registration.

SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has re- vealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. http://www.cafepress.com/theadoshop

For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rug- ged, masculine features.

However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with scissors lodged in his temple and tape over his mouth while he is on fire. No further studies are expected.

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 12 Clipart for August

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 13 Activities You Can Do Attention: By Linda Lucas, AD Site Owner: The Activity Director’s Office Activity http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Professionals

You are invited to submit articles of in- terest, poems, humor, photos and just August is about anything else for publication in Activity Director Monthly. The only compensation we can offer you Watermelon Month is credit for the submission. All submissions are subject to editing. We cannot guarantee that all submis- The following trivia will help watermelon production? sions will be published. However, they you decide what kind of water- 12. How many months of the definitely can't be published if you don't melon activities you can create year can you have water- send them in. So be brave and fire for the month of August. melon? your e-mail to us at:

[email protected] . Watermelon Quiz Answers: Or you can mail your information to:

1. How long does a watermelon 1. 3 months Main topic interests include: anything take to grow? 2. Vitamins A, B6 or C that will benefit Activity Directors; items 2. Name 2 vitamins that water- which can be used in facility newsletters 3. Buttery yellow to white melon contains. (i.e. original and/or public domain 4. These are empty seed coats 3. When picking a watermelon, items); personal Activity Direc- and they are OK to eat. tor/resident experiences. what color should the ground 5. No spot be (the spot where the Please send only copies of your 6. 500-1,000 seeds submissions. melon lies on the ground while 7. 9296 The material will not be returned. growing)? 8. Yes, all parts of the water- 4. If your watermelon is seedless, melon are edible. what are the little white seeds About Activity Director Monthly 9. 66 feet, 11 inches doing in there? 10. Watermelons are native to 5. Does a watermelon keep rip- southern Africa, but have Activity Director Monthly is a ening after it’s picked? FREE monthly publication of b e e n known in 6. How many seeds does a water- The Activity Director’s Office web- India since melon have? site. Activity Professionals across prehis- the nation and around the world 7. How much of the watermelon toric are invited to visit the website and is water? times, and subscribe to this publication. 8. Can you eat the in Egypt Please visit us at… watermelon for 5-6,000 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com rind? years. 9. Guess the Our e-mail address is: 11. 4 [email protected] world record 12. All 12 for the water- Copyright 2006 The Activity Director’s Office melon seed spit- For more ideas visit the All rights reserved. ting distance. National Watermelon Promotion 10. Where do watermelons come Board website at from? http://watermelon.org/ 11. Is the United States 2nd, 4th, 7th, or 11th in the world for

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Activity Director Monthly Page 14 Following is Your Free Facility Newsletter

The following four pages contain a pre- PRINTING BULK MAILING written facility newsletter which you With bulk mail you can save a bundle on may use as your own. It is intended to • If you decide to print your newslet- ter on your facility copier you may postage. However, you must set up an help make your departmental responsi- print the newsletter on 8.5”x11” account with the post office, mail at least bilities time saving and cost effective. sheets of paper. However, it is far 200 newsletters at a time, presort your All you need to do is put your title on more professional looking to use mail, prepare a billing form and deliver the front and your address on the back. 17” x 11” sheets (this size is larger the newsletters to the post office. Al- than legal size paper, but can be though it sounds complicated, it becomes hand fed into most modern print- routine after you have done it a couple of Suggestions for the ers). times.

Effective Use of Your • If you use a print shop have them DISTRIBUTION print your newsletter on 17”x11” Newsletter paper. They will have a variety of For the most effective marketing of your colors for both your paper and ink. facility, we recommend that you make an This newsletter concept is the You can expect to pay more for extensive mailing list including these result of several years of preparation and color ink. If you decide to print listed below. The more newsletters you the generous support of the sponsors your newsletter on color paper, circulate, the more successful your mar- whose advertisements are contained avoid using dark colors and ex- keting will be. within its pages. Because all of the ma- tremely bright colors (e.g. fluores- terial in the newsletter is copyright free, cents), they are too difficult to read. • All responsible parties • If you take it to the print shop they you may feel assured that the publishing • Seniors at home and distributing of your free newsletter is will also print and insert your extra material and fold your newsletter • Banks legal. for you. One fold makes your • Hospital discharge planners PREPRINT newsletter ready for hand outs. Two folds prepares the newsletter • Nursing homes After you have downloaded your news- for mailing. letter you have several choices to make • Adult day care centers before printing it. MAILING • Churches (an excellent activity for your residents) • First type or paste the title of your • Home health agencies • To prepare your newsletter for newsletter into the blank area of the • Federal, State and local social ser- mailing, it must be folded twice so front page mast. vice agencies • On the mailing page insert your fa- the mailing face is showing on the outside. • Social organizations and clubs cility’s name and address in the up- per left corner where it says • Each piece you plan to mail must • Business organizations “From:”. be sealed twice on the loose page edge. Use 1/2” pieces of transpar- • Corporate headquarters • Prepare any printed material you may have for insertion into the ent tape (you can purchase seals at • Area schools newsletter. At a minimum we sug- most office supply stores if you wish). • Area radio stations gest you prepare your monthly activ- ity calendar on one side of an • Write or stick your address labels • Area television stations where it says “To:”. 8.5”x11” sheet or paper. On the • Area newspapers other side you may enter residents • Place postage in the upper right facts and figures (new admissions, hand corner. First class postage • Area businesses

