Activity Director Program Description:
This Activity Director course will provide opportunities to work in Long Term Care facilities, assisting residents with activities and social needs. No pre-requisite. Class is offered each month.
This course is designed to give the student the training and insight in working with the activity and social service programs in nursing homes.
South Dakota Administrative Rules state:
Provision of social services. A facility shall provide or make arrangements to provide social services for each resident as needed. A staff social worker or social service designee shall be designated as responsible to facilitate the provision of social services. If the staff member is not a social worker, the facility shall have a written agreement with a social worker for consultation and assistance to be provided on a regularly scheduled basis but at least quarterly.
This Activity Director course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.
Activity Directors are responsible for planning and developing successful activity programs. They are also in charge of creating a social environment in which participants can interact with others.
Most of the time, activity directors promote and organize activities to encourage social interaction. They also oversee and secure transportation requirements for the activities, as well as actively participate in staff meetings to monitor budget expenses and stay within company guidelines. Activity directors take a hands-on approach when providing services and make sure all activity participants are satisfied during events. They also must ensure all activities respect the diverse cultures, ability levels, and needs of participants. In addition, activity directors motivate and supervise staff, so they get involved in activities in a way that respects safety, privacy, and organizational rules. They must be proficient with basic computer software to communicate with fellow staff and participants about activities and respond to email inquiries. Activity directors maintain excellent working relationships with other departments within their organization to ensure participants’ satisfaction as well.
Some states require an Activity Director to be nationally certified. Others have no requirements. Be sure to check with your facility to find out what they require for an Activity Director position.
Additionally, potential activity directors must possess strong interpersonal skills, pay strong attention to detail, and be highly organized and results oriented. They must display leadership skills and be able to work well in a team environment and independently.
Other Names for this Position:
Some Activity Director Tasks:
Comment: Activity Director jobs are on the rise! Employment of Activity Directors is projected to grow 10 percent by 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (US Dept of Labor)
Certification: Upon successful completion of the Activity Director class, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Income Ranges: Expected income ranges from $11.98 to $20.96 per hour depending on location and the type of work you do. (See Payscale.com)
More information about the Activity Director: Click Here
Ideas for senior activities: Click Here
Melanie Fischer is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for helping others. Her journey in the healthcare industry began in 1993 when she sought a summer job during high school and landed a housekeeping position at Ellis Good Sam. While she enjoyed her role, Melanie’s desire to make a more meaningful impact on the residents she served led her to pursue a career in healthcare.
In 2003, Melanie achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), and since 2006, she has been a valuable member of the We Care Online team. Alongside her fulfilling career, Melanie and her husband run a farm in Northwest Kansas, where they grow crops and raise cattle, and they are blessed with four beautiful children. Family time is precious to Melanie, and she relishes moments spent with her husband and kids outside of work.
Having experienced the healthcare industry for many years, Melanie shares valuable advice for those aspiring to enter this field. She emphasizes the importance of patience and treating both residents and co-workers with respect and professionalism. Her personal mantra revolves around prioritizing the needs of others above her own.
At We Care Online, Melanie holds a crucial role in ensuring students have the best online learning experience possible. Her responsibilities include answering phone calls for various classes—such as CNA, CMA, CNA Refresher, and Paid Nutrition Assistant courses. Additionally, she assists in setting up classes, overseeing staff, and helping with online and state-related procedures. She is also actively involved in advertising upcoming classes and providing support to students and facilities alike.
While Melanie contributes to We Care Online in multiple ways, she considers her most significant role to be educating students in the classroom and assisting facilities in meeting their staffing needs. Always approachable and eager to help, Melanie is more than happy to answer any inquiries from those interested in the WCO program. Her commitment to her profession and genuine care for others make her an essential asset to the healthcare community.
Lori Wagoner is a dedicated and accomplished professional who serves as an Instructor Assistant for Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Activity Director, and Social Service Designee courses at We Care Online Classes. With a passion for healthcare and education, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, making her an invaluable asset to We Care Online.
