Outline:
Building Your Activities Program Importance of regular physical activity for people age 65+ Activity is more than physical exercise / Design with safety in mind Residents' needs and settings, Criteria for effective therapeutic programming Link to your community, remember creativity, address the whole person Physical exercise, physical activities, Aerobic exercises are not the same Sit and be Fit, Walk across America program, Dancing is exercise, Dressing up for formal occasions, Hold a dance contest Program Standards Activities Program Standards and schedules Activity Examples: Monthly birthday celebrations, Men's/Womens groups, Laugh together, talk together, Multi-generational activities, write their story, Invite a guest speaker, Contact with pets, Family filled activities, Incorporate culture, Fee entertainment activities, Produce or perform a play, Community chorus, Writing groups, Mental activities, Start a book club, Puzzle groups, Spiritual activities, Opportunity for outreach, Activity Programming for Special Needs Populations Activity Programming for Special Needs Populations Working with lower functioning residents, Substituting activities, Life-enriching, Sense of enjoyment, Quality of life, Simplicity and consistency, Promoting choice, Stimulation vs. relaxation , Schedule according to time of day, Program Guidelines, Past activities and hobbies, Build structure, Incorporate familiarity, Be flexible, Use left skills, Include family, Stimulating activities, Get creative, Incorporate Mental Stimulation, Improve functional abilities, Recall memories, Use scents, Use antique items, Include games, Keep activities fun, lively and adult, Soothing activities, One-on-one moments, Functional activities, Focus on process, Activity Principles, Be creative

Sharon Brothers, MSW, has an advanced degree in social work and over 30 years' experience as an owner, operator and educator in senior care. She has been a developer, owner and operator of dementia care assisted living communities and has deep expertise as an educator for all levels of staff within the care profession. Sharon is currently the founder and CEO of the Institute for Professional Care Education and is a national speaker and advocate for quality education within senior care. Disclosure: Sharon K. Brothers, MSW has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.