birthdays, residents who went home, will pay for your newsletter and at least two 8.5”x11” insertions. TIMING deaths). Also, on the back of the calendar page you may want to ad- • Your newsletter is now ready to For timely distribution, your newsletter vertise upcoming activities and mail. The Post Office appreciates will always be available to you at the events, a management roster and it if you pre-sort your zip codes and first of the preceding month. It should other items of interest specific to bundle the newsletters with rubber be published by the last week of the your facility. bands. month and mailed prior to the first of the

month the newsletter is dated.

Vol. 02, No. 08 http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Volume 10, Number 08 August 2006 and other rescue personnel what Advance Care Plan Puts You in Control they should or should not do ARA) - Being in control of your patients, the Heart Failure Society when a person stops breathing or life is the American way - we are of America has put together a when their heart beats so irregu- self-made, self-reliant people who booklet explaining advance care larly as to threaten life or stops covet our independence. But age planning that is helpful not only beating entirely. A do-not- or illness can rob us of the chance to those with a chronic condition resuscitate order can include in- to make our own choices about such as heart failure, but also for structions on whether to use dif- healthcare. others who may be thinking about ferent types of methods to revive their future. a person. Without explicit directions about how you want healthcare and end The booklet explains that an ad- * A living will - This legal docu- of life issues handled, if you are vance care plan may include ment lets a person who is unable incapacitated and unable to make some or all of these documents: to participate in decisions about your choices known, the burden their medical care to express their of these decisions will fall to your * An advance care directive - wishes about life-sustaining treat- family. An advance care plan This document should provide ment. A living will is usually gives you a choice to make your clear evidence of your wishes re- used during a terminal illness wishes known, even if when a person is unable you are unable to com- to communicate; it lets municate. you set limits on what is done to you regarding While putting together the use of medical treat- your plan and discussing ments such as CPR, it with family members blood transfusions, me- may be emotional, it's chanical breathing, sur- one of those things, like gery, antibiotics, kidney making a will, that will dialysis and invasive give you peace of mind. measure to provide nu- Having a plan in place trition and fluids. also makes it easier on your loved ones, since * A health care power they will know they are of attorney - This allows carrying out your wishes. garding treatment and can include someone you designate to make a living will, a durable health care all heath care decisions for you, Your plan will ensure that your power of attorney and a statement including the decision to refuse care is customized to reflect your about organ donation. life-sustaining treatment if you personal preferences and health are unable to make the decision needs, as well as your social, cul- * A do-not-resuscitate order - for yourself. You can give some- tural and religious requirements. This directive made by you or one a general power of attorney As part of its educational materi- your family in consultation with or you can limit their decision- als developed for heart failure the doctor, tells doctors, nurses making to certain issues by in- (Continued on page 17)

Copyright 2006 The Activity Director’s Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Page 2 August 2006 Trying To Lose Weight? Bring Back Breakfast (ARA) - Skipping breakfast has est named sweet potatoes as the 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon become a common habit among number one most nutritious vege- adults in recent years. Whether table. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts due to lack of dedicated eating Directions: time in the morning or an attempt An excellent, nutritional breakfast to lose weight, skipping breakfast recipe is Nutty Yam Banana Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. can be harmful to health and actu- Bread. This delicious, moist Coat a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan ally cause weight gain. breakfast bread is the perfect way with nonstick cooking spray. In a to start your engine for the day. large bowl, mix together the According to a study that ap- When preparing Nutty Yam Ba- mashed bananas, mashed sweet peared in the American Journal of nana Bread, try using Louisiana potatoes, brown sugar, oil, vanilla Clinical Nutrition, women who sweet potatoes for the sweetest and eggs. In a separate bowl, skipped breakfast for two weeks flavor. Here's the recipe: combine the flour, baking soda, developed higher "bad" LDL cho- baking powder and cinnamon. lesterol levels and were less sen- * Nutty Yam Banana Bread Stir the flour mixture into the ba- sitive to insulin than women who (Makes 16 servings.) nana mixture, mixing only until ate breakfast every day. The same combined. Stir in the walnuts. study showed that women who Ingredients: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or un- ate breakfast burned 100 more 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 1) til toothpick inserted in the center calories and ate lighter meals comes out clean. throughout the day. 1 cup fresh, mashed sweet pota-

