A penny for your thoughts please

Witsend_2

Hello I am hoping to land my dream job to up my income as my DD is due to go to Uni next year.

I have applied for an events co-ordinator vacancy within a retirement complex couples and single residents 60+

I have a number of ideas for activities and outings however I'm 30+ and would value any suggestions from this wonderful virtual community.

What activities do you enjoy?
What have you enjoyed in the past and would like to re kindle?
Is there anything new that you would like to have a go at?
Your favorite places to visit in Cheshire?

Any thoughts, advice and feedback would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for your time in reading this post.:A

Errata

Not sure if your complex has any communual areas, but Care Home I visit has just bought a couple of Wii s and the residents love them. One elderly chap always refused to join in with anything, but he's discovered he's a crack shot on the Wii and can't get enough of it !

For outings, I think short ones but often is the key. Day trips to the seaside are very nice but can be quite exhausting for some older people, and others have problems with ankles and feet swelling up after sitting in a coach for too long.

A monthly trip to a garden centre that has a tea room can be very popular.

You might find some of the residents could be interested in forming pub quiz team.

There may be a local Activities Co-ordinator 'group' in your area, you can learn a lot from them, and I'm sure there's a qualification you could do - try googling for it.

Good luck with your application.

Witsend_2

Errata wrote: »

Not sure if your complex has any communual areas, but Care Home I visit has just bought a couple of Wii s and the residents love them. One elderly chap always refused to join in with anything, but he's discovered he's a crack shot on the Wii and can't get enough of it !

Yes they do and I hadn't thought of that 21st century fitness thank you so much Errata :A

almar_2

Ive just taken up card making and the owner of the card craft shop runs classes for pensioners who 'love to be busy and save money.'

I enjoy learning new things, especially on the computer and going out to Chester for the Zoo, down to the River for ice-cream, the cinema in the afternoon and out to Lunch.

HTH

Errata

This is taken from the info on Choosing a Care Home in the sticky, but much of it is relavent to people living in a retirement complex. Most especially the bit about asking them what they want - really important and can be quite surprising.

• Is there a regular activities programme?
• Did you see a current copy of the planned activities?
• Does the home have dedicated Activities staff?
• Are residents consulted on the activities programme?
• How do staff find out about residents' hobbies and interests?
• Are there individual activities for people who are not able to join in group activities?
• Are there any outings for residents?
• Does the home have a mini bus?
• Are external groups and entertainers invited to the home on a regular basis?
• How are residents' religious needs met?
• Are special events such as anniversaries and birthdays celebrated by the home?
• Are there regular exercise opportunities for residents?
• Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?
• Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?

Witsend_2

Thanks Almar I have many craft skills and I hope to run classes with the residents if I am succesful in order to keep costs down (cardmaking memory books/ scrap booking etc) A very good point you raised regarding keeping busy and saving and quite often creating something very special and personal.

Thanks Errata I have thought of a suggestions box as some people are not as forthcoming as others and then relatives could contribute too, also a questionaire and a feedback form.

Oh I would love this job enriching residents lives and helping them achieve results everyone can be proud of.

Thank you again I really do appreciate all your ideas and feedback:T

McKneff

dont know where you are based but Eden Camp ( a wartime museum) in Yorkshire is well worth a visit.

Beamish Museum, wouldn't bother.

York - lovely place, small and cosy, easy to walk around and soak in the atmospher

Errata

You may find talking to the residents individually, as well as in a group, will give you more information as some people respond better that way. Also, don't forget the blokes, they won't be interested in joing a knit and natter group !

One of the difficulties you may be faced with is the age spread. Some resident may be in their mid sixties and others in their mid eighties, so there's a bit of a generation gap.

Witsend_2

Errata wrote: »

You may find talking to the residents individually, as well as in a group, will give you more information as some people respond better that way. Also, don't forget the blokes, they won't be interested in joing a knit and natter group !

I know what you mean I thought a curry night / quiz night / cooking / gardening (grow your own)/ playing cards / I do hope that I can offer enough in this area.

One of the difficulties you may be faced with is the age spread. Some resident may be in their mid sixties and others in their mid eighties, so there's a bit of a generation gap.

You are quite right to point this out as that age range and ability can differ so very much also disability, food for thought.

Thank you anniehanlon we would be based in Macclesfield so I think a day trip to York would be super for the younger residents a good suggestion :T

almar_2

Good luck Witsend you sound like you would be a good listener which is a much needed quality a lot of carers and nurses of older people dont seem to have.

Too many people assume what people want, enjoy or need... and are usually wrong.




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Witsend_2

almar wrote: »

Good luck Witsend you sound like you would be a good listener which is a much needed quality a lot of carers and nurses of older people dont seem to have.

Too many people assume what people want, enjoy or need... and are usually wrong.




.

Hey why do you think I was given these large ears? Thank you for all your comments tonight.