In her position as an Instructor Assistant, Lori plays a crucial role in supporting students pursuing careers as nurse aides and medication aides. She brings her extensive expertise in these areas, providing guidance, instruction, and mentorship to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in their chosen fields.
Lori’s journey in the healthcare industry began with her pursuit of becoming a nurse aide. Her compassionate nature and commitment to providing excellent patient care made her a natural fit for this role. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional work ethic and dedication to the well-being of her patients, earning her the respect and admiration of her peers and superiors.
Recognizing the importance of safe and accurate medication administration, Lori further expanded her skill set by becoming a Medication Aide. In this capacity, she developed expertise in administering medications, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Her meticulous approach to medication administration and commitment to patient safety have earned her the trust and confidence of both patients and healthcare professionals.
As an Instructor Assistant, Lori combines her practical experience as a nurse aide and medication aide with her passion for education. She helps students understand the fundamentals of these roles and assists them in acquiring the necessary skills to excel in their future careers. Her dedication, patience, and ability to effectively communicate complex concepts make her an exceptional mentor for aspiring healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, Lori Wagoner is a highly skilled and dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as an Instructor Assistant for Nurse Aide and Medication Aide at We Care Online Classes. Through her practical knowledge, passion for education, and commitment to patient care, Lori strives to empower students to succeed in their healthcare careers and make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. Her invaluable contributions to the field of healthcare education make her an integral part of the We Care Online team.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
South Dakota Administrative Rules state:
Provision of social services. A facility shall provide or make arrangements to provide social services for each resident as needed. A staff social worker or social service designee shall be designated as responsible to facilitate the provision of social services. If the staff member is not a social worker, the facility shall have a written agreement with a social worker for consultation and assistance to be provided on a regularly scheduled basis but at least quarterly.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
Software Requirements:
Other:
Prerequisites:
Q: What is the role of an Activity Director/assistant in long-term care facilities?
A: The role of an Activity Director/assistant in long-term care facilities is to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement recreational, social, and therapeutic activities for the residents. They are responsible for helping to create a vibrant and engaging environment that promotes the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the residents.
Q: Are there any specific training requirements for Activity Director/assistants?
A: While there might not be specific training requirements mandated by the state, employers often have their own expectations and may provide on-the-job training or require certain certifications. They may prioritize individuals who have relevant experience or completed courses like We Care Online’s Activity Director/assistant Course.
To gain a better understanding of the specific qualifications and training needed for activity director/assistant positions in your state, you can check with relevant professional organizations or contact potential employers directly. Additionally, the Department of Public Health may have guidelines or recommendations for the qualifications and training of activity director/assistants working in licensed healthcare facilities.
Q: How can I become a certified Activity Director/assistant?
A: To become a certified activity director/assistant, you can follow these general steps:
Remember, these steps provide a general outline, and it’s crucial to consult the Department of Public Health or other relevant authorities to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for the certification process in in your state.
Q: What is an Activity Director/assistant in long-term care?
A: An Activity Director/assistant in long-term care is a person responsible for helping an Activity Director/director/assistant in planning, organizing, and implementing recreational and therapeutic activities for residents in long-term care facilities. They aim to enhance the quality of life for residents by promoting social interaction, physical fitness, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being.
Q: What are the qualifications to become an Activity Director/assistant?
A: The qualifications to become an Activity Director/assistant may vary depending on the facility/state and its requirements. However, some common qualifications include:
Q: What is the role of an Activity Director/assistant in long-term care?
A: The role of an Activity Director/assistant in long-term care involves:
Q: How long does it take to complete an Activity Director/assistant training program?
A: The duration of the Activity Director/assistant training program with We Care Online is 4 weeks. Typically, other programs can be completed within a few months to a year, depending on the format (e.g., full-time, part-time, online) and the specific curriculum.
Q: How can I maintain professional development as an Activity Director/assistant?
A: Although most states do not require CEU’s for the Activity Director/assistant, you can consider the following:
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