The Essential Tools for the Job
For too long, Activity Coordinators have been expected to work at home and in their own time, to organise activities.
Much more will be achieved if they can be allocated a space to work, the correct tools for the job and the support of all members of staff.
Here's my top 7 essentials for every Activity Coordinator
1. A laptop is ideal for organising and researching activities
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Creating Posters
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Finding FREE resources (wordsearches, colouring pages for adults, etc.)
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Find out about Special Days, Weeks,Months
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Art and Craft ideas
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Creating Resources to compliment their own ideas
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Connecting with other Activity Coordinators for support and sharing of ideas and experiences.
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Contacting Entertainers to make/confirm bookings
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Booking Theatre, Museum, Library visits, etc.
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Creating Notice Board Events Calendars, etc.
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Joining schemes that help to raise money for amenities fund.
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Emailing, events details to friends and relatives to keep them in the loop.
And, most importantly, can be shared with residents ANYWHERE so that they can help with ideas, keep in contact with their friends and family through emails and Skype.
This is also a great resource for befriending other Care Homes elsewhere in this country or abroad.
This laptop is a great choice for the Activity Coordinator as it features a full keyboard with the option of taking off the screen to use as a large tablet.
The 'tablet' can be used on a lap or on a table to for lots of games suitable for the intended user, including a pen (or use your finger) to draw directly onto the screen.
This enables the user to complete puzzles as well as 'paint' pictures and create music.
You can even take the screen off and turn it around so that the keyboard acts as a stand, reducing distractions when sharing photos or a film, etc.
2. A Printer
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Printing Posters, Flyers, Invitations
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Printing FREE resources (wordsearches, colouring pages for adults, etc.)
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Printing Art and Craft examples
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Printing Resources to compliment their own ideas
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Printing Pictures to use for reminiscence or discussion
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Printing Photographs to use on display boards, in photo albums to share and in residents' files to evidence activities.
And, most importantly, can be used by residents ANYWHERE
3. A Laminator
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Laminating Posters
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Laminating FREE resources (wordsearches, colouring pages for adults, etc.
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Laminating Pictures to use for reminiscence or discussion
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Laminating Photographs to use on display boards, in photo albums to share and in residents' files to evidence activities.
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Laminating Activities Sheet for use around the home
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Laminating residents' art work for safe keeping and/or display
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Laminating pictures on A4 sheets to use for table mats for themed meals.
And, most importantly, can be used by residents ANYWHERE
4. A Camera
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Taking photos for to create a fun photo session.
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Taking photos at events and activity sessions to share with staff, relatives and residents.
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Taking activity related photos to use for promoting the home via social media.
And, most importantly, can be used by residents ANYWHERE
*All photos can be used to evidence the work of the activity coordinator and other staff involved in activities.
5. Photo Albums
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Sharing collections of photos taken at events and activity sessions with staff, relatives and residents.
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Smaller albums (often available from 'Pound Shops') can be used for individuals to keep a copy of photographs of themselves - these create a great resource for their visitors and staff alike.
And, most importantly, can be used by residents ANYWHERE
*Always date your photographs so that they can also be used to evidence the work of the activity coordinator, activity providers and other staff involved in activities.
6. Activities Trolley(s)
The Activities Coordinator/Provider often has lots to transport from their cupboard (You are going to give them a cupboard, right?)
to their chosen area for activities. Remember the moving and handling course you insisted they attend? It never ceases to amaze me when I see Activity Coordinators carrying dozens of heavy boxes to the room where they are going to lead an activity and then lugging them all back again at the end. Buy them a trolley!
Here are a few things they will need in it too;
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Arts and Crafts Materials - don't forget the glue gun!
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Resources for Reminiscence and Discussion
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Musical Instruments
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Items for Group Activities that promote movement ( balls, beanbags, elastic rope, etc.)
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Files for recording attendees and activities provided
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Camera and any of the other items in this list that they may need for the activity.
Activity Trolley available from www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk
7. Bright Copper Kettles Membership
If you don't want to lose your Activity Coordinator to that laptop for too long, give them a head start, buy them a Bright Copper Kettles Membership. They will save hours of researching for activity ideas.
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Researched ideas, information and inspiration to get every Activity Coordinator off on the right foot.
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Includes free resources (wordsearches, colouring pages for adults,etc)
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Themes for reminiscence and discussion
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Calendar of Events with links to relevant websites for more information and resources.
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Ideas for Group Activities
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How to include Hydration and Nutrition based activities
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Signposting to other websites that have more to offer, including free resources.
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LIsts by area of entertainers and places to go
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Information about dementia and how to consider this in planning activities
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Contact details for dementia trainers and further resources
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Ideas for fundraising
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Ideas for community connection, including intergenerational activities
Includes: Membership Badge and Member Certificate