toes or 1 (15-ounce) can sweet For more information about Lou- Not eating breakfast can also potatoes, drained and mashed isiana sweet potatoes, visit cause a drop in blood sugar, 3/4 cup light brown sugar www.sweetpotato.org or write to which may lead to fatigue and the Louisiana Sweet Potato Com- lethargy throughout the day. A 1/4 cup canola oil mission, P.O. Box 2550, Baton great way to break into the day 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rouge, LA 70821-2550. Free with energy to burn is to bring recipes and nutritional informa- breakfast back into your daily 2 eggs tion about sweet potatoes are also routine. Not only will it rejuve- 1 cup all-purpose flour available on the Web site, cour- nate your body, it can aid in the tesy of the commission. battle against weight gain. 1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder * Nutriton per serving: CAL 161; When dieting, try incorpo- FAT 7g; PROTEIN 3g; rating healthy foods into CARB 23g; CHOL 27mg; breakfast, such as the sweet SODIUM 109mg; SATU- potato. The sweet potato RATED FAT .7g; DIE- contains vitamins A, C and TARY FIBER 1g B6, four times the recom- mended amount of beta- * Created by Louisiana carotene, iron, potassium Sweet Potato Commission and fiber. Sweet potatoes spokesperson, Holly Clegg. are also low in fat and so- dium. In fact, the Center for Courtesy of ARA Content Science in the Public Inter-

Copyright 2006 The Activity Director’s Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com August 2006 Page 3

(Advance Care Plan, Continued from page 15) How to Prevent Osteoporosis cluding instructions about your care. For example, you can spec- (ARA) - Osteoporosis affects 10 Do I Need to Measure my Bone ify preferences regarding particu- million Americans, and according Density? lar treatments such as tube feed- to the Surgeon General, by 2020, The National Osteoporosis Foun- ing, intravenous fluids and organ 50 percent of Americans over age dation (NOF) recommends all donation if you have not covered 50 will suffer from the debilitat- women 65 and older get biannual those subjects in a living will. ing disease. One of the silent bone density screenings. markers for osteoporosis is bone Younger women who have multi- * A financial plan - You and your density, yet many people are un- ple osteoporosis risk factors or family may have concerns about familiar with what bone density is who have fractures should also paying for medicines, doctor and and why it's important. get screened. Ask your doctor to hospital bills and other types of Nutrition expert David Madsen, screen you, or contact the Na- health care. A financial plan can Ph.D., gives the lowdown on tional Osteoporosis Foundation help you deal with these issues bone density, why it's important for a local testing facility. and also provide for your family. and how to protect and strengthen What Can I do to Reduce my bones. Talk to our doctor, nurse or hos- Risk of Osteoporosis? pital about where to get informa- The best protection from osteopo- tion about advance care planning rosis starts with building bone as well as discuss various health mass. Thirty minutes of weight- care options with you. You may bearing exercise, such as walking, also wish to consult a lawyer to is essential. In addition, nutrition help you ensure that your plan plays an important role. Most meets your individual wishes and people are familiar with bone state legal requirements. And be healthy nutrients like calcium and sure that your family knows and vitamin D, but they aren't getting understands your wishes for care. enough. More than 70 percent of Discussing these issues now will American men and women aren't make implementing them easier meeting the Daily Recommended when that becomes necessary. Intake (DRI) for calcium. To learn more about advance care In addition, new research indi- planning visit the Heart Failure cates vitamins C and K and min- Society of America patient educa- erals such as magnesium, zinc, tion web site abouthf.org. What is Bone Density? copper and manganese are also important for skeletal health. "If Courtesy of ARA Content Bone density refers to the amount you're not getting proper amounts of calcium and other bone miner- of these nutrients from food, I als in a segment of bone. Higher recommend taking a calcium- Everything slows down mineral content means denser based combination product like bone, which means bones are Nature Made OsteoRenew Ultra," with age, strong. Lower mineral content says Dr. Madsen. except the time it takes means bones are weak. It's im- To learn more about strengthen- portant to know what your bone cake and ice cream to ing and maintaining bone mass, density measurement is as it can reach your hips. visit www.osteorenew.com. effect your risk for osteoporosis. - Maxine Courtesy of ARA Content

Copyright 2006 The Activity Director’s Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com Page 4 August 2006

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From Us To You

deos not raed ervey lteter by The surgeon, a bit surprised, CAN YOU READ istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. walked over to where the me- THIS? chanic was working on the motor- (I MAY DELETE MY SPELL- Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas cycle. CHECK!) tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aula- Courtesy of Suddenly Senior asked, "So Doc, look at this en- clty uesdnatnrd waht I was http://www.suddenlysenior.com gine. I open its heart, take the rdanieg. valves out, repair any damage,

and then put them back in, and The phaonmneal pweor of the TRY THIS when I finish, it works just like hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to ar- new. So, how come I get such a scheearch at Cmabrigde Uinerv- A mechanic was removing a cyl- small salary and you get the really tisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht inder head from the motor of a big bucks, when you and I are oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the Harley Davidson motorcycle doing basically the same work?" olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the when he spotted a well-known frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon paused, smiled and pclae. The surgeon was there waiting for leaned over, and whispered to the

the service manager to come take mechanic, "Try doing it with the The rset can be a taotl mses and a look at his bike when the me- engine running." you can chanic shouted across the garage. sitllraed it wouthit a porbelm. "Hey Doc, can I ask you a ques- Courtesy of Suddenly Senior Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid tion?" http://www.suddenlysenior.com

Copyright 2006 The Activity Director’s Office http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com