Activities
The activities team keeps residents growing and learning. They create a sense of belonging and community and provide opportunities to stay in motion, socialize, have fun, and relax. They get residents involved and provide modifications that make it possible for every person to participate and enjoy.
Activities Assistant
Activities Director
Activities Assistant
Encourage residents to live life to the fullest by coordinating and promoting participation in planned activities and outings.
Activity Assistants help plan and coordinate a variety of activities and events that offer residents opportunities to socialize, stay active, relax, and have fun. They help support the mental and emotional well-being and quality of life of the residents.
An effective activities assistant needs to be creative, resourceful, and have strong interpersonal skills to plan activities that enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives in which they can continue learning and growing.
Typical Activities
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Assist with planning, leading, and participating in activities with residents.
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Participates in planning the activities calendar including day to day activities, outings, and other life enrichment programs.
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Coordinate everything needed for an activity.
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Provide accommodations and modifications that enable participation.
Skills
- Communication
- Creativity
- Event Planning
- Planning
- Teamwork
Related Careers
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
- Skilled Nursing
Also Known As
- Activity Aide
Current Opportunities
Activities Director
Lead the life enrichment and activities program to provide residents fun and relaxing activities that physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
The Activities Director plans and coordinates meaningful activities to enrich the lives of the residents. They must plan a wide variety of activities that enable the residents to socialize, relax, have fun, practice or learn new skills, and feel like a member of the community. They promote positive interaction between residents and families, schools, and other community groups.
They meet with residents and families to understand what kind of activities the residents enjoy and how they can best participate. They collaborate to integrate activities with the resident care plans and provide modifications to ensure activities are inclusive.
Typical Activities
- Direct planning and execution of the activities and life enrichment program.
- Lead and direct the activities staff and volunteers.
- Participate in planning the activities calendar including day to day activities, outings, and other life enrichment programs.
- Manage everything needed for an activity or event.
- Provide accommodations and modifications that enable participation.
- Conduct resident interviews and evaluations to contribute to service planning.
Qualifications for Skilled Nursing Facilities
The Activities Director of a skilled nursing facility must meet one of the following qualifications:
- Have two years experience in a social or recreational program within the past five years, one of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting; or
- Be eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist by a recognized accrediting body; or
- Be a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or
- Have completed a 36-hour activities workshop. The workshop must be conducted by an individual with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or a closely related field, or by a registered occupational therapist. Such individual must have at least one year of experience in long-term care services.
Skills
- Communication
- Creativity
- Motivational
- Organization
- Planning
- Teamwork
Related Careers
Care Settings
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Residential Care
- Skilled Nursing
Also Known As
- Life Enrichment Director