Activities and Quality of Life

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “It is a happy talent to know how to play”. How appropriate is this for activity professionals? To not only know how to play but to engage others in play is a real talent that activity professionals thankfully have in senior care. After all, what do residents look forward to the most? They desire exciting activities that mean something to them. They want fun events to look forward to and participate in that give them purpose and significance, if only for 45 minutes out of the day.

Today’s activity director can be a significant part of culture change by taking their talents to a whole new level. Great activities take the resident away from their daily lives in the facility and transport them elsewhere. They may even forget that they live in a long-term care setting because they are having so much enjoyment from the activity. Providing activities with purpose can lead to satisfaction and a better quality of life for residents, whether they live in a skilled nursing facility or a 5-star assisted living community.

How do activity directors enhance quality of life? Activities, events, parties and outings that appear on the over-sized calendar on the wall stir anticipation and interest. Delicious foods, beverages, and wonderful customer service and hospitality delivered by the activity department are all keys to quality of life. Of great importance too, is the relationship between activity professionals and the residents they serve. That friendly face, welcoming voice and invitation to fun can mean the difference between boredom and excitement, loneliness versus togetherness and depression over joy.

Thank you activity professionals! You truly are a blessing to seniors everywhere!